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Capitolfest!
 "A vacation--not a marathon!" Central New York's annual summer classic and silent movie festival returns with silent and early talking films in 35mm prints from archives throughout the country! Films include Barbara Stanwyck's first talkie, The Locked Door (1929), the silent adventure, Beau Geste (1926) with Ronald Colman, the silent comedy Sick Abed (1920) with Wallace Reid and Bebe Daniels, His Glorious Night (1929) with John Gilbert, and the East Coast premiere of the silent version with synchronized music & effects track of All Quiet on the Western Front (1930) and a tribute to Bebe Daniels, with two features and two shorts. Guest organists will be Avery Tunningley, Dr. Philip C. Carli, Bernie Anderson, and Robert Israel.
ABOUT CAPITOLFEST: Capitolfest, now in its fifth year, is held at the historic
1,741-seat movie palace, the Capitol Theatre, in Rome, New York. The Capitol
was built as a movie house and opened December 10, 1928 with an all-movie
program including the First National feature, Lilac Time. The Capitol Theatre remains the only building in
Rome, N.Y. (population c.35,000) constructed for the specific purpose of
exhibiting motion pictures. Although the theatre received an Art Deco face-lift
in 1939, the auditorium is configured exactly as it was in 1928, and much of
the original décor remains. Also still in place is the theatre's 3-manual,
7-rank Moller theatre organ. Restoration work on the organ was started in 2002,
and since then it has been used on a regular basis to accompany silent movies.
 All
the films at the Capitol are shown in 35mm prints on the theatre's carbon-arc,
variable-speed projectors. Capitolfest movies will also be shown in 35mm prints, from archives such as the
Library of Congress, UCLA Film & Television Archive, Universal Pictures,
Warner Bros. and Sony Pictures, as well as from private collections. The
festival includes several extremely rare talking films, as well as some equally
rare silent gems. Each of the silent films will be accompanied by one of the
world's foremost exponents of authentic silent movie accompaniment. The goal of
the Capitol Theatre is to not only show these vintage films, but to re-create the experience of seeing these movies when they were new. For the
first time four theatre organists will be here to accompany the silent films on
the bill--each one playing for one feature and one 2-reel short subject at the
Capitol. Avery Tunningley will also accompany all the films for the Friday
pre-glow at the Elks Club. Those who have been here in the past know that all
our musicians accompany these movies in authentic period style. Our organists
this year are some of the best and most prolific silent film musicians in the
world: Avery Tunningley, Robert Israel, Dr. Philip Carli, and Bernie Anderson. The
mini-theme within this year's Capitolfest is A Tribute to Bebe Daniels--two of her features and two of her short subjects
will be shown.
Two
years ago we added a Friday evening "pre-glow" of 16mm. The success
of that venture has encouraged us to repeat the formula for Capitolfest 5, and show some 16mm titles that are not available in
35mm. The 16mm "Pre-glow" program will be presented in the more intimate
setting of the Rome Elks Club, which is across the street from the rear of the
Capitol building. The Elks Club is in the 1848 Wheeler Armstrong house, and the
grand ballroom in which the movies will be shown possesses an original
installation 1933 classical Moller organ, with a touch of theatre organ
voicing. Avery Tunningley will accompany the all-silent program on this
occasion. Because of the relatively small size of what will serve as the
screening room at the Elks Club, seating will be very limited. Those wishing to
attend the Friday evening session are urged to register early.
Capitolfest differs from other classic movie festivals in its
leisurely pacing. There are intermissions within each session (featuring live
organ music) and relatively lengthy breaks between sessions, allowing attendees
to savor the films—thus our slogan: "A vacation--not a marathon." There will likely be some sort of buffet this year,
possibly held at the Capitol itself. The Rome Grand Organ Society is presently
organizing this--details will be available soon. Approximately 95% of
Capitolfest attendees come from out of town but, whether you are from Central
New York or another state, we want you to feel that the Capitol is your theatre. As always, Capitolfest organizers would be more than happy to provide
interested parties with more information.
