2014 poster collage

2014 PROMO | PROGRAM | NOTES | KSFF HOME |
Eighteenth Annual Kansas Silent Film Festival

Held February 28 & March 1, 2014, at White Concert Hall on the Washburn University campus, Topeka, Kansas.

Our thanks go to event photographers
Larry/Enid Stendebach, Karl Mischler, Jane Bartholomew,
Greg/Melodie Foreman & Carol Yoho.
—Choose a photo to see the larger version—

2014 Festival Comments:

Arnold Lozano, www.charliechaplin.com
Paris, FRANCE:

Charlie Chaplin100 years as the Little Tramp
"Thanks for sending us your lovely brochures. We received them today." 3/13/2014

Jay & Jane Mathisrud, Minneapolis, MN:

"Thanks to all for another great film festival. It was our 10th straight year in attendance."

Scott Garten, Maryville, MO:

"I'm surely glad we made it to the festival this year: two or three highlights- the only Will Rogers movie I have seen so far, and the first and last manifestations of Charlie Chaplin's Little Tramp."

Jackie & Bob Gfeller, Brock, NE:

"Fabulous job by ALL to give great joy and family traditions a good place to form! Awesome and THANK YOU TO ALL! It was great to be able to help your volunteers! They are an awesome and fun bunch of folks....You guys are all the Cats Pajamas!"

Paul Post,
Topeka, KS:

"Another great festival! Thanks to you and your board."

Jeff & Sue Rapsis,
New Hampshire:

"Just a quick word to say thanks to everyone once again for a great silent film festival! We're always impressed by all the work and effort that everyone puts into making each year a success, and we're delighted to play a small part in helping things come together. "
Sue and I made it back to New Hampshire on Sunday with no problems. We hope spring comes to everyone real soon!"

Rodney Sauer,
Boulder, CO:

"And thanks from us as well! We had some pretty hairy weather between Salina and Oakley...but we all arrived home safely. We loved hearing the other musicians work for as long as we were able to be there, but missed not being at the dinner and the evening shows. Next year we'll plan to stay until the end! Please arrange the weather accordingly :-)"

Marcy Tintera,
Lincoln, NE:

"Well, your committee did it again....planned and organized a wonderful weekend of films. Many, many thanks to everyone who helped with this event. Wish I lived closer so that I could be a part of it all. I'm already looking forward to next year!"

Gladys Grisell,
Topeka, KS:

"Just want to say thanks for another great Silent Film Festival. ...As usual the dinner was delicious. We will be looking forward to next year and hope we will be able to attend."

Marge & Barney Heeney,
Topeka, KS:

"What a wonderful opportunity for us to see the best of Topeka, our university and the well-tuned citizens who with knowledge of the silentsand lots of energy gave us a million dollar festival. The Saturday evening program was WOW! The film, meal and the give-aways kept our interest at 100%. It's my desire more locals learn about this fantastic weekend."

Bruce Calvert,
Dallas, TX:

"Thanks for a great weekend. I really enjoyed this year's festival. It was the perfect mix of films that had already seen and films that were new to me. The music was great as usual. The Cinema Dinner had great food and Jeff did a good job with his presentation. The snow made driving home on Sunday miserable."

Robin Gandy,
DeSoto, KS:

"What a wonderful time we had at the Silent Film Festival last weekend! I've been a history geek my whole life and often like to imagine what day-to-day life was like for people at different times in the past. Sitting in the dark hall, being part of a crowd, and hearing the live accompaniment gets me so close to being in a movie audience of the time that it occasionally gives me goosebumps. It's sometimes a tiny bit disconcerting when the lights come on and it's not really 1925. I can only imagine the amount of work you put into this each year, but the results are just wonderful. And by 'you' I mean the whole KSFF group, of course."

Louise Langberg,
St. Paul, MN:

Thanks again for a great party!  I had a lovely trip!  I'm glad that the turnout was so good! The place was packed on Friday night!

Jackie Gfeller,
Brock, NE:

Thanks so much! We are still basking in the afterglow of the festival!

Jeff Rapsis comments on his "Silent Film Music" blog..

Visit Greg Foreman's photos of 2014 KSFF [on Facebook, requires login.]

Visit Carol Yoho's photos of 2014 KSFF. [Carol constructed this page, photo collage and KSFF logo.]

Visit NitrateVille, a site run by Bruce Calvert, to read comments on the 2014 KSFF.

