Film Screening with Live Music. The Phantom Carriage

Join the American Music Research Center and the International Film Series for a silent film featuring live music by the Mont Alto Motion Picture Orchestra, directed by CU Boulder alumnus Rodney Sauer. “The Phantom Carriage” tells the story of a ghostly carriage driver who forces a drunken man to look back at his wasted life on New Year’s Eve. This film screening and accompanying live performance of the score celebrate Sauer’s recent gift of silent film scores from the Grauman Theater Collection.

Event date and time:
Sunday, Nov. 17, 2 p.m.

Program:
The last person to die on New Year’s Eve before the clock strikes midnight is doomed to take the reins of Death’s chariot and work tirelessly collecting fresh souls for the next year. This story, based on a novel by Nobel Prize winner Selma Lagerlöf, concerns an alcoholic, abusive ne’er-do-well (Victor Sjöström) who is shown the error of his ways, and the pure-of-heart Salvation Army sister who believes in his redemption. This extraordinarily rich and innovative silent classic (which inspired Ingmar Bergman to make movies) is a Dickensian ghost story and a deeply moving morality tale, as well as a showcase for groundbreaking special effects and a key influence on “The Shining.”

Venue:
This event is presented in Muenzinger Auditorium.