CAPITOLFEST EVENT REGISTRATION: |
| DOWNLOAD FORM |
PRE-AUGUST
1 REGISTRATION PRICES:
Weekend pass PLUS Friday pre-glow $45; 2-Day
weekend pass (Sat & Sun) $40; One-Day pass (Sat OR Sun) $25; Any single
session (Sat or Sun) $14. |
REGISTRATION
PRICES, STARTING AUGUST 1:
Weekend pass PLUS Friday pre-glow $50; 2-Day
weekend pass (Sat & Sun) $45; One-Day pass (Sat OR Sun) $25; Any single
session (Sat or Sun) $14. |
SPECIAL LODGING RATES
There are several hotels/motels in the Utica/Rome area from which to choose (many are listed on the registration form). Here are some hotels that are providing special rates for attendees of Capitolfest:
Econo Lodge
145 Erie Blvd. East - (315) 337-9400 - $89 two double beds, up to 2 persons; $10 each additional person
Quality Inn
200 S. James St.- (315) 336-4300 - $99 per person; $10 each additional person
Each of the above hotels in within walking distance of the Capitol
CAPITOLFEST 5 - SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Friday,
August 10 (“pre-glow”) | LOCATION: Elks Club | 16mm program
All
films are silent in this session, accompanied by Avery Tunningley on the 1933
original installation Möller classical organ.
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7:00 pm
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Too
Many Kisses
(Paramount, 1925)
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Richard Dix, Frances Howard, William Powell, Harpo Marx
-- Richard Dix is a playboy with a penchant for getting into jams with women.
In an attempt to solve the problem, his industrialist father packs him off to
Spain on a business trip. Once there, Dix immediately falls in love
with a señorita (Frances Howard) who is also being wooed by the local police
chief (William Powell). Harpo Marx made his movie debut in Too Many
Kisses, playing
the village idiot, and this is the only
"speaking" role of his entire cinema career. Alas, being this a
silent movie, his line ("You sure you can't move?") appeared
written on the screen. SILENT (65 min.)
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8:05 pm
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TELL 'EM NOTHING
(Roach,
1926)
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Charley Chase; directed by Leo McCarey -- Charley Chase is a divorce lawyer who finds himself in hot water with his wife (Gertrude Astor) due to an entirely innocent relationship with a beautiful blonde client (Vivien Oakland). SILENT (20 min.)
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8:30 pm
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Intermission
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(15 min.)
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8:45 pm
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Be
Honest
(Roach, 1923)
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Dippy Doo Dads -- By popular demand, a follow-up to last
year's zany Dippy Doo Dads animal comedy. SILENT (10
min.)
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9:00 pm
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Lovers
in Quarantine
(Paramount, 1925)
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Bebe Daniels, Harrison Ford -- Teenager Bebe Daniels,
who is smitten with her older sister's fiancee, locks her in the closet and
elopes in her place. This shipboard comedy got excellent reviews during
its initial run, some critics claming that Edna May Oliver practically
stole the show as the aunt. SILENT (65
min.)
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Saturday,
August 11 | LOCATION: CAPITOL THEATRE | 35mm program
The remaining films are all
in 35mm, shown at the Capitol Theatre; silents accompanied on the Capitol’s
1928 original installation Möller theatre organ:
Session #1
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10:00 am
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Roy
Fox and His Montmartre Café Orchestra (WB/Vitaphone, 1929)
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One of
the best, we are told, of the Vitaphone dance band shorts. (10 min.)
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10:10 am
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Jay
C. Flippen in “The Ham What Am”
(WB/Vitaphone,
1928)
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Vaudevillian
Jay C. Flippen, a familiar movie character actor of the '40's and '50's, is
seen here in his comedic prime in a condensed version of his stage act. (10 min.)
