2025 Kansas Silent Film Festival Wrap-up

2025 PROMO | PROGRAM | NOTES | KSFF HOME |

Denise Morrison, film commentator

Live Musical
Accompaniment by:
Ben Model, piano & organ
Mont Alto Motion Picture Orchestra
Jeff Rapsis, piano
Marvin Faulwell, organ
Bill Beningfield, organ
Bob Keckeisen, percussion 


   

Special Guest:
Scott Eyman,  biographer of movie actors & celebrities, was our Guest of Honor for KSFF 2025. Scott's biography is posted on our NOTES PAGE.

Our 2025 event was held on February 29 - March 1-- Fri. afternoon & evening & all day Sat. @ White Concert Hall on the Washburn University campus, Topeka, KS 

February 29 & March 1, 2025

   Photo sections:

Our thanks go to event photographers
Karl Mischler, Jane Bartholomew, Richard Bartholomew, Bruce Calvert, Carol Yoho, Bill Shaffer and attendees who offered use of specific photos of our event.

Bruce Calvert and  Jim Reid helped run 16mm projectors at this event...and Bruce Calvert also filled two display cases with silent film collectables supporting the 2025 program schedule.

Bruce Calvert shared his review of the 2025 KSFF festival on his  "NitrateVille" web site.

2025 Festival Comments:

Jackie Gfeller
Brock, Nebraska
   Well, you and the team did it again! Another great year with wonderful selections! My 17-year-old was amazed at the cringeworthy spots and it was wonderful to see that he hasn't got a bigoted bone in his body! He was sharp on the fact that the culture was different, and that we still have a ways to go! And THE ENCHANTED COTTAGE spoke to him about not letting others destroy your self-image! It was amazing how perceptive he was. All of my dear ones enjoyed  themselves, and now they are getting next year's dates into their calendars for a return visit! I won't be sitting alone anytime soon! I am so blessed! AND your team blessed us all! Just know how much we appreciate it. Can't wait to see what you do with the next one! We are all looking forward! As always: KUDOS to the team! You knocked it out of the park! Love you all! 

Marcy Tintera
Lincoln, Nebraska
   Once again, thank you, your committee and volunteers for another great Silent Film Festival. The documentary was outstanding, and I loved "Mantrap" starring Clara Bow. Thanks again!!

Jim Rhodes
Topeka, Kansas
    A great job with the 28th!! I thought it was one of our best years. What did you think? Thanks, again.

David Jones
Hallsville, M. 65255 
   My name is David Jones. I attended this weekend for the first time. My cousin, Charles Herd of Coldwater, KS organized four of us to attend. Had a great time. Very well organized and run. I would like to be on the email/mailing list for next year.

Paul Post
    Bill - kudos to you and your board for another wonderful event. One of Topeka's Crown Jewels in my opinion.
   My only complaint is that the dinner was not as good as in prior years. The excellent speaker cured any deficiencies, however. Thanks.

Scott Eyman
West Palm Beach, FLA
   Yup, I'm up to my neck in dust jacket negotiating. You've built an amazing operation - the theater, the music, the films, the audience. Amazing organization and spirit. We loved every minute of it!

Bruce Calvert
Plano, Texas
    I had never seen MANTRAP with Clara Bow before. She was good, but I found the ending unbelievable. I have THE ENCHANTED COTTAGE on disc, but seeing it with a live score by the Mont Alto and with a big audience, it was even better!.

Jeff Rapsis
Bedford, New Hampshire
   Just a quick note to say thank you for all the effort that goes into pulling together the Kansas Silent Film Festival each year. Those of us who just blow in for the festival get to enjoy the fruits of months and months of work to make it all happen. It's very much appreciated.
Thank you.
   I thought everything went well this year and very much enjoyed the chance to see films that were new to me. Of the eight features, I had seen only three before!
   Looking forward to next year, when I promise Mrs. Rapsis will accompany me (for the first time since before the pandemic.) I saw in this year's program that the 2026 dates are already chosen but let us know if anything changes.
   Only 361 days until the next Kansas Silent Film Festival. We're counting the days...

Kelley Cox
Prairie Village, Kansas
   Oh, life has been very busy, and we just ran out of energy. We had meetings on Thursday, and a long day on Friday watching movies. (By the way I really enjoyed LADY WINDERMERE'S FAN). I saw Jane when I came in to release the dinner tickets. We might just go for Saturday next year, depending on how it goes. Thanks for checking on us. You seemed busier than usual this year, no worries on that. Probably will see you in October.

