The Caird Hall is set to host a night of silent films featuring international concert organist Donald MacKenzie.
The night will feature the 1911 film, Dundee Courier – “The Production of a Great Daily Newspaper” and the timeless Harold Lloyd comedy from 1923, Safety Last.
Ayrshire-born MacKenzie, organist at the Odeon, Leicester Square, will play improvised music using the Caird Hall Organ alongside the films, which will screen on November 4 at 7.30pm.
The film about The Courier coincides with the paper’s 200 year anniversary which was celebrated on September 21 this year.
It will showcase the entire process of the production of the newspaper, from the work of reporters and editors all the way through to distribution and sale.
Footage showing, at the time revolutionary, advances in type-setting will amplify how far technology has come in the news and digital world.
It was originally commissioned to celebrate the paper’s 50-year anniversary as a daily newspaper and was first shown at the New Electric Theatre at the Nethergate on March 6, 1911.
Produced by Hal Roach, Harold Lloyd’s classic will be the feature film of the night and is regarded as one of the greatest comedy films of its era – perhaps even of all time.
Even those who are self-confessed amateurs in the silent film world are likely to recognise an iconic image in the film which shows Lloyd clutching the hands of a large clock as he dangles from a skyscraper above traffic.
The film depicts the repeated attempts of the central character to impress his girlfriend by pretending to be a high-flyer, rather than reveal his lowly position as a store sales assistant.
In doing so, his constant brushes with the law create mayhem and result in him desperately clambering out of various precarious situations.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RBnMt9iUwI0
The Friends of the Caird Hall Organ (FOCHO) are the promoters and Jim McKellican, the organisation’s archivist and appeals officer said it was a night not to be missed.
“This is our fourth one and they have always been very enjoyable and well supported,” he said.
“We just hope that we will have another similar night as the last ones especially since this one is coinciding with The Courier’s 200 year anniversary.
“It is sure to be a great night for everyone who attends.”
Tickets for the show are still available online here or by calling the box office on 01382 434 451.
