Silent Movie (1976)  

Sat. Sept. 24 

Doors – 7:00 PM 

Film – 8:00 PM 

Tickets - $12 

1hr 27min | PG | Comedy/Silent | USA 

Normally we implore you to come see a silent movie at the Senate because at our theater you can see films from those early days of cinema like they were meant to be seen, with live organ accompaniment on our Mighty Wurlitzer pipe organ. But for this installment of our Silents at the Senate series we’re doing something a little different because when Mel Brooks made Silent Movie in 1976, his loving spoof of early slapstick, (as well as a not-so-loving takedown of a vapid and commercialized Hollywood) he never intended the soundtrack to be performed live. 

But that’s just what organist Andrew Rogers is going to do. The film follows the antics of Mel Funn (Brooks) plus his sidekicks Dom Bell (Dom DeLuise) and Marty Eggs (Marty Feldman) in their ill-advised quest to make the first silent film in forty years under the misguided belief that it will save a movie studio from a hostile takeover by an evil conglomerate. It’s as goofy and clever as any other Brooks film, except there’s only one word of spoken dialogue. Otherwise the sound is all music and sound effects. But at the Senate every prat fall, every sight gag, and every cameo from a 1970s movie star, (Burt Reynolds, Paul Newman, or Liza Minnelli anyone?) will be stripped of its recorded music and enhanced by a live musical reimagining. 

It may not be what Brooks intended, but we don’t think he would mind. After all, Mr. Brooks made a career out of not taking things, (and particularly himself) too seriously. Regardless, we’re certain both Brooks fans and silent film enthusiasts will enjoy this unique presentation. 

Silents at the Senate is supported by the Knight Arts Challenge. 

The Senate Theater and The Detroit Theater Organ Society is supported by The Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs and The National Endowment for the Arts.