Weather Karl left back east to come to Kansas
above: Weather Karl left back Easst to come to the 2014 Kansas Silent Film Festival.
Special thanks to these major donors for help with the 2014 festival:
Washburn University
KWTU, PBS

 

 
Set-up

On-site work began on Friday, Feb. 28, with the set-up of the audiorium and lobby spaces. Music rehearsals were a part of preparation.. Weather was mild on Friday afternoon. Staff has worked together for several years, and the set-up went smoothly.

Setting Charlie Chaplin in the display caseTrevor and Larry place the cover on the caseWind-up Charlie Chaplin and Bill Shaffer, criticTrevor and Larry place the cover on the caseTrevor and Larry place the cover on the caseTrevor and Larry place the cover on the caseJewelry display is nearly readyMelanie Lawrence steadies the tripodJim Rhodes, Enid Stendebach, Jane Bartholomew and Larry Stendebach check figuresEnid and Jane check book and movie box inventory16 mm movies for sale and books for saleMelanie Lawrence and display casesTables are skirted and readyRodney, Denise and Jane chat Larry Stendebach and Marvin Faulwell get started cutting out Buster Keaton stand-up while Mary Faulwell observesMarvin Faulwell, chief-of-the-boxcutterMarvin is finishing edgesMarvin's aftermathBuster stands!Bill and Larry help with KSHS display caseBlair Tarr, Kansas State Historical Society archivist, arranges display itemsRare London After Midnight posterThe Texan stars Gary CooperClara Kimball Young give-away plateBlair Tarr fine-tunes the displayBen-Hur posterThe Phantom of the OperaUnder the Yoke, with Theda BaraChaplin in Modern TimesTrevor and Larry place the cover on the caseTrevor and Larry place the cover on the caseBeginning the mounting of our Kansas Silent Film Festival banner outside White Concert HallKarl Mischler climbs onto the porch roofKarl and Trevor do the heavy work while Melanie directsCarol and Trevor hold the foot ropesComments box is readyView from the staircaseHard-workers take a restBruce CalvertBruce Calvert plans his displayColleen Moore, plus a letter she signed to a fanThe Perfect Flapper stars Colleen MooreVarious black and white still photosStan Laurel surveys his view of the lobby

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On-stage Talent

Film Historian Denise Morrison introduced our films from the stage. Live music was provided this year by Jeff Rapsis (piano), Marvin Faulwell (organ), Bob Keckeisen (percussion), and the Mont Alto Motion Picture Orchestra, whose members include Rodney Sauer (piano), Britt Swenson (violin), David Short (cello), Brian Collins (clarinet) and Dawn Kramer (trumpet). Chaplin's Modern TImes was introduced on Saturday evening by Lisa Stein Haven. Festival director Bill Shaffer was also seen often onstage as he coordinated efforts and ran DVD projection.

Denise introduces Friday night filmsDenise and the Mont Alto Motion Picture OrchestraMarvin Faulwell plays for Ella CindersDenise at the podiumBob Keckeisen and Marvin Faulwell take a bowDenise Morrison introduces Saturday morning fareMont Alto Motion Picture Orchestra tunes upRodney Sauer on keyboardBrian Collins, clarinet, with Dawn Kramer, trumpet Rodney Sauer and Mont Alto Orchestra are about to play for Souls for SaleMid-performance, The Pasty AMid-performance, The Pasty BMid-performance, The Pasty CMid-performance, The Pasty DMid-performance, The Pasty EMid-performance, The Pasty FMont Alto Orchestra stands for a bowMont Alto Motion Picture Orchestra, plus instrumentsMont Alto Motion Picture Orchestra, mid-bowMid-performance, Souls for Sale FMid-performance, Souls for Sale FJeff Rapsis and Bob Keckeisen take a bow after performing for Saturday morning cartoonsMarvin Faulwell at the White Concert Hall organMarvin takes a bowDeniise Morrison welcomes fans back on Saturday eveningBill Shaffer, our DVD projectionistLisa Stein Haven introduces Charles Chaplin in Modern Times, Saturday eveningLisa Stein Haven, Jeff Rapsis, Bob Keckeisen and Marvin Faulwell take a festival closer bow
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The House

In the concert hall Richard Every served as 16mm film projectionist again in 2014. Lyle Waring is on Washburn University music department staff as Facility Technician II. He runs the concert hall and helps in every way with on-stage setup, sound and lighting for the entire duration of our festival. Trevor Jost and Karl Mischler help out with stage work also.

