Palace Theater’s silent partner Organist Tommy Stark is looking to keep a tradition from his childhood alive with the Palace Theater’s silent movie nights. A few times a year, Stark and Palace Theater Executive Director Morgen Bahurinsky choose a silent film to feature, and as the film plays, Stark accompanies on the organ. The first silent film for this year is the 1927 production of “Chicago” — the story of Roxie Hart, a woman who got away with murder. The original film, starring Phyllis Haver and Robert Edeson and directed by Cecil B. DeMille, will play at 7 p.m. Friday at the Palace Theater. Stark says that, until recently, it had been thought that the original silent movie production of “Chicago” was lost. “They found it not too long ago in a vault at Cecil B. DeMille’s home,” he says. “Many of these films were made of silver nitrate and were very dangerous and flammable so they caught on fire a lot, burned down theaters or over time turned to powder or goo.” When this version of “Chicago” was found, however, Stark says it was crystal clear. “When I saw the previews, I couldn’t believe it,” he says. “It was like a brand new movie. Some of these old films shake or have scratches, but this one is just pristine.” Where Stark’s talents come into play are with his improvised organ playing as the film is running. He sets the mood, he explains, for the audience. “It’s total creativity; you set the pace for the whole thing,” he says. “In the Roaring ’20s, when silent movies were going wild, every theater had a big pipe organ in it. Sometimes a score was written out and sometimes it was improvised. I’ve always made my Jan. 19 2017 5. Benefit show Reggae artists to perform in Honokaa 6. Cultural trip Black Arm Band performs ‘Dirtsong’ 10. Puzzles Entertain your brain 12. Let’s Go Out Ono grinds CREDITS: Editor David Bock Writers John Burnett Katie Young Yamanaka Photography Hollyn Johnson Design Bonnie L. Rogers Katie Young YAMANAKA Big Island Vibe Email your Island Beat announcements to entertainment@hawaiitribune-herald.com See PALACE Page 11 2 Thursday, January 19, 2017 HOLLYN JOHNSON/Tribune-Herald Tommy Stark gets in some practice time on the organ in 2015 at the Palace Theater in Downtown Hilo.
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