From GRAND RAPIDS TOWN HALL COMMITTEE, HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF GRAND RAPIDS
The Grand Rapids Town Hall Committee and Historical Society of Grand Rapids have announced that another silent movie is returning to the Historic Grand Rapids Town Hall, 24125 Front St. “Steamboat Bill, Jr.,” starring Buster Keaton, will be shown at 7 p.m. in the auditorium of the Town Hall on Saturday, Feb. 21. All music was selected and will be performed by Lynne Long.
Joseph Francis Keaton was born in 1895, son of vaudeville entertainers. He was often used as a prop in his parents’ act. A fellow performer observed him falling down a flight of stairs and said he was a “buster,” and the name stuck. He also perfected his “frozen face” because he got more laughs if he did not smile. In this movie, Keaton plays the son of the captain of a paddle steamer. He returns from college, and his father is not impressed with his awkward son. Unfortunately, Buster falls in love with the daughter of his father’s rival, and the plot thickens. A standout scene in the movie shows Keaton unharmed as a building collapses around him, thanks to an open window. Will Buster get the girl? People will have to attend to find out.
Long, a graduate of BGSU in piano performance, has maintained a private piano studio in her home for over 50 years. She has been a member of the Ohio Music Teachers’ Association for many years and holds a permanent professional certificate. She was a charter member of the Fayette Arts Council and the Grand Rapids Arts Council. As a trustee of the Historical Society of Grand Rapids, Long coordinates the “Rhythm on the River” music series in the summers. Currently, she accompanies silent movies at five venues. She thoroughly enjoys adding music of all genres to the movies for the audience’s pleasure.
Tickets are $10 each and are available at The Village Orchard in Grand Rapids or at the door. Attendees will be able to view the renovations completed in the Town Hall. All proceeds from the evening will be used for further updates to the historic Town Hall.
