My weekend was one I've anticipated for months, ever since news came from The Harold Lloyd Trust and Sony Pictures that they would be releasing new 35mm prints across America with digital soundtracks of Lloyd's greatest comedy hits from the silent movie era. In addition, the snappy orchestral accompaniments heard in recent months on Turner Classic Movies would be in play. I've waited my entire life to see most of these titles in 35mm, which is THE WAY to watch them.
We were screwed.
Friday, the opening evening of the Harold Lloyd retrospective, I drove 80 miles to Atlanta to see "The Freshman" and "Safety Last" at Landmark's Midtown Art Cinema, the nearest location available. Upon arriving, there was a scribbled note taped to the box office window announcing "The Freshman" would be shown without musical accompaniment.
Great. Just great. I figured there was an unavoidable mix-up. I gave the theatre the benefit of the doubt and my wife and I purchased tickets.
"Safety Last" unspooled first. This classic Lloyd looked better than I had ever seen it and the score was full and rich.
"The Freshman" followed a cappella and the atmosphere was certainly quiet. Occasional, hearty laughter erupted where appropriate. The film was engaging in total silence, but not what was intended by its creators, nor was this presentation legal evidence of truth in advertising.
Nevertheless, the bright red movie poster for the Harold Lloyd festival, boasting of the wonderful soundtracks, remained posted outside the auditorium door during the all-silent presentation. Gee, put salt in our wounds, will ya?
Sunday, we again endured the drive of 80 miles to Landmark's Midtown Art Cinema to see the next program, "Girl Shy" and "Speedy." Imagine my delight to amble up to the window to see a fresh note coldly explaining neither of the films would be shown with musical accompaniment.
Now, what were we to do? Walk away and have an entire, long-planned day completely ruined? Biting my tongue, I paid for tickets.
I tasted miffed.
Inside, annoyed customers were interrogating a young woman who was identified as the manager. She said the soundtracks on the prints had been delivered damaged and were too shrill or staticky to endure.
One man, after a bright mind spark, requested the theatre play unrelated intermission music during the films.
"THAT'S INSANE!" I barked, entering the conversation and then being withdrawn by my wife. "That guy is a certifiable dolt," I added. (Actually, I said "idiot," but I'm struggling to be nice in print.)
I've since read in a thread ("Atlanta Harold Lloyd Fest Turning Into a Disaster") on The Harold Lloyd Forum that the theatre manager -- *sigh* -- suggested everyone listen to their iPODs during the film.
Don't you just love it when people are clueless about art? Sheesh.
Another comment found on The Harold Lloyd Forum reports of similar audio problems in this traveling series, specifically with Lloyd's "Why Worry?" at the Castro in San Francisco.
[Pause two beats.]
I smell a rat.
Next: Mike Knows Best - Harold Lloyd Festival Conclusion