Not So Silent Movie

About

Silent movies weren't silent - musicians provided the mood!

Enjoy gems from the silent movie era while Nate Otto provides the sound on his fully restored, historic Fotoplayer - a player piano, pipe organ and percussion set all in one.This unique instrument was developed in the 19 teens specifically to provide music and sound effects for silent movies shown in movie houses. In a span of about 18 years between 8,000 and 12,000 of these instruments were produced, but only around 12 are known to be playable today - including the one that Nate restored and will provide the music on April 24.

Come listen and learn about an almost extinct musical art form.

Showing:

Oswald the Lucky Rabbit in Sky Scrappers (1928)

Charlie Chaplin's Pay Day (1922)

Meet the Restorer: Nate Otto

Owner of Rum River Restoration, local Anoka resident, Nate, brings new life to the past by restoring and repairing player pianos. He reflects "There's something magical about reviving an old instrument and giving it new life." In order to bring the instruments back into working order, he works on the mechanical wood, electrical, and pneumatic components himself in his workshop.