You are welcome to enjoy the silent film,“Seven Chances” starring and directed by famous silent film star, Buster Keaton. The famous Walt Strony will accompany the film on the theater organ in the style of 100 years ago. This 1925 comedy plays Aug. 28 at 4 p.m. at the Peace Lutheran Church at 828 W. Main Street, just up the hill from historic downtown Grass Valley. There is no charge for the event; however, donations to the Arts@Peace fund will be welcome. A wine and cheese tasting will follow the screening of the film.
“Seven Chances” is a funny story of a young partner in a financially ruined firm who discovers he can inherit $7,000,000 if he marries before 7 p.m. on his 27th birthday – who hears his 27th anniversary. His hilarious search for a bride the same day after his sweetheart turned him down includes a now-famous avalanche scene. The film was based on a 1916 play of the same name by King Cooper Megrue and features early Technicolor in parts.
Silent films with Walt Strony Presents have drawn audiences from all over and are especially popular locally. With Walt on the organ, you experience a silent film as it was enjoyed in its heyday, complete with period sound effects and music. In Walt’s own words, “My original score is in the style of what would have been originally done. The idea is to create a musical background that helps the actors to move away from the screen, without the music attracting each other.
Walt Strony is inducted into the American Theater Organ Society Hall of Fame and is the only living two-time recipient of the ATOS Award for Organist of the Year. Beginning his public career at 18, he has performed all over the world in venues ranging from the early days in pizzerias to famous international music halls. Nevada County is very lucky to have attracted him; he will play Peace’s new Allen RLX-66 organ, which Walt helped design, purchase and install.
Doors will open at 3:30 p.m. and wearing a mask will be mandatory. This event is presented by the non-profit Arts@Peace which provides free, high quality cultural events in Western Nevada County. For more information, visit www.PeaceLutheranGV.org or dial (530) 273-9631.
