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Published April 20th, 2016
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Film Clips
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| Enjoy Fatty Arbuckle Day at the Rheem Theatre |
| By Derek Zemrak |
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Coming off last month's near sell-out audience for the Buster Keaton Festival, the Rheem Theatre will be hosting an evening of four Fatty Arbuckle silent short films at 7 p.m. on Saturday April 23. A live baby grand piano score, written and performed by the amazing pianist Patti Liedecker, will accompany the short films; plus I will be lecturing on the life and career of Fatty Arbuckle.
Just a quick overview: Roscoe Arbuckle, better known as "Fatty" Arbuckle, was born in Smith Center, Kansas, on March 24 1887. Arbuckle started working in silent films in 1909, at Selig Polyscope Company. He moved over to the Keystone Film Company in 1913, where his career began to take off and he became one of Hollywood's highest paid actors. Arbuckle was influential in launching the careers of Buster Keaton, Charlie Chaplin and Bob Hope. He lived a very interesting life that played out like a Hollywood movie: infidelity, wild parties, murder, scandals and unsolved mysteries. Learn more about this iconic Hollywood pioneer and his close ties to San Francisco on Saturday, April 23.
The four silent short films that will be screened are:
"Fatty and Minnie-He-Haw" (1918): Fatty is courted by an enormous Indian princess, who proposes marriage. He accepts when she draws a hunting knife to his throat. Starring Minnie Devereaux and Minta Durfee. Directed by Fatty Arbuckle.
"Fatty Joins the Police" (1913): After rescuing the commissioner's daughter, Fatty is rewarded with a job on the police force. He finds that life on the beat is a little more than he bargained for. Starring Edgar Kennedy, Minta Durfee and Dot Farley. Directed by George Nichols.
"Fatty's Spooning Days" (1918): In a film that's way ahead of its time, two couples engage in a little wife swapping at the park. Starring Mabel Normand and Minta Durfee. Directed by Fatty Arbuckle.
"Fatty's Suitless Day" (1914): Fatty needs formal wear so he can bring his sweetheart to the big dance. He steals a tux from his rival, who shows up at the ball seeking revenge. Starring Charlie Chase, Minta Durfee and Al St. John. Directed by Fatty Arbuckle.
Tickets are $15 and it is recommended that you get your tickets early. They can be purchased online at www.lamorindatheatres.com or at the Rheem Theatre Box Office. If you would like to get in for free, just dress in early 1900s attire. Also, the Rheem Theatre will be selling a small popcorn for 5 cents with the purchase of a "Fatty Arbuckle Festival" ticket.
Come join the fun and learn about early history of movie making.
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Upcoming Rheem and Orinda Theatre Events:
7 p.m. May 12: FREE Movie Night at Orinda Theatre - "The Wizard of Oz"
7 p.m. May 21: The Rheem USO Canteen - A Memorial Day Tribute to the songs and memories of war ballads, patriotic songs and just good old American patriotism with Adam Reeves and Patti Liedecker.
7 p.m. May 28 - Harold Lloyd Festival with live piano score written and performed by Patti Liedecker. |
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Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA