Saturday 12th February will once again see St. Vincent’s Chapel host a Silent Movie Double Bill “From Paris With Love” – a Valentine’s themed silent movie screening with live musical accompaniment. Two romantic classics of the silent era will be screened by candlelight with the score performed live by a group of professional musicians. Suitable for ages 7+.
The first picture of the evening will be director E. A. Dupont’s 1928 romantic drama “Moulin Rouge” – telling the story of how the course of true love definitely doesn’t always run smoothly when you’re at the world’s most decadent cabaret! At the Moulin Rouge, everyone worships at the feet of the alluring diva Parysia, played to the hilt by silent screen sensation, Olga Tschechowa. Parysia’s daughter, played by Eve Gray, is madly in love with her fiancé, the impressionable André. Alas, André has eyes for another – none other than his fiancé’s mother, Parysia! This corrupt love triangle, beset by lust and obsession, comes crashing down with devastating consequences. Art Director Alfred Junge recreates the blazing glamour and dark underside of the famed Parisian institution – he even went so far as to hire the entire cast of the Paris-New York Review for the production, showcasing their now long forgotten stage acts.
Moulin Rouge 1928
A trip “across the pond” follows the intermission as we sit back and enjoy the lighter side of love as portrayed by Charlie Chaplin’s hapless hero, The Tramp in his 1931 romantic comedy, “City Lights”. Written, produced, directed by and starring Charlie Chaplin, “City Lights” follows the misadventures of The Tramp as he falls in love with a blind girl (Virginia Cherrill) whilst developing a turbulent friendship with an alcoholic millionaire! A sweet love story, alongside the usual chaotic cinematic pantomime that Chaplin is known for ensues. The picture was immediately successful on its release and is considered by many of today’s critics as not only the highest accomplishment of Chaplin’s career, but one of the greatest films of all time. Chaplin’s biographer believes the movie to be an act of defiance as it premiered four years into the era of “talkies”, for which Chaplin had no interest. The touching final scene was once described by famed film critic James Agee as “the greatest piece of acting ever committed to celluloid”.
City Lights 1931
Both pictures will be screened at an abridged length of 40 minutes and will be accompanied by a live, originally curated score performed by a professional ensemble of piano and two violins.
The evening is presented by Opera Caledonia, Scotland’s newest professional opera company. Opera Caledonia specialises in presenting site specific operatic concerts, productions and events whilst attracting international artists to collaborate and perform alongside the wonderful musicians already based in Scotland, showcasing all that Scotland has to offer as both a country and an artistic platform. More information about Opera Caledonia can be found at operacaledonia.co.uk.
“From Paris With Love” will be presented in complete compliance with all Scottish Government Covid-19 rules and regulations – providing audience members with peace of mind that they are in a safe environment.
Tickets are priced at £10 for adults and £8 for children and must be purchased in advance by emailing operacaledonia@gmail.com, there will be no tickets available to purchase “on the door”. With reduced audience numbers, places are strictly limited so early booking is advised.
There are a limited number of Valentine’s Hamper Packages available from as little as £65.00 to make the evening the ultimate date night – please email for more details.
“From Paris With Love” – Valentine’s Silent Movie Double Bill
“Moulin Rouge” (1928) & “City Lights” (1931)
Saturday 12th February 2022, 7.00pm – 8.30pm
St. Vincent’s Chapel, St. Vincent Street EH3 6SW
Tickets: £10 Adults / £8 Children
Email operacaledonia@gmail.com to book tickets
Suitable for ages 7+
operacaledonia.co.uk
This event has been postponed until Saturday 12th March.
