Silent movie event a hit
The Buster Keaton silent movie The Scarecrow was screened, accompanied by Melvin Peters.
MUSGRAVE Methodist Church held a special one-off Sunday afternoon screening of Buster Keaton’s iconic 1920 black and white silent movie, The Scarecrow, with live organ accompaniment by Melvin Peters, in the church on Sunday, 27 October.
The afternoon programme took place exactly 90 years to the day after the then brand-new organ had her first public recital and dedication ceremony in the church on Sunday, 27 October 1929.
The Scarecrow is a short 19-minute (two reel) family-friendly silent comedy film starring a youthful Buster Keaton. It is perhaps best known perhaps for its opening scene in which Buster and co-star Joe Roberts, are doing household chores with an array of delicious Heath-Robinson type ropes-and-pulley labour-saving devices.
The film was accompanied by Melvin, who is a famed Durban jazz pianist and accomplished organist. He is a respected organist known for performing sacred and secular works.
The event was supported by a capacity audience and Melvin received an enthusiastic standing ovation.
