* Tampa Theatre, coming off that uber successful, long run (Christmas Day to post-Valentine’s Day) with “The Artist,” hopes to capitalize on increased interest in silent movies by showing the 1926 silent classic “The Black Pirate” this Sunday. The 3:00 showing will be accompanied by the Mighty Wurlitzer Theatre Organ. It will be preceded by lobby photo-ops with members of Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla.
But “The Black Pirate” isn’t just any silent classic. It literally premiered at Tampa Theatre on Oct. 17, 1926–just two days after TT’s grand opening. The movie stars Douglas Fairbanks–and features the pioneering use of the two-tone Technicolor process.
“This, of course, is the perfect setting to watch silents,” underscored and understated Tara Schroeder, TT’s communications director.
By the way, “The Artist,” which finished its TT run on Wednesday, entertained nearly 10,000 patrons and topped out at 40 days–even more than past blockbusters: “The King’s Speech,” “Amelie,” “Brokeback Mountain” and “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.”
* Look for historic Tampa Theatre, which annually hosts more than 600 events–including concerts, lectures, graduations and field trips–to be the venue for one or more events during the GOP National Convention in August. TT is working with the GOP Host Committee, which matches events and venues, and should know by June.