Trevor talks with Rchard Every, projectionist Richard Every points to the projector's lenseMarvin Faulwell rehurses film accompanimentJim Reid hangs out with projectionist Richard EveryNice crowd of 430 for Friday evening's showLyle Waring at the podium Lyle Waring moves walls onstageTech guys talk over tech stuff16mm projector in actionMarvin Faulwell reshurses at the White Concert Hall organRodney Sauer and Jeff Rapsis in their presentation outfits, with red tiesRare curtains closed situationTevor looks from catwalk down at Denise introducing moviesTrevor looks down from catwalk at Marvin playing the organ for a filmStage set up as seen from catwalkStage setup as seen from house

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Lobby Activity

Chatting, shopping, relaxing and sharing in the lobby of White Concert Hall, Washburn University, Topeka, Kansas. Our thanks go to P.T.'s Coffee House. They furnished hot coffee, for a $2/cup donation, at the afternoon break on Saturday afternoon.

Friday afternoon was sunny and mildCharlie seemed ready for his close-upSilent movie videos for purchaseMovie star jewelry for sale, made by Eryn Leedale MerwartDressing for the ocassionFan with programSales table activitySaturday a.m. activityJeff Rapsis, NH, greets Rodney Sauer, COHappy fan with programHannah from P.T.s Coffee House offers hot coffee purchases at Saturday afternoon breakChecking the adsMeredith Riggs and Trevor JostJohn Kelso chats about movies with a fellow fanDavid Short, Brian Collins, Rodney Sauer, Britt Swenson, Dawn KramerAttendees enjoy displayCrowd scene ACrowd scene BCrowd scene CLeaving the auditorium on breakNorthern section of the White Concert Hall lobbyDisplay case catches the eyes of generationsCrowd scene DChaplin characters greet Saturday evening crowdEveryone is about to head home, Saturday evening

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6th Annual Cinema Dinner

This sixth annual Cinema Dinner was the first to SELL OUT, which pleased those who planned the event. Attendees enjoyed good food, door prize give-aways, a discussion by Jeff Rapsis of a Mary Pickford film found in a barn in New Hampshire (Their First Misunderstanding) and a showing of the film with Jeff accompanying live on piano. Two Charlie Chaplin look-alikes, mother and daughter Gina Reilly and Christina Khan, lead the procession back across the street from dinner at Bradbury Thompson Center to White Concert Hall for the Saturday evening program.

Table settingTable setting BMelanie Lawrence, hostess, dressed as a flapperMelanie's shoesGreeting dinner guestsJune WindscheffelMom and Cassidy Pomeroy, Mary Pickford-dressed-alike daughterChristina Khan and Gina Reilly, Chaplin look-alikes, with Cassidy Pomeroy, Mary Pickford look-alikeChaplin doll give-away itemJane Bartholomew and Enid StendebachCarol Yoho and Jane BartholomewSold-out crowd, 6th Annual Cinema DinnerAttendees await a turn at the buffet table; wait staff stands ready to helpView across the roomJeff and Susan Rapsis, in Topeka from New HampshirePickford photo as cinema bonus Lousie Langberg attends from St. Paul, MNPercussionist Bob Keckeisen at the dinner tableDoor prize give-away itemsChristina Khan and Gina Reilly, Chaplin impersonators Chaplin does his rolls-danceChaplin impersonators at the dining hall doorGuests wait their turns at the buffet line AGuests wait their turns at the buffet line BBuffet line Buffet line BTrevor Jost in the buffet lineMarge Murray with dinnerMore buffet lineJeff Rapsis speaker notes and Mary Pickford biography bookJane, Susan (hidden) and Denise listen to Bill's after-dinner greetingsJeff Rapsis with Charlie Chapline give-away dollJane interacts with boxBill Shaffer welcomes sold-out crowdLarry and Carol hold up The Kid, a poster to give awayK.J. Holthus wins The Kid poster; Carol Yoho delivers the prizeK.J. Holthus wins The Kid poster; Carol Yoho delivers the prizeK.J. Holthus wins The Kid poster; Carol Yoho delivers the prizeK.J. Holthus wins The Kid poster; Carol Yoho delivers the prizeK.J. Holthus wins The Kid poster; Carol Yoho delivers the prizeK.J. Holthus wins The Kid poster; Carol Yoho delivers the prizeJeff Rapsis discusses the newly found Mary Pickford film, Their First MisunderstandingJeff Rapsis plays for Pickford lost film, Their First MisunderstandingCharlie Chaplins are ready to lead crowd across the street to see Chaplin moviesCharlie Chaplins are ready to lead crowd across the street to see Chaplin moviesCharlie Chaplins are ready to lead crowd across the street to see Chaplin moviesWinter mix greets patrons as they cross the street to White Concert Hall

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Fans

Steadfast fans make planning and presenting each Kansas Silent Film Festival worth the work. This year we were pleased to have an excellent crowd (430 attendees) on Friday evening and good audience counts on Saturday despite winter storm predictions. It did snow on Saturday evening, although accumulation was not as serious as had been predicted. The 2013-14 winter has been a long one and everyone is ready for some spring-like weather!

