Wanamaker Building to Transform into a Movie Theater for Halloween Season
As Halloween approaches, a unique film series is set to enchant audiences in Philadelphia, merging cinematic history with the haunting atmosphere of the past. The Pipe Up! series, hosted at the historic Wanamaker Building, will showcase five silent films from the 1920s, each accompanied by live organ music to enhance the viewing experience. This initiative is thoughtfully curated by film historian Carrie Rickey, a notable figure in the realm of cinema analysis.
The lineup features iconic silent films such as Robert Wiene’s The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari (1920) and F.W. Murnau’s Nosferatu (1922) and Faust (1926). These films, while no longer terrifying by contemporary standards, are considered masterpieces of early cinema that introduced foundational elements of the horror genre. Rickey has stated that these films, though not as frightening today, possess a certain creepiness reminiscent of folk tales, evoking the surreal and unsettling qualities found in the works of artists like Hieronymus Bosch.
In addition to these classics, the series will also present lesser-known Swedish films, including Victor Sjöström’s influential The Phantom Carriage (1921) and Häxan (1922) by Benjamin Christensen, which is presented in a documentary style. Häxan explores themes of medieval witchcraft and hysteria, marking it as an early entry in the goth horror genre, according to Rickey.
The screenings will take place in the Greek Hall of the Wanamaker Building, utilizing a restored 1929 Wurlitzer organ that originally graced the Fox Theatre in Appleton, Wisconsin. This theater organ, noted for its pristine condition and rich tonal variety, will provide a fitting musical backdrop to the films. Ray Biswanger, president of Friends of the Wanamaker Organ, praised the instrument for delivering an authentic silent movie experience.
Different organists have varying methods for scoring silent films. Peter Richard Conte, who will perform on two of the nights, emphasizes the importance of preparation, watching each film multiple times before creating cue sheets and leveraging leitmotifs for character themes. He believes in the subtlety of performance, aiming to immerse the audience in the experience without drawing attention to himself.
The schedule for the film series includes Faust with organist Ian Fraser on Monday, The Phantom Carriage with Don Kinnear on Tuesday, Nosferatu and Faust with Peter Richard Conte on Wednesday and Thursday, respectively, followed by Häxan with Don Kinnear on Friday. Screenings commence at 7 p.m. Admission is free, with advance registration required.
In a related event, Conte will also perform live for a screening of the 1925 classic The Phantom of the Opera on November 10 at 7 p.m., which is open to the public without prior registration. This innovative blend of silent cinema and live music stands as a testament to Philadelphia’s rich cultural heritage, inviting audiences to experience the eerie allure of classic horror in a distinctive and engaging setting.
