Bellingham theater shows Charlie Chaplin
An upcoming event in Bellingham promises fun for silent film fans.
Mount Baker Theatre will show “The Circus,” a film written, directed, and produced by Charlie Chaplin, who also stars as his iconic “Little Tramp” character. Noted musician and film preservationist Dennis James will provide live accompaniment for the film. Showing films while artists from pianists to full orchestras play live has become a popular format.
The film is one of Chaplin’s funniest comedies. Wrongfully hunted by the police, the Tramp sneaks into a circus in the middle of the show. The audience laugh and applaud as they watch the intruder’s clumsy attempts to get away from his pursuers. His antics so impress the ringmaster that he decides to hire the Tramp to entertain the circus audiences. The Tramp has numerous misadventures, falls in love with Merna, but loses her to the tightrope walker. However, he helps reunite the two and is left alone when they and the circus leave.
Dennis James, a Philadelphia native, began performing historically accurate live accompaniments for silent films in 1969. He sometimes plays the organ, piano, uses a chamber ensemble or even a full orchestra. He appears throughout Canada, Mexico, the United States and overseas.
“The Circus” will be shown April 12 at 2.00 pm. When they plan events like this, organizers often promote them by displaying posters, which they can have made at print shops.
Mount Baker Theatre will show “The Circus,” a film written, directed, and produced by Charlie Chaplin, who also stars as his iconic “Little Tramp” character. Noted musician and film preservationist Dennis James will provide live accompaniment for the film. Showing films while artists from pianists to full orchestras play live has become a popular format.
The film is one of Chaplin’s funniest comedies. Wrongfully hunted by the police, the Tramp sneaks into a circus in the middle of the show. The audience laugh and applaud as they watch the intruder’s clumsy attempts to get away from his pursuers. His antics so impress the ringmaster that he decides to hire the Tramp to entertain the circus audiences. The Tramp has numerous misadventures, falls in love with Merna, but loses her to the tightrope walker. However, he helps reunite the two and is left alone when they and the circus leave.
Dennis James, a Philadelphia native, began performing historically accurate live accompaniments for silent films in 1969. He sometimes plays the organ, piano, uses a chamber ensemble or even a full orchestra. He appears throughout Canada, Mexico, the United States and overseas.
“The Circus” will be shown April 12 at 2.00 pm. When they plan events like this, organizers often promote them by displaying posters, which they can have made at print shops.