Top of the Morning, May 23, 2024

Jim Rossow, The News-Gazette, Champaign-Urbana, Ill.
·1 min read

May 23—On Saturday, Chicago's Jay Warren will be in town to provide organ accompaniment for two screenings of the silent classic "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" at Champaign's Virginia Theatre (tickets for the 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. shows — part of The News-Gazette Film Series — are $10).

Warren, who has played silent movies for more than 30 years, joined "Penny For Your Thoughts" on Wednesday () and then took our questions.

Where does the Virginia rank among your favorite places to play?

Top 10. A magnificently restored historic theatre. Plus, the restored 1921 Hope-Jones Wurlitzer pipe organ (is) "the voice of the silent screen."

Any favorite stops when visiting C-U over the years?

We loved to go to the Round Barn back in the day.

Favorite silent films to play?

Drama: "Wings" (1927). First Academy Award-winning film. Powerful WWI story (bring two handkerchiefs or extra Kleenex).

Comedy: "Speedy" (1928). Wonderful comedy starring Harold Lloyd shot on location in New York City. Frantic and dizzying final chase scene — fasten your seatbelts.