Silent Film Nights: The Last Laugh

Enjoy timeless classics in this brand new film series!

The Wenatchee Valley Museum & Cultural Center invites you for a screening of the silent film The Last Laugh, featuring a lecture from Wenatchee Valley College Professor Hart Johnson and live music on the Wurlitzer pipe organ by Thomas Kozina on Friday, April 25, 6-8 PM.

Originally produced in 1924, this chamber-drama centers around a nameless hotel doorman, who is fired after he’s deemed too “old and unfit” to promote the hotel’s image, resulting in a rapid downward spiral. Chamber-dramas are short plays that focus on the psychology of lower- to middle-class characters, avoiding the use of title cards in between scenes in order to have the visual storytelling speak for itself.

This event is the second of a 3-part series focused on the work of German Expressionist filmmaker F. W. Murnau, who pioneered the early silent film era in Germany.

Hart Johnson is a Humanities Professor at Wenatchee Valley College. He teaches film studies, mythology, and other humanities courses. Professor Johnson has a passion for film and is excited to be working with the Museum on this unique film exhibition series.

Starting at 6 PM, this program will begin with a 15-20 minute lecture by Professor Hart, followed by Kozina’s live musical accompaniment to the screening. Afterwards, there will be a short Q&A session where guests can ask questions to both Hart and Kozina.

Admission is $5 for members AND students, and $7 for non-members. Pre-registration is recommended. Beverages for sale, including beer and wine for those 21+. Popcorn will be provided.