Trader Joe's Silent Movie Mondays Hits Paramount Theatre, First Screening 6/8

Seattle Theatre Group (STG) presents Trader Joe's Silent Movie Mondays this June at The Paramount Theatre, Mondays at 7:00 p.m. This all classic silent film series features lovely women of the twenties and is accompanied live by Dennis James on the Mighty Wurlitzer Organ. The first film of this series, Flesh and the Devil will be screened for free, courtesy of Trader Joe's, STG's silent film series sponsor since 2002.

Films include:

Flesh and the Devil, 1926
June 8, 2008
Director: Clarence Brown
Writers: Benjamin Glazer
Hermann Sudermann (novel "The Undying Past")
Stars: Greta Garbo (Felicitas), John Gilbert (Leo), Lars Hanson (Ulrich)
The film was a melodrama about two childhood friends who grow up to be soldiers in Germany. After returning to civilian life, one of the friends, Leo, (Gilbert) becomes infatuated with Felicitas (Garbo) the wife of a powerful count. After Leo kills the count in a duel over the love and honor of Felicitas, he is punished by the military and sent away to Africa for three years. He asks his friend, Ulrich (Lars Hanson) to take care of Felicitas' needs while he's away, but Ulrich - unaware that his friend is in love with Felicitas, falls in love with her himself and marries her. Upon Leo's return, he finds himself torn between temptation for Felicitas -- which the young woman encourages -- and his friendship for Ulrich. Condemned by a local pastor for carrying on an affair with Felicitas, Leo eventually loses control of his emotions and tries to kill the woman, leading to a climactic duel between the two boyhood friends. (Wikipedia)

Romola, 1924
Director: Henry King
Writers: Will M. Ritchey
George Eliot (novel)
Stars: Lillian Gish (Romola), Dorothy Gish (Tessa), William Powell (Tito Melema), Ronald Colman (Carlo Bucellini), Charles Lane (Baldassar Calvo)
This lush romance sets sail when pirates take control of the boat Tito Melema (Powell) and his father, Calvo (Lane), are aboard. Tito swims to shore, promising to return with help, but instead he's diverted by the lovely daughters of blind scholar, Bardo Bardi. Tito becomes a corrupt politician whose foibles lead him to betray the people of Florence, but what he doesn't realize is that his father survived and is out for his blood.

The Godless Girl, 1929
Director: Cecil B. DeMille
Writer: Jeanie Macpherson
Stars: Lina Basquette (Judy Craig - The Girl), Marie Prevost (Mame - The Other Girl), Tom Keene (Bob Hathaway - The Boy), Noah Beery (The Brute)
Judith Craig (Basquette) and Bob Hathaway (Keene) hold secret anti-religious meetings with their friends. During one meeting a girl is killed. Judith and Bob Held responsible for the killing and sent to reform school where they are treated brutally.

Seventh Heaven, 1927
Director: Frank Borzage
Writer: Benjamin Glazer (screenplay)
Austin Strong (play)
Stars: Janet Gaynor (Diane), Charles Farrell (Chico), Ben Bard (Col. Brissac), Albert Gran (Boul)
Chico, a Parisian sewer worker rescues Diane from her cruel sister and gives her shelter in his home. Seventh Heaven is the 13th highest grossing silent film in cinema history, taking in more than $2.5 million at the box office in 1927.

The Paramount Theatre is home to the Mighty Wurlitzer Organ, one of the last three remaining organs of its kind to reside in its original environment. Installed March 1, 1928 as part of the theatre's grand opening, The Paramount's Mighty Wurlitzer is one of the most ornate organ consoles ever produced. True to the Silent Film presentation of the day, each film is accompanied by Dennis James on the Mighty Wurlitzer Organ to present the series as part of our rich cultural identity. STG remains committed to showcasing these rare treasures in the way they were originally shown.

For over thirty-five years James has played a pivotal role in the international revival of silent films with live music. James tours worldwide under the auspices of his own Silent FiLM Concerts Production Company professionally performing to silent films with solo organ, piano, and chamber ensemble accompaniments, plus presentations with major symphony orchestras.

On Sunday, June 28, 2009 Seattle Theatre Group presents Musica Curiosa at The Paramount Theatre at 7:00pm. Musica Curiosa is a concert fundraiser to restore the Mighty Wurlitzer Organ featuring live music, David Peckham on the organ and Dennis James playing a glass armonica and theremin.

Puget Sound Theatre Organ Society and Seattle Theatre Group have a cooperative long-term goal to restore the Mighty Wurlitzer organ to top-playing condition and ensure this beautiful instrument doesn't fall silent. A full restoration is required to ensure that the organ continues to provide enjoyment for many years to come. Over $100,000 is needed for specialized parts, materials and professional services required to complete its restoration.

This silent film series is sponsored by Trader Joe's, a proud sponsor of silent films at the historic Paramount Theatre since 2002.

Tickets: Silent Movie Mondays are part of the 2008-2009 subscription season. Tickets for individual films are $12.00 (not including fees). Tickets are available now online at www.stgpresents.org, by phone at (877)STG-4TIX or (877)784.4849, in person at The Paramount Theatre box office, Monday through Friday 10:00am-6:00pm and The Paramount and Moore Theatre venue kiosks, 24-hours a day, 7-days a week. The Paramount Theatre is located at 911 Pine Street in downtown Seattle.
About Seattle Theatre Group: Seattle Theatre Group is the 501 (c)(3) non-profit arts organization that operates the historic Paramount and Moore Theatres in Seattle, Washington. Our mission is to make diverse performing arts and education an integral part of our region's cultural identity while keeping these two landmark venues alive and vibrant. STG presents a range of performances from Broadway, off-Broadway, dance and jazz to comedy, concerts of all genres, speakers and family shows - at both historic theatres in Seattle and venues throughout the Puget Sound and Portland, Oregon.

SEATTLE THEATRE GROUP
911 Pine Street, Seattle, WA 98101 · Telephone (206) 467-5510 · Facsimile (206) 812-3272