Lynwood Theater plays host to the 'Show People' of yesteryear

King Vidor’s 1928 silent film satire “Show People” reminds me of something like those “Scary Movie” flicks of today.

Those features (more like DVDs as they don’t even come out in theaters most of the time anymore) poke fun at the whole scary movie genre with spoofs on all the contemporary blockbusters and incredibly, oft intentionally, bad acting.

Vidor’s piece is much more of a beautiful relic with an all-star cast from the days of the silent film — featuring Marion Davies and William Haines, with cameos from everyone including Douglas Fairbanks, Charlie Chaplin and all the greats.

Still, the silent film embodies that concept of looking back at oneself and laughing. Therefore, it’s a fitting film for the Lynwood Theater to celebrate its anniversary with.

The old independent film house that’s gone against the grain on the south end of Bainbridge Island turns 72 this year. It will celebrate with silent film once again, with two showings of “Show People” at 2 and 7:30 p.m. July 5. Tickets are $10.

To help the Lynwood look back all the more authentically, renown silent film accompanist Dennis James will be at the organ. James is said to have one of the largest private libraries of authentic silent film music in existence.

And, when he’s not traveling to gigs around the world, he flaunts his collection at the Lynwood.

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