As part of the Doors Open Days festival in Glasgow, this year there was the opportunity to see a very special film. At Pollockshaws Burgh Hall the Buster Keaton silent classic Sherlock Jr. was screened. What made this even more special was that it was featured a live organ accompaniment by Gordoon Cree.
The film stars Keaton in the role of a man with a mission. He works at a local movie theatre as a projectionist and general dogsbody but is training, with the aid of a handy manual, to become a famous detective. While trying to woo his girl, he gets accused of stealing her father’s pocket watch. Unknown to him it is in fact his girl’s other suitor who has set him up. Banned from seeing her again he is distraught. While back at work he falls asleep in the projection booth and he dreams he is in the film that is screening. He has become Sherlock Jr, the famed detective who can solve any case.
Keaton is well remembered for his physical brand of comedy. Here the film starts slowly with a build up of the plot before any of the action really takes place. Once established the story is used for some quite outrageous stunts to be brought to the screen. With his deadpan demeanor, Keaton is fantastic in the role of the down at heel and lovelorn lead. As with the majority of his work it is in the timing, both physical and comedic. When we get to see him perform in the extended chase sequence in the last third of the film, it is a marvel to see.
What contributed to the presentation was the addition of the live accompaniment by the organist Gordon Cree. As explained during the introduction, an organ was once there in the early days of cinema when these types of halls were used for screenings. The Scottish Cinema Organ Trust arranged for the present one to be brought into the hall and used for the very same reason as well as regular concerts and dances.
The sound that came out from behind the screen was astonishing. With a full range of organ sounds as well as a multitude of special effects, the music more than complimented the presentation. It helped drive the story along and gave an extra depth to the story and the fellings the characters were trying to express using only visuals.
Overall, a unique presentation and an experience I am only too keen to repeat.
For more information on the only working cinema organ in Scotland please go to www.scottishcinemaorgantrust.org.uk/
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