[Snowflake]

Okay, I was SO there for this event. I'm really glad I went. The afternoon program was hosted by Russell Merrit and they screened 8 Silly Symphonies, only one of which I had seen before (Skeleton Dance). I really enjoyed seeing the progression from 1929 to 1935. By the time we got to Musicland (something of which I'd always wanted to see based on the gorgeous concept art in "The Art of Walt Disney") I was totally blown away. This program really made me want to see many more of the Silly Symphonies.

After the screening there was a panel discussion with Russell Merrit, J.B. Kaufman, Neal Gabler, Jere Guldin (of UCLA) and Leslie Iwerks which was informative, fascinating and humourous, too.

After the panel discussion, who was in front of me in line for autographs? Our Mousepodding master, Jesse, naturally. It was great to say hello and spend a few minutes catching up. Thanks again for the Mousepod pin! I'm wearing it proudly.

Then, I had the great pleasure to be part of a nice dinner party since one of my dearest friends came to town for the weekend screening, and also happens to be vry good friends with both Russell Merrit and J.B. Kaufman. So, a whole group including Mr. Merrit and Mr. Kaufman ended up at Catch for dinner (after a time killing visit to the Twin Peaks bar). Everyone could not be more friendly and I've made some lovely new friends out fo this dinner, not the least of which was the totally charming and unassuming J.B. Kaufman. Both he and Russell have agreed to join me for a Stolen Moments podcast in 2007, to promote the Silly Symphony book and to (no doubt) talk about Walt in Wonderland and animation in general. I'm not sure when exactly this will happen, but I will as soon as I know.

The evening screening was, in a word, totally awesome. The film was the 1927 version of Chicago. One of the few independently produced films of Cecil B. DeMille (it was not directed by DeMille, thank heaven) and it was a terrific film in every respect. Phylis Haver was Roxie Hart and Victor Varconi was Amos Hart (both names I am sure you are quite familiar with, tongue firmly in cheek here). Haver was more than a little over the top, but in this case it totally worked. The film had a slight tongue in cheek manner and quite a bit of sarcastic humor, so her over the top flapper muderess was perfect. Rather than have the great Dennis James play the organ, the film was scored by the Baker-Mehling Hot Five, and they were. Using mostly period tunes from the 1920's, they supported the film and made this one of my silent film highlights. The print, from UCLA, was gorgeous and from a first generation negative. Spectacular from start to finish