2 Chaplin films to be screened via Zoom with live music by Pittsburgh pianist Tom Roberts
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It seems everyone could use a good laugh in the trying times of the pandemic — and thanks to Charlie Chaplin and a local musician, the laughs are on the way.
The Rangos Giant Cinema and pianist Tom Roberts are putting on a night of live music and silent films via Zoom, 7 p.m. July 9.
Two Chaplin classics, “Kid Auto Races at Venice” and “The Pawnshop,” will be accompanied live by Roberts’ original scores.
Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh members can watch the event for free by registering online. Nonmembers can purchase tickets for $7 on The Rangos Giant Cinema website.
“Kid Auto Races at Venice” was made in 1914 and marks Chaplin’s first appearance as “The Little Tramp,” his signature character that captured the hearts of the moviegoing public in the early days of silent films.
A review in the silent movie periodical “The Cinema” gave the film an enthusiastic thumbs up upon its release.
“ ‘Kid Auto Races’ struck us as about the funniest film we have ever seen. Chaplin is a born comedian; he does things we have never seen done on the screen before.”
“The Pawnshop” came two years later and was one of Chaplin’s most popular films to that point in his career, filled as it is with his unique brand of slapstick comedy.
Roberts is an acclaimed pianist who has played everywhere from New York’s Carnegie Hall and “The Tonight Show” to notable jazz clubs in New Orleans’ French Quarter. He also toured throughout the world as pianist and musical director for Leon Redbone.