Cinema Pulls into Springville
Outdoor Cinema returns to Springville with a unique screening of Our Hospitality starring Buster Keaton on Friday, July 13. Springville Center for the Arts and Springville Rail Trail present an outdoor screening on the railroad tracks near the station on Depot Street. Dr. Philip Carli makes an encore appearance to perform the soundtrack to the film.
A thinly veiled spoof on the Hatfield and McCoy feud, Our Hospitality opens with the death of John McKay and James Canfield. Mrs. McKay takes her infant son to New York, to keep him away from the feud. Twenty-one years later, Willie McKay receives news that he has inherited an estate. He boards a train and meets a beautiful girl. When he arrives in town, it is discovered this beautiful girl is Canfield’s daughter and the Canfield boys will stop at nothing to kill this McKay. Keaton, of course, is oblivious and the hilarity ensues.
Dr. Carli, staff accompanist at the George Eastman House, has performed soundtracks to silent films at festivals and conventions around the world. His stunning piano performance breaths life into the film and his experience as a film archivist allows audiences a view into the history of the film.
Keaton’s first “official” feature length film, Our Hospitality shows his lifelong fascination with trains. Keaton himself experienced several train wrecks travelling as a child vaudeville star. “No other machine, in life or in film, enchanted him more than trains,” biographer Marion Meade writes. The film is a nostalgic look at the 1800 as seen from 1920’s America and “stars” an early steam engine from the 1830’s known as Stephenson’s Rocket.
The screening begins at dusk. Seating begins at 8pm. Viewers must bring lawn chairs, blankets or pads to sit on. The film is appropriate for all ages. Admission is free but a hat will be passed and the suggested donation is $5. In the event of rain the location will be move to Springville Center for the Arts, 37 North Buffalo Street. For more information call 592-9038.
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