Rich Chamberlain
Shawnee, Kansas
   It was fantastic! The music was amazing, as were the films and dinner (wonderful menu, that dessert was so good). Favorite film? New experience goes to MANTRAP and A NIGHT IN THE SHOW with Charlie Chaplin (how have I never seen that one?). Favorite revisit goes to Harold Lloyd (AN EASTERN WESTERNER)  and Laurel & Hardy (THE SECOND HUNDRED YEARS)!

Tom Leising
Topeka, Kansas
   Again this year, your "labor of love" producing the 2025 Festival was so enjoyed and appreciated. The choice and sequence of films! The commentary by Denise and Scott! And all the music was the best it's ever been in my opinion.
   I was sorry to see it end! Thank you so much!
Set-up

We planned ahead to start our program at White Concert Hall, Washburn University for Friday afternoon (2/28).  Set-up started on Wednesday (2/26) with the annual adding of the KSFF banner at the concert hall front entrance with the help of KSFF crew members Bill Shaffer, Brian Sander and Concert Hall Tech Director, Brock Martin.
   Then crew began arriving during the week with part of our crew flying in from New York, etc. Musicians and KSFF crew assembled on Thursday evening (2/27) and Friday morning (2/28) in the concert hall and in the hall lobby.
   As is usual, Friday's preparing included stage set up, movie projection, setting tabs on the organ and accompaniment rehearsals. We also set-up a table for display of items for sale in the White Concert Hall lobby, including DVDs, Blu-rays and CDs plus books and silent-film-star custom-made jewelry.
   Ken Filardo again brought silent film projection equipment and set it up in the concert hall lobby, where he could demonstrate and explain to attendees how this year's 35mm silent film projector worked.
    Bruce Calvert brought silent film collectibles from Texas to use in two display cases, and he and Jim Reid set up 16mm projection equipment, so they could be prepared to project specific films at this event. Donor Candy Pfaltzgraf added the Chaplin statue and Laurel and Hardy figures.

Nice weather, early Friday morning before set-up startedFirst step was setting up tables and display itemsOur Display clip-boardKen Filardo brought in another set of silent film projection equipmentSilent film projection lensProjected silent film projected imageA view of the projector, lens, and projected image on a screenItems for-sale included movie-star jewelry again in 2025KSFF board member Melanie Lawrence took charge of setting up the 2025 Sales TableQuiet time at the lobby just prior to doors openingThese easels were set up to promote upcoming movie-showing, and were updated throughout the eventBruce Calvert brought silent film collectibles from Texas and filled two display cases. This is Display Case #1, left sideThis is Display Case #1, right sideDisplay case #2, left and centerDisplay case #2, center and rightThese are DVD silent movies displayed for sale, with recorded musical accompaniment

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KPR Promo Pianists and presenters of our event visited the Kansas Public Radio Live Performance Studio in Lawrence, KS, on Friday morning, Feb. 28, just prior to the beginning of our event. KPR Hostess was Cordelia Brown. A live radio-promotion of our yearly festival has happened many times...but, this year, photographer Karl Mischler also attended, capturing great images of the interviews! Those interviewed included KSFF Director, Bill Shaffer, Special Guest Scott Eyman, and Silent Film Accompanists Ben Model and Jeff Rapsis.
— A KPR Video of this event is available to watch online —

KSFF staff visit KPR in Lawrence on Friday afternoon for a promotional discussion of our event, which started on Friday afternoonOur guest speaker Scott Eyman, biographer of movie actors & celebrities, KPR hostess Cordelia Brown and President of KSFF Bill ShafferScott Eyman was interviewed personallyScott Eyman, with microphoneMusician Jeff Rapsis, accompaniest of many silent movies for KSFFJeff Rapsis plays both piano and digitally-improved organ-keyboard

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On-Stage:
White Concert Hall, Washburn University

Our event started at White Concert Hall, Washburn University, on Friday afternoon, February 28th, and continued there through the evening and all day on Saturday, March 1st, 2025.
   Film Historian Denise Morrison continued to introduce our films from the stage—her job for all 28 years of our live events. Live musical accompaniment was provided this year by The Mont Alto Motion Picture Orchestra - Rodney Sauer (piano/ leader), Britt Swenson (violin), Deborah Marshall (clarinet) and David Short (cello). Our other accompanists included  Jeff Rapsis (piano), Ben Model (organ and piano), Marvin Faulwell (organ), Bob Keckeisen (percussion) and Bill Beningfield (organ).
   Karl Mischler, here from New York City, took event photos and worked with KSFF director Bill Shaffer to manage the digital running of DVD projection from the theater's production-management booth, along the elevated back theater-wall. Brian Sanders also provided irreplaceable assistance.
   Jim Reid and Bruce Calvert, here from Texas, managed running projection for movies shown on 16mm film-reels.
   On Friday afternoon our special guest, author Scott Eyman took to the stage for an interview with Director Shaffer, introduced a film Friday night, autographed books during the break Saturday afternoon, and spoke about his encounters with many Hollywood celebrities at Saturday evening's 16th annual Cinema Dinner.

