Dog Day Afternoon -ACT's 3rd Annual Silent Film Festival

Dog Day Afternoon - 3rd Annual Silent Film Festival

Come join us for a paws-itively fun time at Johnson Hall Opera House for our 3rd Annual Silent Film Festival! Watch classic movies starring all the great furry friends of the silent film era: Jean the Vitagraph Dog, Shep the Dog, Teddy the Wonder Dog, and everyone's favorite Rin-Tin-Tin! Enjoy popcorn, drinks, and a tail-wagging good time. Don't miss out on this doggone awesome event!

Once again, the is bringing its annual silent film festival on the road, to the downstairs Logan Stage at the beautiful in Gardiner, Maine. Ed Lorusso has curated a series of short silent films and one feature film, all of which he has digitally restored, and Jeff Rapsis will again join us with piano accompaniment. Please see the full AGENDA section for showtimes and descriptions of each film.

Two of three Jean the Vitagraph Dog films featured were shot in Maine by the Vitagraph studio. Jean was a Collie from Eastport and her owner, Larry Trimble, was from Robbinston. Jean was the first American dog star in films and appeared in about 24 films from 1910-1916 (including several made in England). Jean was acclaimed as “the greatest dog actress in the world.” Florence Turner co-stars in all four films.

Shep the Dog was another Collie and starred in about 18 films at Thanhouser for only a few years, 1913-1914, and this drama with little Helen Badgely has been called “miniature masterpiece.” Shep was clearly meant to remind people of Jean and was a major box-office star for Thanouser. His biggest talent was his ability to climb ladders.

Teddy the Wonder Dog was a Great Dane and had a long career and appeared in about 60 films from 1915-1924. Most of these were short films but he also appeared in feature films. Teddy worked for the legendary Mack Sennett and appeared in films with superstars like Gloria Swanson and Mary Pickford.

By far, the most famous dog star of the silent era … and well into the talkies … was Rin-Tin-Tin. This German Shepherd starred in more than 2 dozen feature films between 1922-1931 and had been born in France. He was found on a WW I battlefield and rescued by Lee Duncan. Descendants of Rinty starred in films and television through the 1950s.

Info: Two city girls go camping in Maine and meet two awkward boys from a local farm. Jean the Vitagraph dog helps to bring them together. Florence Turner.

Info: When the men who go to sea don’t come back, Jean has to help a widow make a living. Florence Turner, Leo Delaney.

Info: Sentimental tale of a pampered pooch and an orphan on Christmas eve. Adele DeGarde.

Info: Called a “miniature masterpiece,” Shep loves a little girl. Helen Badgely.

Info: When a woman keeps two lovers separated, Shep handles the situation. Elsie MacLeod, Raymond McKee, Alice Washburn.

Info: Slapstick comedy about two villains trying to get the hero’s money. Early film for Gloria Swanson and Wallace Beery.

Info: Exciting Western drama about a wolf and a greenhorn prospector and his girl who have to deal with a claim jumper with evil intentions. Charles Farrell, June Marlowe.

Also check out other Entertainment events in Gardiner, Festivals in Gardiner.