Silent film classic ‘The General’

Cresco - It was nearly a full house on March 4 when the Cresco Opera House was used for what it was built for . . . having a live orchestra add to the excitement of a silent film shown on the big movie screen!

The Carthage Wind Orchestra from Carthage College in Kenosha, Wis. left nothing to the imagination when they played music to go along with the images on the screen of the classic silent film “The General” starring Buster Keaton.

Lime Springs native Jim Ripley was the conductor of the orchestra. He spoke a few words before the movie was shown. “This fits perfectly for this space. Obviously you have a lot of pride in this space.” He attributed the success of the six-day tour to his 34 musicians in the pit as well as five other members.

Ripley observed “The General” was probably shown in the theatre with piano or organ accompaniment. The Cresco Opera House was built in 1914, and the film was released in 1926.

One of the locals who was excited to see the performance was surprisingly only 19 years old. Cameron Krueger of Cresco explained, “It’s always been Turner Classic Movies. My dad watches it all the time. I’ve always loved the Buster Keaton old comedy slapstick.”

Krueger’s dad, Mike added, “To see a movie where it was meant to be shown . . . in the theatre and not on a TV screen. That’s good.”

Before playing in the opera house, the orchestra performed at Immanuel Lutheran Church. Orchestra members stayed in area homes.

One of those homes was the Yslases. Fifth grader C.J. Yslas said of the movie, “It’s awesome. I usually only just watch the talking ones. It’s really cool.” He added he could really hear the trumpet player, which is close to his heart, “because I play the trumpet.”

After the movie locals, many of whom grew up with Ripley, spoke with him. Patsy Bronner noted of the performance, “You got lost in the music.”

Hopefully the performance of “The General” is not a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and the Opera House will have more silent films with a live orchestra.

But if a person still wants to soothe a vintage craving, family friendly older films are played on the first and third Saturdays of the month during the winter. Through the end of April, a person, or family, can watch films with Humphrey Bogart and Katharine Hepburn. Matinees start at 2 p.m. and cost $2.00.

If you get a chance, walk into the Cresco Theatre & Opera House to enjoy a different era. It’s fun, relatively inexpensive and a learning experience.