By Mary O’KEEFE

Once again, movie night at Two Strike Park on Saturday was a “silent” success. There is something unique about watching a movie outdoors and hearing nothing but live music accompanying the film … and laughter.

Silent film projectionist and historian Joe Rinaudo gave a brief presentation to the audience about the films they would be seeing and added notes of interest for moviegoers to watch for.

“You’ll see a couple chasing the train,” he said. “The woman tumbles and is pulled to the ground. That is not a woman – it is Buster Keaton.”

Buster Keaton was known in his comedies for his deadpan expression, but perhaps more importantly for his amazing stunts and talent in what was then a new industry – movie making.

The movies shown on Saturday were comedies with one exception, “A Trip to the Moon,” the 1902 science fiction film by Georges Méliés.

The evening was even more special by the birthday celebration of moviegoer Jim Luna. He turned 70 years old and enjoyed a celebration with family, friends and everyone in the audience. “Happy Birthday” was sung several times, between films. Luna said this was the best birthday he ever had and that was before the presentation of not one but two birthday cakes.

Silent Movie Night is sponsored each year by the Historical Society of the Crescenta Valley.

  Mary Okeefe