Bill Canfield, Jr., played by Buster Keaton, would rather play his ukulele than be captain of a steamboat, much to his father’s disappointment. Another steamboat captain in town has a far better boat than Canfield’s, and will do anything to attract clientele. As the feud heats up between the two captains, a cyclone hits, endangering both men’s riverboats. On his way to the docks to try to save the boats and the woman he loves, Bill, Jr. encounters flying debris and a building front falls around him – Keaton’s best known stunt. It’s all part of the fun in “Steamboat Bill, Jr.”
East Lynne Theater Company and The Cape May Film Society are proud to present this 1928 classic film on Sunday, August 7 at 8:30 p.m. at The First Presbyterian Church of Cape May, 500 Hughes St.
Keaton (1895-1966) is considered one of the greatest comedians of all time. Film critic Roger Ebert wrote: “Keaton’s works have such a graceful perfection, such a meshing of story, character and episode, that they unfold like music.”
Silent films were usually accompanied by live music, and providing live organ accompaniment for “Steamboat Bill, Jr.” is Wayne Zimmerman who has been playing for this Silent Film Series since 2011. He’s played in a variety of venues from coast-to-coast and in Hawaii, regaling audiences with his silent-film accompaniment and concerts.
Tickets: $15, and ages 12 and under are free. Reservations: (609) 884-5898 or online at www.eastlynnetheater.org.
Meanwhile, ELTC’s “Dracula” continues Wednesdays through Saturdays at 8:30 p.m. through September 3.