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The 37th Annual Silent Film Showcase returns Friday, May 17 and Saturday, May 18. It is recognized as one of the longest running celebrations of Silent Film in the world. Join us for the Opening Night screening of Blackmail, Alfred Hitchcock's last silent film. Voted the Best British Film of 1929, Blackmail stars Anny Ondra, John Longden and Cyril Ritchard. Based in London, the film follows the story of Alice White who is being blackmailed after killing a man who tried to rape her. Although she has a boyfriend, a detective with Scotland Yard, she naively accepts an invitation to an artist's studio to look at his work. While there, he makes unwanted advances and before she can leave, he tries to rape her. She kills him in self defense. As she leaves, she attempts to remove any evidence of her presence in his studio but accidentally leaves a glove behind. When the body is found, her boyfriend is assigned to the case. At the scene, he recognizes the artist and finds Alice's glove, which he conceals from his supervisor. The detective goes to talk with Alice and an unsavory character shows up. He was outside the artist's studio that night and attempts to blackmail them as he has her other glove.
The film contains two Hitchcock signature touches: a cameo by the director himself as an annoyed passenger in a train car and a chase through an important landmark, in this case the British Museum.
Another unique fact about the film: It was shot as a silent film first, and then portions of it were re-shot and sound was added. That means, two versions of Blackmail - one silent and one talkie - were released in 1929. Blackmail is often cited as Britain's first sound feature film.
This film screening will feature live musical accompaniment by the one and only Michael Mortilla. The event takes place under the stars in our Ackerman Family Amphitheater.
We are also excited to welcome Randy Haberkamp, Executive Vice President of the Library, Archive and SciTech for the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, to introduce the film. He will share a presentation about the silent versus sound versions of this film.
The event includes light appetizers. A specialty cocktail, wine, beer, and other refreshments will be available for purchase.
Tickets are $20 for museum members and $25 for non-yet-members. If you would like to attend both nights, you can purchase one ticket for both and get a discount!
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
217 Metropole Avenue, PO Box 366, Avalon, CA, United States, California 90704
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