Charlie Chaplin Silent Film Double Feature

May 14th 2023, 2:00 pm

Charlie Chaplin’s The Kid and The Immigrant: Silent Films Accompanied by Clark Wilson on the Mighty Wurlitzer Organ

The screening of these two Charlie Chaplin silent films will be accompanied by live music from Clark Wilson on the Mighty Wurlitzer Organ, New England’s largest theatre organ. Watching a silent film with live music creates a unique experience that you wouldn’t get watching a modern film at the movie theater. It is both visually and audially stunning, creating an immersive once-in-a-lifetime event for filmgoers.

All tickets are $20. Seating is general admission. A $5 per ticket discount is available for subscribers, students and groups of 10 or more. Contact the box office at 877.571.7469 for more information.

About Clark Wilson

Winner of “The Theatre Organist of the Year Award” in 1998, Clark Wilson has been an organist and conservator for the last thirty years. With a multitude of performances, in addition to having seven albums under his belt, Clark Wilson shares his passion with students as an organ faculty member at the University of Oklahoma, teaching silent film scoring, organ lessons as well as the history of the American theater organ. A talented musician and live performer, Clark’s magical sounds have led to yearly presentations at the Los Angeles Philharmonic Society at the Walt Disney Concert Hall organ.

About the Films

The Kid (68 minutes)
In this “comedy with a smile, and perhaps a tear,” Charlie Chaplin shines in his first starring role. A mother leaves her newborn child in the backseat of a limousine with a note. Crooked thieves teal the limousine and abandon the crying baby. Luckily the Tramp (Charlie Chaplin), who barely has a penny to his name, quickly discovers the squalling child and becomes the reluctant father to him.

The Tramp and the Kid (Jackie Coogan) form an inseparable bond. But trouble is just around the corner! The Kid has fallen ill and when the doctor learns of the illegal adoption he arranges for the child to be put in the Orphan Asylum. Escaping the clutches of the police, the Tramp and the Kid are on the run and with a reward on the child to anyone who brings him in, they’ll have to stick together. It will take some quick thinking to see things right and reunite this lovable pair.

The Immigrant (30 minutes)
Aboard a large steamer ship crammed with immigrants, the hopeful Tramp (Chaplin) crosses the Atlantic, battling with seasickness. As he wins at gambling, the Tramp takes pity on a struggling single mother and her daughter and decides to share some of his money. His risky approach will soon lead to a wonderful friendship. However, when the ship finally arrives in New York, the two friends are separated, only to reunite in a restaurant, merrily chatting over a hearty lunch. But, can the Tramp pay for their meal?