A screening of Cecil B. DeMille’s 1927 silent film “King of Kings” will take place on Good Friday, March 21 at 7:00P.M. at the historic Riviera Theatre, located at 67 Webster Street in North Tonawanda. Bruce Woody, Organist and Director of Music at Corpus Christi Church, will accompany the movie with live music on the Riviera’s newly restored Mighty Wurlitzer Pipe Organ. Mr. Woody regularly performs for full length silent movies at both Shea’s Performing Arts Center and the Riviera Theatre.
Cecil B. DeMille filmed a number of biblical epics over the course of his career, culminating in 1956’s “The Ten Commandments.” “King of Kings” marked the beginning of his lifelong fascination with biblical history. DeMille called the movie his most important film. In his silent film interpretation of the life of Christ, Jesus is played by H.B. Warner. This film classic is told from the point of view of Mary Magdalene (Dorothy Cumming) and focuses on the weeks leading up to the crucifixion.
The movie is a remarkable work that continues to have a world-wide impact. Because film is silent, it is used to this day by missionaries, and 81 years after its release, is still one of the best religious films available.
There is no charge for admission but a free-will offering will be collected during the performance. All proceeds will benefit the outreach programs at Corpus Christi Church on the East Side of Buffalo, which include AA meetings, and clothing and food distribution programs for the immediate neighborhood.
