Over 200 people attended the Southside Film Festival’s first ever sell-out event in the delightfully atmospheric Pollokshaws Burgh Hall all eager to see Lon Chaney's ghoulish performance of The Phantom of The Opera in the 1920s silent horror classic.
A girl selling tubs of vanilla ice cream from
a tray and an old-fashioned popcorn machine staffed by a couple in matching
candy-striped uniforms added a vintage feel to the event which was part of the wider Glasgow Film Festival.
In a age when downloading films is
easier than visiting the cinema why would so many people flock to see an old film
with no dialogue, primitive special effects and some fairly melodramatic
acting?
Tawny Kerr, from the West End, made a
special trip to Pollokshaws on a wet, miserable evening because she wanted to see
something other than the usual fare.
“This film is an important part of
cinematic history. I like to spend my money on a different film experience, I’d
rather come and watch a classic than something that will end up on TV anyway.”
Part of this experience was the live accompaniment
by a Wurlitzer Organ, the last of its kind in Scotland, which added an
ambient complement to the story, its vibrations rolling out across the town
hall floorboards and adding texture to the sensory experience.
The melodic
chords were as suited to the slapstick moments as they were for the dramatic
crescendos and organist David Gray even threw in some we'll received references from My Funny Valentine and I’m Forever Blowing Bubbles interspersed
throughout the classic Phantom score.
Although the crowd were a refreshing mix of
ages, a common passion united them. So discerning were they that barely a respectful
rustle of their popcorn bags was audible as they gasped and laughed, gleefully
drinking in the vintage action.
“The music really was outstanding and it
was just such a nice experience to share the scary bits and the humour with
people that are passionate about classic films. It becomes so much more than
just sitting watching something on your own ” said Greenock resident Jennifer
McGhee.
One of the passions of founder, Karen
O’Hare, is a move back to community events and the encouragement of
distinctive, grassroots talent. Is it
any wonder that this event was so successful on the night that an offbeat,
silent film swept the Oscars board for the first time since its launch in 1929.
It appears that there is still a significant
audience for unique, distinctive and even more traditional films. The feeling that people want something
different than just the latest blockbuster is alive and well in the southside
of Glasgow and Karen hopes to continue this when the festival proper kicks off
again in May.
For more information check out the festival website.
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