What’s Happening at the library: A classic Charlie Chaplin silent film
By John Maruskin
Clark County Public Library
The Ron Kibbey Comedy Classic film for November is fab.
At 6 p.m. Tuesday, Ron will show “The Kid,” a 1921 silent comedy-drama written directed, starring, and produced by Charles (Charlie) Chaplin.
The film features Jackie Coogan (TV Addams Family’s Uncle Fester) as The Kid.
“The Kid” was Chaplin’s first full-length film as director. It was a huge success, the second-highest-grossing film in 1921. It cost $250,000 to make and grossed $5.5 million at the box office, at 5 cents a ticket.
In 2011, “The Kid” was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as “culturally, historically and aesthetically significant.”
Innovative in its combination of comedic and dramatic elements, “The Kid” is widely considered one of the greatest films of the silent era.
The story follows a baby boy abandoned after his father leaves his mother. The child is found by a tramp who takes pity on him.
Five years pass, the boy helps the tramp earn money by breaking windows which the tramp repairs.
When the kid becomes ill, a physician realizes the tramp is not his father and notifies the authorities. The kid and the tramp escape, and then …
I won’t tell you how the movie ends. Come enjoy it yourself.
Ron Kibbey’s Comedy Classics are free and open to the public.
Ron gives a short introduction about the film. A Golden Era cartoon precedes each film.
If you are a fan of classic cinema, ever wondered about silent films or if you know how brilliant silent cinema was, watching “The Kid” will be a great experience.
Bring your friends. Free soft drinks and popcorn. Registration suggested, but not required.
See how much silence feels.
Reference librarian Jennifer Mattern offers pop-up programs at the front of the library.
Go to the pillar behind the first catalog laptop just inside the foyer doors. You will see a blue poster that reads: “Would you rather have dinner with your favorite author or your favorite character? Make your selection by telling us whom you would choose.”
On the poster, there are pink hearts for your answers. This program is just for fun, but keep an eye on that pillar. In October, Jennifer awarded a $10 gift certificate to Frank’s Donuts for the best six-word horror story.
Other programs next week?
— At 11 a.m. Monday, Pageturner’s Book Group: “The Honey Bus,” by Meredith May. When she was 5, a honeybee crawled on Meredith May’s arm for the first time. That encounter was terrifying and exhilarating, and in that moment she discovered everything she needed to know about life and family was right before her eyes, in the secret world of bees. Books are available at the circulation desk.
— At 2 p.m. Monday, chair yoga taught by Kathy Howard, a certified Yoga Alliance instructor. $5 per class
— At 6 p.m. Tuesday, Winchester Writers. They welcome beginning writers or published authors.
— At 2 p.m. Wednesday, Kentucky Picture Show features a 2019 drama. After his arrest for the murder of a white classmate, a young black man’s father fights in court for his son’s vindication. Against all odds, they embrace their undying trust in each other and find faith in God. Rated PG-13.
— At 7 p.m. Wednesday, trivia at the Engine House Pizza Pub.
—At 9:15 a.m. Thursday, gentle yoga taught by Kathy Howard, $5 per class.
— At 10 a.m. Friday, Write Local. Local writers discuss works in progress.
— From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Outside the Lines Adult Coloring. Be vivid.
John Maruskin is director of adult services at the Clark County Public Library. He can be reached at john.clarkbooks@gmail.com.