The 2025 KSFF Program on the lap of an attendeeJim Reid prepares to project a Friday afternoon movie on a film projector that was set-up in the auditoriumBill Beningfield sets-up to accompany "The Curtain Pole" on the White Concert Hall organBill Beningfield onstageFriday afternoon program beginsBill Beningfield accompanies a Slideshow WelcomeMarvin Faulwell (right) helps Ben Model set-up at the White Concert Hall organBen Model on-stage playing organBen Model accompanies "Valley of the Giants"KSFF President Bill Shaffer introduces his conversation on-stage with KSFF Guest Speaker Scott EymanBill Shaffer talks with event speaker Scott EymanBill and Scott, as seen from the rear of the stageBill and Scott converse about Scott's interest in actors and silent filmBen Model playing the stage-pianoDenise Morrison speaks at the podiumDenise Morrison onstage with the Mont Alto Motion Picture OrchestraImage #2 of Denise Morrison onstage with the Mont Alto Motion Picture OrchestraMont Alto Motion Picture Orchestra accompanies "The Johnstown Flood"More...Mont Alto Motion Picture Orchestra accompanies "The Johnstown Flood"Set-up for an accompaniment by Bob Keckeisen, percussion, and Marvin Faulwell, organ, for "A Girl in Every Post"Bill Beningfield and Erin Wood set-up to accompany the feature film "Lilac Time" on Friday afternoonMarvin Faulwell accompany "A Girl in Every Port" on the Mulvane organBob Keckeisen and Marvin Faulwell accompany "A Girl in Every Port"Bob Keckeisen and Marvin Faulwell take a bow after their accompanimentDenise Morrison welcomes the audience back for the Friday evening movie scheduleFriday evening attendeesJeff Rapsis accompanies "His New Mama"Guest Speaker Scott Eyman at the podiumScott Eyman speaksA dark image of the evening event from the back of White Concert Hall, a photo taken by Richard BartholomewMarvin Faulwell at the organMarvin Faulwell accompanies Buster Keaton in "The Balloonatic"Guest speaker Scott Eyman speaks Guest Speaker Scott Eyman introduces the showing of "Lady Windermere's Fan", directed by Ernst LubitschRodney Sauer, leader and pianist for Mont Alto Motion Picture Orchestra, speaks to the audienceMont Alto Motion Picture Orchestra accompanies "The Enchanted Cottage"Bob Keckeisen, percussion, and Marvin Faulwell, organ, accompany Saturday evenings feature performance of "Don Q: Son of Zorro" Bob Keckeisen, percussion, and Marvin Faulwell, organ, accompany Saturday evenings feature performance of "Don Q: Son of Zorro"Final bow of KSFF 2025 accompaniests as seen from the auditoriumFinal bow of KSFF 2025 accompaniests as they wave at the auditoriumFinal bow of KSFF 2025 accompaniestsAccompaniest enjoy a standing ovation

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Lobby Activity Chatting, shopping, relaxing and sharing took place in the lobby of White Concert Hall, Washburn University — our long-time location for the KSFF event. Volunteer Coordinator Zandra Myrick was back and working at the front desk with a variety of volunteers tending the lobby tables. And thanks to KSFF staffers for monitoring some of the lobby activities. Steadfast fans attending yearly make planning and presenting each Kansas Silent Film Festival worth the work. We extend our thanks to the many fans attending this year's event from Kansas, nearby Missouri, and many other states: north, south, east and west...across the U.S. —All are welcome!—

