Silent Film Showcase | 2013
Harold Lloyd’s “Speedy”
TICKETS: BUY
This year’s silent masterpiece will once again be drawn from the work of one of the greatest pioneers in film, Harold Lloyd. “Speedy,” Lloyd’s last silent film release, will be presented at the Eclipse Center in Beloit, with the original musical soundtrack presented live by the Beloit Janesville Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Robert Tomaro.
With his familiar dark rimmed glasses, Lloyd plays “Speedy,” a soda-jerk who loses his job and goes to Coney Island for the day with his girlfriend. He takes on a heroic stature when he organizes the neighborhood to thwart the railroad when it tries to run the last horse-drawn trolley, operated by his girl’s out of business. Released in 1928, “Speedy” was filmed in New York City and nominated for an Academy Award.
“The response was so positive to last year’s silent film selection, Harold Lloyd’s ‘Kid Brother,’ that we decided to turn to the master again for this year’s film,”. “It is amazing to see how well the humor stands up after 90 years. It is a high point of BIFF each year as we watch multiple generations sitting together and sharing in both the humor and the artistry of this purest form of film.”
The Beloit Janesville Symphony Orchestra:
A highlight of the annual Silent Film Showcase each year is the of an original score for the film by the full Beloit Janesville Symphony Orchestra. This year, the BJS will again present an orchestral arrangement of the score by British composer Carl Davis who has gained an international reputation by giving new life to long-silent film scores.
Film Synopsis:
“Speedy” loses his job as a soda-jerk, then spends the day with his girl at Coney Island. He then becomes a cab driver and delivers Babe Ruth to Yankee Stadium, where he stays to see the game. When the railroad tries to run the last horse-drawn trolley (operated by his girl’s grandfather) out of business, “Speedy” organizes the neighborhood oldtimers to thwart their scheme.
~Written by Herman Seifer
Speedy is a 1928 silent film that was one of the films to be nominated for the short-lived Academy Award for Best Director of a Comedy. It starred famous comedian Harold Lloyd in the eponymous leading role, and it was his last silent film to be released in theatres. The film was written by Albert DeMond (titles), John Grey (story), J.A. Howe (story), Lex Neal (story), and Howard Emmett Rogers (story) with uncredited assistance from Al Boasberg and Paul Girard Smith. It was directed by Ted Wilde (the last silent film to be directed by him). It was shot on location in New York City.
DATE: Saturday, February 16th, 2013
TIME:
6:00 pm – Reception & silent auction
7:30 pm – Film Starts
LOCATION: Eclipse Center (Center Court)
PRICE: $25 for all ages plus tax and service fees online (box office opens soon – “Like” us on facebook to be looped in on event updates)
TICKETS: BUY
This film is presented with the original score performed live by the Beloit Janesville Symphony with Music Director Robert Tomaro. This will be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity too experience the film with live orchestra!
Presented by:
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.
Reception & 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….
