PORTLAND – The Friends of the Kotzschmar Memorial Organ will show a screening of “Son of the Sheik” and “Double Whoopee” accompanied by guest organist Dennis James at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 13, in Merrill Auditorium.

“Son of the Sheik” is a 1926 film starring the legendary Rudolph Valentino in his most famous (and last) screen roles as both father and son. Valentino plays an aging sheik trying to prevent his son from pursuing a bewitching exotic dancer. The film is packed with action and romance, exotic escapism and, of course, a ride off into the desert.

“Double Whoopee,” a short comedy with Laurel and Hardy, was actress Jean Harlow’s screen debut.

Filmed in 1929, this short tells the comic story of Stan Laurel and Ollie Hardy receiving red-carpet treatment at a fancy New York hotel, where they were mistaken for visiting royalty.

It’s soon revealed that they are merely new employees. This film is best known for a scene in which the two manage to tear the back off Jean Harlow’s dress.

Guest organist is Dennis James, house organist for the El Capitan Theatre in downtown Hollywood and theater organist for the San Diego Symphony. For more than 30 years, James has played a pivotal role in the international revival of silent films presented with live music.

He has appeared with such popular film personalities as Vincent Price, Ray Bolger, Bob Hope, Red Skelton, Myrna Loy, Olivia DeHavilland, Ginger Rogers, Lillian Gish and Fay Wray.

Merrill Auditorium is in Portland City Hall; the auditorium entrance is at 20 Myrtle St. For more information or a full concert schedule, call (207) 883-9525 or visit the Friends’ Web site, www.foko.org.

Admission to this concert is by a suggested donation of $10.


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