Easel shows off a prior event color poster...for saleBill Shaffer, KSFF President, is videotaped promoting our 28th annual KSFF event by WIBW-TV cameraman Eric IvesSales-tables are hosted by event volunteersJane Bartholomew and volunteers welcome guests and answer questions in the lobbyOur event's founder, Jim Rhodes (center) chats with attendees in the lobby Our long-time event logo, printed as color posters, are set into lobby windowsMore items were added to the "Free Table" throughout this year's eventRodney Sauer creates silent film calendar for many past years...and brought this year's calendar to give away for freeKarl Mischler, in Topeka from New York City, brought a jazzy suit to wear to the 16th Annual KSFF Cinema-DinnerKeith Goering, busy helping with the Keaton Celebration in Iola, KS, again attended our KSFF IN PERSON!Karl Mischler enjoys an Afternoon-Break treatLarry Sangless is an appreciated regular KSFF attendeeHarold Lloyd is featured on a lobby easel on Saturday afternoonAttendees often visit together in the lobby during event BreaksMuscian Jeff Model poses with dedicated KSFF attendees Kelly J Kitchens Wickersham and Wendy Mahaffey during a lobby-breakDavid Short, Deb Marshall and Britt Swenson performed with Rodney Sauer at this year's KSFFStaff member, volunteers, musicians and silent film lovers chat in the White Concert Hall lobbyGreat to see long-time event audience member: Tom _____Frank Scheide, in Topeka from Arkansas, chats with musician Ben ModelZandra Myrick populates a sales-table with volunteer Colin Roust.We were delighted that Phil Figgs could join us from Sebetha...and brought along his hand-cranked phonograph playerPhil's Victor phonographVictor phonograph labelPhil and his phonographPhil hand-cranked his phonograph and set the needle onto a vinyl recordVictor phonograph, in ACTIONPhil Figgs always SMILES!A line of attendees await getting an autograph from KSFF 2025 Guest Speaker Scott EymanScott Eyman signs copies of the many biographies he has writtenScott Eyman autographs books from ownersKarl Mischler captures photos of Scott Eyman and people in the book-signing lineBill Shaffer talks with silent movie fanKeith Goering, Frank Scheide and Kellee Pratt Scott Eyman, Bill Shaffer, and Scott's wife Lynn.Portriat photo of Logan LawrenceJane Bartholomew and Patty RinggenbergBill Shaff and Georgia SmithAfternoon sun shines into the lobby from the westAfternoon sun shines into the lobby from the westAttendees chat and check Sales TablesSaturday afternoon lobby-breakMelanie Lawrence and friend look at what is displayed in the lobbySun gets low in the western sky at Washburn University

Our special thanks go to Ken Filardo for sharing, this year, a 35mm silent film projector from his collection of antique motion picture equipment. He did demonstrations of its operation for our attendees in the White Concert Hall lobby throughout our event.

Ken Filardo, Picture 1Ken Filardo, Picture 2Ken Filardo's movie projectorKen Filardo shows an attendee how his projector functions

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16th Annual Cinema Dinner At our 16th annual Cinema Dinner attendees enjoyed good food, conversation and door prize give-aways. Music was performed by Harpist Robert Banks, who did a marvelous job filling in for regular harpist, Erin Wood. KSFF special guest Scott Eyman spoke at our 16th Annual Cinema Dinner on Saturday night about his work authoring definitive books about film actors and directors. The event was a "Sell Out" this year and all of our attendees seemed enthralled by Scott's stories. Our dinner space was full, with fans simply walking to Bradbury Thompson Alumni Center, just across the street from the White Concert Hall lobby (very convenient). 
—The festival committee appreciates the support of attendees of each festival's Cinema Dinner!—

Ready to dine are Kelly J Kitchens Wickersham, Melanie Lawrence and Wendy MahaffeyDinner line for buffetJeff Rapsis seems excited with meal choicesRobert Banks provides dinner music, using his harp while wearing a kiltHarpist Robert BanksOne guest's dinner plateOne guest's dessert plateReady for dinner are Lynn and Scott Eyman...BEFORE Scott moves to the podium to deliver his lectureDining table with avid event supportersSame table as viewed from behind, including Bruce Calvert, who took the photo to the left hereMany tables at the Cinema DinnerMeal table view #5Karl Miscler captures photos with a SERIOUS cameraKSFF President Bill Shaffer welcomes a full room of Cinema Dinner participantsBill had on a fun Buster Keaton necktieVarious staff members helped Bill distribute dinner Door PrizesDoorprize item 2Doorprize item 3Karl Mischler stays busy capturing photosKarl VENTS during doorprize sessionKSFF initiator, Jim Rhodes, speaks at the podiumKelly Erby, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Washburn University, speaks at the podiumBill Shaffer introduces Scott Eyeman, the evening's speakerScott Eyman at the podiumScott Eyman spoke of how he chooses subjects for his celebrity biographies and gave examples of silent film roots of some of themAttendees view a slide-presentation as Scott Eyman speaksSilent filmmakers in an image projected during Scott Eyman's lectureConversations in the room after Eyman's lectureThe sun begins to set through the window to the westPianist Jeff Rapsis poses for a really COOL dressed-up photo!Photo of the sun setting outside the window at Bradbury Thompson Alumni CenterKarl Mischler stepped outside as the sunset darkened in the westSunset-sky VIDEO at our 16th Annual Cinema Dinner, taken by Jane BartholomewCinema Dinner attendees crossed the street to begin the last evening of our 28th Anniversary of the Kansas Silent Film Festival