Enid, Greg, Larry and MelodieRobin Figgs checks in with Larry StendebachLouise wears her Louise Brooks earrings and necklaceJames Erickson from Wichita and Herb Miller from the Kansas City areaKarl Mischler and Herb MillerSaturday evening attendees peruse books for saleMarilyn Schroeder donated a brochure about Colleen Moore's doll houseMr. Haven, Lisa Stein Haven and Keith Goering are friends from the Keaton Celebration, Piqua, KS Rhoda Wisman and Bill ShafferFilm discussionAnn McFerrin and Herb MillerJohn Kelso, in Topeka from WichitaMarvin Faulwell with _____Making purchases, or considering making purchasesGreg and Melodie ForemanGreg and Melodie Foreman with film fan friendsGreg Foreman with Denise MorrisonGreg Foreman, Bill Shaffer and Melodie ForemanBritt Swenson, Melodie Foreman and Dawn KramerGreg Foreman and friendMelodie Foreman, Charles Chaplin and Greg ForemanBill Shaffer with ____Keith Goering enjoys displayMore attendees peruse books for saleChatting in the lobbyWinner of Cinema Dinner's biggest door prizeMother and son bundle up to head home in the winter storm, Saturday evening

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Staff

Those devoting their time and efforts for the 2014 festival were Denise Morrison, Bill Shaffer, Jane Bartholomew, Karl Mischler, Trevor Jost, Larry & Enid Stendebach, Lyle Waring, Jim Rhodes, Marvin Faulwell, Jeff & Susan Rapsis, Carol Yoho, Melanie Lawrence, Marj and Ragen Murray, Bruce Calvert and Jim Reid. Many thanks to our dedicated staff and assistants!

Jane Bartholomew gets a surprise Jane BartholomewEnid and Larry StendebachBill Shaffer, our fearless leaderKarl Mischler, Jim Rhodes and Carol YohoTrevor Jost lifts the tailTrevor Jost in his Keaton hatTrevor Jost is all dressed up on Friday nightKarl Mischler and camera 1Karl Mischler as flapperKarl Mischler and camera 2Jackie Gfellers, Melanie Lawrence, Enid and Larry Stendebach, Greg Foreman, Jane Bartholomew and Karl MischlerMelanie LawrenceBill Shaffer and Carol YohoJim Reid and Richard EveryStaff chat in the lobby on Friday nightCarol Yoho with Mike Sershen, from Washburn maintenance staffMike Sershen and Enid StendebachRichard Every, our 16mm projectionsitLyle Waring takes to the stage, soloMarge and Regan Murray/

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Volunteers

Melanie Lawrence is our Board of Directors Volunteer Chair. Melanie and the entire board would like to thank this year's volunteers who helped our staff by answering questions, selling merchandise, counting attendance arrivals, greeting fans and passing out programs. Thank you, 2014 KSFF volunteers!

Back row is Zandra Myrick, Jackie Gfellers, Jim Rhodes, Larry Stendebach. In front are Jane Vartholomew and Karl Mischler.Behind the counter_____ and Richard A. BrownNancy Lawrence______Jackie Gfellers___________ and Richard A. BrownMelanie Lawrence, volunteer chair, wih ____

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Meals Out — Bobo's Drive-In and beyond...

At the counter at Bobo's on set-up dayJeff and Susan arrive at Bobo'sBuffett provided by New City CafeFriday supperLarry Stendebach and ____Nancy Lawrence, Carol Yoho, Melanie Lawrence, with Trevor Jost's foreheadBiran Collins, Jeff Rapsis and David ShortEnid Stendebach, Bill Shaffer, Larry Stendebach and Our party host, Raj Gupta, and family helper at Best Western Inn, Fairlawn Rd., plus Jim Reid These folks helped at Best Western Inn with our Friday evening gatheringSaturday lunch from Papa John'sAfterglowMarvin provides a little music to party bySunday morning at Capitol PlazaKarl Michler, Melanie Lawrence, Herb Miller, Jeff and Susan Rapsis

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