Buster Keaton classic topping Thorngate bill

Thursday, March 9, at 7.30. Silent Movie

IN PARTNERSHIP with the Ritz Cinema @ St Vincent, the Gosport and District Organ Club will be screening the classic Buster Keaton silent movie ‘Steamboat Bill Junior’ with a live organ accompaniment, just as it would have been shown in the 1920s.

Our organist will be Andy Quin, who gave us a splendid concert last October.  There is no score, he will be watching the film and improvising a suitable soundtrack in real time. His first paying gig as a musician, 50 years ago, was accompanying silent movies so he’s had plenty of experience!

Keaton plays a refined college boy reuniting with his uncouth father, the captain of a dilapidated paddle steamer. Inevitably, the son falls in love with the daughter of a rival ship owner. The film includes Keaton’s most famous stunt, where the facade of a house falls on him but he walks away unscathed.

Tickets are £5 at the door. Parking is free from 7pm and the bar will be open.

Thorngate Halls ballroom, Bury Road, Gosport PO12 3PX.

Richard Bunce