Chicago - July 30, 2004

Silence Is Golden

Silent Film Festival

Kids these days. No respect for the art of cinema.

You’ve shushed them, flashed the evil eye… even pegged them in the head with flying kernels.

Head north, you pretentious cineaste, to the silent-film festival at the Gateway Theatre, an art deco-style movie house with a painted-sky ceiling and faux twinkling stars. It’s hosted by the Silent Film Society of Chicago (and who knew we even had such a thing). A giant Wurlitzer pipe organ serves as the booming voice for the likes of Buster Keaton, Clara Bow, Rudolph Valentino, and Gary Cooper, so every last silent note can be, um, heard. There’s even more mood-setting: Classics are accompanied by genre appropriate festivities like sing-alongs and flapper revues.

And the best part? You can save the popcorn for munching.

Gateway Theatre, 5216 West Lawrence Avenue, between Milwaukee Avenue and Kennedy Expressway, (773-205-7372 or silentfilmchicago.com). Fridays at 8 p.m. through August 27.

  Film Buff