Silent-era great to show at museum movie night

Called one of the greatest films of the silent era by many critics, the 1927 romantic drama “Sunrise: A Song of Two Humans,” will be shown at Movie Night at the Museum on Jan. 23.

German director F.W. Murnau’s American film debut stars George O’Brien, Janet Gaynor and Margaret Livingston. Livingston plays a city woman vacationing in the country who meets and falls in love with a farmer (O’Brien). Torn between his love for his wife (Gaynor) and his new love, who wants him to sell his farm and move with her to the city, O’Brien finds himself agreeing to kill his wife so they can be together. All does not go according to plan in this story of love, loss, and redemption.    

Murnau was the first director to use the new Fox Movietone sound-on-film system, making this one of the first silent feature films with a synchronized musical score and sound effects soundtrack.

At the first Academy Awards in 1929, the film won for Unique and Artistic Picture. Gaynor received Best Actress in a Leading Role. 

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the film starts at 7 p.m. at the Northwest Montana History Museum, 124 Second Ave. E., Kalispell. Admission and popcorn are free. Soda, water, beer, and wine are available for purchase. Seating is provided, but people may bring their own cushions or seating.

For more information call 756-8381.