GRAND RAPIDS — The Grand Rapids Town Hall Committee and Historical Society of Grand Rapids have announced that a silent movie is returning to the historic Grand Rapids Town Hall.
“The Kid Brother” starring Harold Lloyd will be shown at 7 p.m. in the auditorium of the town hall on Feb. 17. The movie will be accompanied by Lynne Long.
Harold Clayton Lloyd Sr. (1893-1971) was an American actor, comedian, and stunt performer who appeared in many silent comedy films, and “The Kid Brother” was considered one of his best. It was filmed in 1927 and proved to be very successful upon release and remains popular today.
The movie integrates elements of comedy, romance, drama, and character development. Lloyd’s films often contain “thrill sequences” like extended chase scenes and daredevil physical feats. He plays Harold Hickory, the gentle son of a prominent lawman, who lives in the shadow of his rough-and-tumble brothers. A traveling medicine show rolls into town and brings with it excitement, the possibility of love, and a chance for Harold to prove that he’s a real Hickory.
Lynne E. Long, a cum laude graduate of BGSU in piano performance, has maintained a private piano studio in her home for over 50 years. She has been a member of the Ohio Music Teachers’ Association for many years and holds a Permanent Professional Certificate. She was a charter member of the Fayette Arts Council and also the Grand Rapids Arts Council. She served as a church organist for over 25 years and worked as a paralegal and court administrator in the Fulton and Wood County Common Pleas courts for 23 years.
As a trustee of the Historical Society of Grand Rapids, she coordinates the “Rhythm on the River” music series in the summers. Currently, Long accompanies silent movies at four different venues. Over 70 songs are incorporated into the accompaniment for this entertaining film.
The Town Hall Committee is a group of concerned and hard-working citizens who want to bring back programs and theatre productions to this historic building. Built in 1898, the building was used for plays, musicals, vaudeville shows, traveling medicine shows, teen center, and high school graduations. The facility was updated for the bicentennial celebration in 1976.
Tickets are $10 and are available at the Village Orchard in Grand Rapids, at the door, or call 419-206-1512. All proceeds will go toward town hall improvements. A special feature will be chocolate door prizes donated by The Village Orchard.