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10:30 am
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His
Glorious Night
(MGM, 1929)
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John
Gilbert, Catherine Dale Owen, Nance -- Silent star John Gilbert's career took
a nose-dive after this, his first talkie, was released. Some say his voice
didn't match his screen persona, while others blame the trite dialogue. Many
of the few who have seen this Library of Congress restoration say neither
Gilbert nor the picture are that bad. Whatever the case, this movie is
certainly an important piece of film history. (80 min.)
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11:50 am
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Intermission
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(15
min.)
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12:10 pm
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The
Public Menace
(Columbia, 1935)
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Jean
Arthur, George Murphy -- A snappy, hard-hitting gangster melodrama that was
the hit of the 1997 Los Angeles Cinecon. (72 min.)
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1:15 pm
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Lunch
break
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Session
#2
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2:00 pm
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All
Quiet on the Western Front (Universal, 1930)
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L. Ayres; D: Lewis Milestone -- European silent release
version with original synchronized soundtrack of music & effects. This
version of the monumental anti-war classic was prepared for European release.
It is silent with a synchronized soundtrack of music and effects. The Library
of Congress restoration has been shown a couple of times, but only with live
accompaniment. Thus this screening will mark the U.S. debut of this version,
which contains footage not in the talkie release. (120 min.) SILENT
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4:05 pm
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Intermission
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(15
min.)
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4:20 pm
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Screen
Snapshots, vol.
9, no. 7 (Columbia,
12/28/29)
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M. Pickford, Bebe Daniels, O. Hardy, Tito Schipa (10
min.) The first of two shorts in the Columbia Screen Snapshots series to be
shown at this year's Capitolfest. The two shown last year proved to be
tremendously entertaining, and we expect these to be as well.
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4:30 pm
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Sick
Abed
(Paramount, 1920)
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Wallace
Reid, Bebe Daniels -- Reginald Jay (Wallace Reid) In order to avoid testifying in a divorce case, Wallace
Reid feigns illness. The sham invalid soon finds himself falling for his
nurse, Bebe Daniels. A light comedy that contemporary reviews judged to be a
delight. (accompanied by Avery Tunningley) (60 min.) SILENT
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5:30 pm
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Dinner
break
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Session
#3
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7:15 pm
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Hey,
There!
(Roach, 1918)
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Harold
Lloyd, Bebe Daniels (accompanied by Robert Israel) -- One of the rarest surviving
Harold Lloyd shorts, this one also fits in with our "Tribute to Bebe
Daniels" theme. (10 min.) SILENT
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7:30 pm
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Beau
Geste
(Paramount, 1926)
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Ronald
Colman -- One of the most popular movies of the decade, it's rather
surprising that this famous adventure of the Foreign Legion is rarely seen
today. Herbert Brenon directed the large cast that, besides Colman, includes
Alice Joyce, Noah Beery, Neil Hamilton, and William Powell. (100 min.) SILENT
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9:10 pm
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Intermission
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(15
min.)
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9:25 pm
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The
Boyfriend
(Roach, 1928)
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Max
Davidson, Marion Byron, Gordon (Bill) Elliott, Edgar Kennedy. This
short with the great (and unjustly neglected) comedian Max Davidson
played recently at Cinefest in 16mm and proved to be absolutely hilarious.
After much consideration, we decided to run the new UCLA 35mm restoration at
Capitolfest to appease those who were not among those who saw it in Syracuse
and those who did
see it and want to see it again! SILENT
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9:45 pm
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A
Kiss Before the Mirror (Universal, 1933)
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Nancy
Carroll, Frank Morgan, Gloria Stuart; D: James Whale -- A courtroom melodrama
directed by the always fascinating James Whale (and partially shot
on left-over Frankenstein sets) and photographed by the legendary Karl Freund.
Reviewing the film in 1933, Mordaunt Hall wrote in the NY Times, "'The
Kiss Before the Mirror' captivates one's interest from its first scene. It gathers
impetus as it progresses, and has the distinction of never being
obvious." (67 min.)
