Culture in brief: Every Wednesday Matinee features silent films

In September, the very Wednesday Matinee (Sept. 5, 12, 19 and 26) at 2 p.m. in the Main Library Auditorium of the Montclair Public Library, 50 South Fullerton Ave., will focus on silent film.

The movies are as follows:

• Sept. 5: "Gold Rush" – Starring: Charles Chaplin, Mack Swain, Tom Murray .

A prospector goes to the Klondike in search of gold and finds it and more. (1925, 95 minutes, black & white). Widely considered one of the greatest silent films of all time.  It received Academy Award nominations for Best Music and Best Sound Recording upon its re-release in 1942.

• Sept. 12: "Wings" – Starring: Clara Bow, Charles 'Buddy' Rogers, Richard Arlen.

Two young men, one rich, one middle class, who are in love with the same woman, become fighter pilots in World War I. (1927, 144 minutes, black & white).

• Sept. 19: "The General" — Starring: Buster Keaton, Marion Mack, Glen Cavender .

When Union spies steal an engineer's beloved locomotive, he pursues it single-handedly and straight through enemy lines. (1926, 67 minutes, black & white).

• Sept. 26: "Safety Last!"– Starring: Harold Lloyd, Mildred Davis, Bill Strother .

A store clerk organizes a publicity stunt in which a friend climbs the outside of a tall building. (1923, 70 minutes, black & white). Harold Lloyd is considered one of the funniest silent film actors ever.

All films are free and open to the public, and the library is handicapped accessible. For more information and the library calendar, visit montclairlibrary.org/calendar or contact 973-744-0500 ext. 2235.

The Montclair Public Library serves the residents  of Montclair at the Main Library at 50 South Fullerton Avenue and the Bellevue Avenue Branch at 185 Bellevue Avenue. Founded in 1893, the Library aims to change lives every day through words, ideas, and community connections. Last year, the Library had over 32,000 members and circulated more than 440,000 items. “We are grateful to the Montclair community for their support,” says Coyl, “and strive to serve them better every day.”