It’s a comeback worth making some noise about.
After a three-month hiatus due to COVID-19, the Wilton Town Hall Theatre’s long-running silent film series will restart this month, with extra screenings added to make up for missed shows.
First up is the Douglas Fairbanks Sr. adventure “The Thief of Bagdad” (1924), to be shown on Sunday at 2 p.m. Admission is free; a donation of $10 per person is suggested to help defray expenses. The screening will be accompanied with live music by Jeff Rapsis, who uses a digital synthesizer to create a traditional full orchestra “movie score” sound.
Accommodations will be made to keep patrons safe in the COVID-19 era. Silent film programs will now start at 2 p.m. so the Town Hall Theatre can comply with CDC and local public health guidelines for movie theaters, which recommend ample time between screenings for cleaning and sanitizing. Also, seating will be arranged to observe social distancing and masks will be required inside the theater.
Fairbanks, star of “The Thief of Bagdad,” was the Harrison Ford of his time – a pioneering action hero who was among the first to entertain movie audiences with thrilling swashbuckling adventures. “The Thief of Bagdad” stands among his best work. It’s a timeless fable on a grand scale, boasting a great story, spectacular sets, and magical special effects.