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Sunday,
August 12 | LOCATION: CAPITOL THEATRE | 35mm program
The remaining films are all in
35mm, shown at the Capitol Theatre; silents accompanied on the Capitol’s 1928
original installation Möller theatre organ:
Session #4
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10:00 am
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Shaw
& Lee in “Going Places” (WB/Vitaphone, 1930)
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Those
who saw Shaw & Lee's first Vitaphone short at the Syracuse Cinefest a few years a few years ago have
likely not forgotten it. This is the second (and final) Vitaphone picture for
the Vaudeville comedy team. (10 min.)
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10:10 am
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Screen
Snapshots, vol.
9 no. 18
(Columbia, 1929)
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Aileen
Pringle, Bessie Love, W. Disney, E. Cantor (10 min.)
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10:25 am
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Honey (Paramount, 1930)
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Nancy Carroll, Stanley Smith, Lillian Roth, Mitzi Green,
Skeets Gallagher -- An early talkie Paramount musical with a very thin plot
(big surprise there) but some terrific songs by Coslow and Harling such
as "In My Little Hope Chest" and "Sing, You Sinners." The
supporting cast includes such favorites as Harry Green, ZaSu Pitts, and
Jobyna Howland. (74 min.)
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11:45 am
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Intermission
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(15
minutes)
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12:00 pm
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The
Show (1922)
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Larry
Semon, Oliver Hardy (accompanied by Bernie Anderson) -- A Larry Semon knockabout comedy
set in a theatre, from a new Library of Congress restoration. (20 min.) SILENT
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12:20 pm
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China
Bound (MGM,
1929)
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George
K. Arthur, Karl Dane, Josephine Dunn, Polly Moran -- Directed by Chuck
Reisner, this is the last feature for the comedy team of the enormous Swede
Karl Dane and the diminutive Englishman George K. Arthur. Don't know much
about the movie, but we're told the print is gorgeous. (65 min.) SILENT
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1:30 pm
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Lunch
break
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Session #5
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2:30 pm
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The
Locked Door
(UA, 1929)
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Barbara
Stanwyck, Rod LaRoque, Betty Bronson -- Since 2007 marks the centennial of
Barbara Stanwyck's birth, we wanted to include a rarely-seen performance by
her. The Locked Door is her first talkie, a mystery melodrama that also includes in the
cast the great Betty "Peter Pan" Bronson. (74 min.)
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3:45 pm
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Jack
Theakston’s Short Subject Follies
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A
cavalcade of shorts, trailers, & snipes. Jack Theakston's segment was one
of the most entertaining parts of last year's Capitolfest. Last year's show included some
completely strange and/or wonderful shorts. Included this year will be the earliest known surviving 3-D film, a demo reel for Plasticon Pictures (1923). Also included is extensive footage of Washington, D.C. as well as shots of Times Square and Coney Island (some footage shot from the Luna Park rollercoaster!)
(40 min.)
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4:30 pm
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Intermission
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(15
min.)
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4:45 pm
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Us (Roach, 1927)
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Charley
Chase, Margaret Quimby; D: James Parrott, Leo McCarey -- Inspired by Charles
Lindberg's flight (the title is a nod towards his book, WE), Charley Chase
decides to take flying lessons. Those who have seen comedian Charley Chase in
his prime need only be told that this is another short from his most creative
period. (accompanied by Dr. Philip C. Carli) (20 min.) SILENT
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5:20 pm
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Valley
of the Giants
(First National, 1927)
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Milton
Sills, Doris Kenyon; D: Charles Brabin -- We like to end Capitolfest on a
high note, so we picked this one, much touted by Dr. Philip Carli as an
exciting melodrama of loggers. Film preservationist David Shepard calls this
movie, "A real barn burner [with] one amazing action sequence after
another." (accompanied by Dr. Philip C. Carli) (80 min.) SILENT
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See Capitolfest Events from 2006
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