Silent Film Showcase

The BMO Harris Bank Silent Film Showcase

Silent Film Showcase 

Three Short Films
by Charlie Chaplin

This year’s set of silent masterpieces will once again be drawn from the work of one of the greatest pioneers in film, Charlie Chaplin. Three incredible short silent films (“The Floorwalker,” “The Count,” and “Easy Streets”) will be presented at the Eclipse Center in Beloit, with the original Carl Davis musical soundtrack presented live by the Beloit Janesville Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Robert Tomaro.

A highlight of the annual Silent Film Showcase each year is that of an original score for the film by the full Beloit Janesville Symphony Orchestra.

DATE:  Saturday, Feb. 22nd
TIME:

    • 6:00 pm – Reception & Silent Auction (see below)
    • 7:30 pm – Film Starts

LOCATION:  Eclipse Center (Center Court)
PRICE:  $25 – all ages (plus tax and service fees online tickets) 

Community Partner:  The Ironworks Hotel

Charlie Chaplin | The Floorwalker

The Floorwalker, 1916

After causing havoc on the sales floor Charlie goes to the office floor. There he runs into the store inspector (who looks exactly like him) who has just robbed the safe and knocked out the manager. Charlie thinks he is in front of a mirror till he notices he holds a stock and his “image” the bag of loot.

Charlie Chaplin | The Count

The Count, 1916

Charlie burns a count’s trousers while ironing them and is fired. The tailor finds an invitation to dinner at Miss Moneybags and goes in place of the count. Charlie goes to the kitchen of the same house; he is attracted to the cook, and so are the butler and a policeman. Once discovered by the tailor-count, Charlie must pretend to be the count’s secretary. The real count shows up.

Charlie Chaplin | Easy Streets

Easy Streets, 1917

When Charlie the Tramp wanders into a mission he is smitten by Edna and puts back the collection box which he has taken. Reformed, he becomes a policeman and is assigned to rough-and-tumble Easy Street. Unable to trick or beat Eric the Tough, he puts Eric’s head in a gas pipe and anesthetizes him. A hero, he now helps many poor people living on Easy Street. Eric escapes jail, Edna is kidnapped, but Charlie (recharged after sitting on a doper’s needle) conquers all. Easy Street is transformed as is Eric.

Presented by:

BMO Harris Bank                       Beloit Janesville Symphony

Beloit Janesville Symphony | Silent Film Showcase

The Beloit Janesville Symphony

This signature BIFF event features the Beloit Janesville Symphony under the direction of Maestro Robert Tomaro

Since its inception, the most popular single element of The Beloit International Film Festival has been the Saturday evening BMO Harris Bank Silent Film Showcase.

Sold-out audiences have frequently included film festival executives from around the country on- hand to see how BIFF creates the program so they might duplicate it at their festivals. This annual celebration of early 20th century film is highlighted by a performance of an original or newly conceived musical score performed by the Beloit Janesville Symphony Orchestra.

Beloit Janesville Symphony benefit receptionReception & Silent Auction

Prior to the Silent Film screening there will be a reception and silent auction to benefit the Beloit Janesville Symphony.

Items available for auction include something for everyone:

  • Fine Wines
  • Custom Jewelry
  • Art Prints
  • Rock River pontoon boat cruise
  • Motel Stay
  • Restaurant Certificates
  • Sports Memorabilia
  • Assorted Gift Baskets
  • And Much More….