The 21st Annual Broncho Billy Silent Film Festival gallops into action Aug. 10 through 12 at the marvelous little Niles Essanay Silent Film Museum in Niles, Calif., featuring a look at rare silent films, most in 35 millimeter, screening in an actual nickelodeon theatre. This year’s fest includes newly discovered and restored Chicago Essanay films and hard to see 28 millimeter films projected on actual vintage projectors, along with a walking tour and opportunity to take a relaxing train ride through Niles Canyon.
Friday night’s festivities kick off with a reception at 6 p.m., followed by a delightful 7:30 p.m. Edison Theatre screening of short films from 1908 through 1924 featuring virtually forgotten French comedian Max Linder. Linder, one of Charlie Chaplin’s idols, played a dapper character getting into all sorts of mischief, helping pioneer slapstick comedy onscreen as we know it today. Films to be screened include “Max Juggler Par Amour” (1908), “Max – Victime Due Quinquina” (1911), “Max and the Statue” (1912), and “Au Secours!” (1924). David Drazin accompanies the films.
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