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Staff Staff devoted their time and efforts for the 2025 28th LIVE Kansas Silent Film Festival. The KSFF board members include Denise Morrison, Bill Shaffer, Jane Bartholomew, Zandra Myrick, Carol Yoho, Melanie Lawrence, Nancy Lawrence, and Brian Sanders . Help coming from out-of-state includes Karl Mischler (here from New York City taking photos and offering help in moving materials in a large rental van), and Bruce Calvert and Jim Reid (driving north to Kansas from Texas) and bringing 16 mm film projectors to show silent movies on film as parts of our program. Special thanks go to Washburn maintenance staff employee Mike Sershen in helping our event run smoothly at White Concert Hall, Washburn University.
    We depend on the talents of our musicians Marvin Faulwell, Bill Beningfield, and Bob Kecksisen. Musicians flying to Kansas from other states included Ben Model (from New York) and Jeff Rapsis (from New Hampshire) and the Mont Alto Motion Picture Orchestra (from Boulder, Colorado). We wish to extend special thanks to our festival initiator Jim Rhodes of Topeka (having started our event in 1996) who continues to support us in many ways as he attends each year in person.
—Many thanks to our dedicated staff and assistants!—

Ken Filardo again brought an antique film projector to show in the White Concert Hall LobbyBill Shaffer, "Our Fearless Leader"Denise Morrison has done a consistant job as Hostess on-stage of every KSFF eventJane Bartholomew hugs lobby-volunteer Mary Lee DolesWe HEART Mike Sershen, Concert Hall MaintenanceMelanie and KarlZandra Myrick is Director of our event VolunteersKarl Mischler and Brian Sanders, Production AssistantBoard member Carol Yoho with special help from Karl Mischler (in Topeka from New York City)Board members Melanie Lawrence and Marvin FaulwellRodney Sauer, leader and pianist for Mont Alto Motion Picture OrchestraJim Rhodes, founder of the Kansas Silent Film Festival in 1996Richard Bartholomew, Denise Morrison and Karl MischlerMelanie Lawrence, Bill Shaffer and Carol YohoOur staff took charge of everything that needed "doing"

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Volunteers

Zandra Myrick is our Board of Directors Volunteer Chair. Zandra and the entire board would like to thank our 2025 event volunteers who helped our staff by answering questions, selling merchandise, counting attendance arrivals, greeting fans and passing out programs. Special Thanks to Washburn University Mass Media Students who volunteered for several shifts. KSFF 2025 volunteers included: Colin Roust, Georgia Smith, Cohen Partain, Mary Lee Doles, Carol Rhodes, Rebekah McIntosh (WU), Susan Barker, Jim Loehr, and Kristen Hearrell.
—Thank you, All 2025 KSFF Volunteers!—

Volunteer Colin RoustVolunteer Georgia SmithVolunteer Cohen PartainsVolunteer Josie CuthbertsonVolunteers Carol RhodesVolenteer Rebekah McIntosh, Diector Zandra Myrick & Volunteer Carol RhodesBlair Tarr and Enid Stendebach

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Meals on-the-go The many board members, talent and helpers for this event, met early and late for special meals as they organized, set-up and, later, took down equipment, displayed items and merchandise display tables that were made available for this event. The meals were managed (and, in some cases COOKED by) board member Nancy Lawrence, who also schlepped coolers and boxes to at least three venues. Our thanks to Thai Table, Luis' Place, Bobo's Drive-In, Hog Wild BBQ, and Iron Rail Brewery for assistance with the meals.
—Our thanks to all talent and helpers for their efforts and comradery!—

Thai Table Buffet 1Thai Table Buffet 2Thai Table Buffet 3Thai Table Buffet 4Thai Table Buffet 4Karl MischlerBuffet, organized by Nancy Lawrence, served over lunch hour in Lobby, White Concert Hall, Washburn UniversityA second lunch buffet served at White Concert Hall LobbySunday breakfast, Iron Rail Brewery, Kansas Av.Lots of seats used at Iron Rail BreweryIron Rail Brewery

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Clean-up

Standard procedure is to clean up and haul everything away on Sunday after each festival. With good help, cleaning up at White Concert Hall and moving items away works smoothly.

PLEASE NOTE: We were pleased to bring to life our 28th LIVE KSFF in 2025 and plan to do so again for our 29th event in 2026. The dates are Friday - February 27th and Saturday - February 28th, 2026.

—We hope that our festival will continue to happen LIVE well into the future!—