IT’S THE REEL THING
Movie buffs of all ages descended on UCLA’S Royce Hall as the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra hosted its annual Silent Film soiree.
The celluloid celebration featured two Chaplin classics, the 1918 productions of “A Dog’s Life” and “Shoulder Arms.” The silent pictures were accompanied by the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra. The talented music makers performed restored scores, which had been adapted by conductor Timothy Brock.
Oscar winner Dustin Hoffman served as the honorary chair of the event, but there’s been a host of other local fans including Pierce Brosnan, Tom Hanks and Barbra Streisand.
Movie guru Leonard Maltin introduced the films.
“A Dog’s Life” is a delightful three-reel comedy that was made when Chaplin wrote, directed, produced and starred in his movies.
“Shoulder Arms” was also on the bill. The film was a hit back in the day and became one of the most popular flicks of the World War I era.
The program didn’t leave out a fun-filled dose of Disney, screening a 1927 short called “Trolley Troubles,” complete with an original score composed by Alexander Rannie.
The credits rolled, but the party was just getting started. VIP patrons and their pals soon made their way to the Ahmanson Terrace for a dazzling supper party where they enjoyed a first-class spread and shared a review or two.
Every year, the gala draws a mix of film aficionados, Hollywood celebs and industry honchos who appreciate both the chamber orchestra and silent films. Dustin Hoffman’s interest and involvement goes back more than a decade when he started bringing family and friends to “watch the great silent films in a setting where they were meant to be seen.”
Roger Mayer, who served as co-chair of the event, wrapped it up with words of praise saying, “This is a wonderful celebration. The Silent Film Gala contributes significantly to the interest in film restoration so that masterpieces such of these can be seen by many future film buffs for generations to come.”
A CAUSE FOR CONCERN
They were dancing in the streets on the lot of Paramount Studios last Saturday as the Concern Foundation for Cancer Research celebrated its 37th annual block party.
A crowd of nearly 3,500 flocked to the block to take in a symphony of sounds on four musical stages, bid up on dozens of silent auction items and sample eats from some of the best restaurants in town including The Grill on the Alley, Lawry’s the Prime Rib and La Cachette Bistro.
Over the years, the Concern Foundation has raised more than $43 million for cancer research, and that gave everyone a good reason to hit the dance floor and shake their booties.