Silent Film Pioneer Showcased in New Rochelle

A chance to see what parts of New Rochelle looked around the turn of the 20th century will be on display at 7 p.m. Monday, March 11 at the New Rochelle Public Library.

Three short films from the Thanhouser Company will be shown in the Ossie Davis Theater.

Organizers said the films will provide "a rare and fabulous glimpse of New Rochelle almost 100 years ago, when it was one giant set for the silent movies of the Thanhouser Film Company."

The Thanhouser Company opened its doors in 1909 in an old skating rink on Grove Avenue, according to information on the Thanhouser Company Film Preservation, Inc., Web site. Between 1909 and 1917, the company produced and released over 1,000 silent films to worldwide distribution.

On hand Monday will be presenter Ned Thanhouser, the grandson of the company’s founder. The three silent films will have piano accompaniment by Ben Model, the silent movie pianist for the Museum of Modern Art.

As a bonus, there will be a sneak preview of a newly produced documentary on the pioneering film studio.

This program is part of New Rochelle's 325th Anniversary celebration and is being made possible by the Friends of the New Rochelle Public Library and the New Rochelle Fund for Excellence.