Description

The Northwest Montana History Museum’s January feature for Movie Night at the Museum will be the 1927 silent romantic drama “Sunrise: A Song of Two Humans”. The film will be shown on Tuesday, January 23, at 7 pm.  The movie marked the American film debut of German director F.W. Murnau and starred 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.  But, as in life, 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 feature films with a synchronized musical score and sound effects soundtrack.

At the first Academy Awards in 1929, the film won an Academy Award for Unique and Artistic Picture while Gaynor received Best Actress in a Leading Role. Critics have called “Sunrise” the greatest film of the silent era.  

Doors open at 6:50 pm with the film showing at 7 pm. Admission and popcorn are free, but donations are gladly accepted to help defray the costs of Movie Night.  Soda pop, water, beer and wine are available for purchase. Seating is provided, but viewers can bring their own cushions or seating if they choose.

                Located in the former Central School in Kalispell, the Northwest Montana History Museum brings the past alive through exhibits, artifacts, educational programs and events.  The Museum is open from 10 am to 5 pm weekdays at 124 Second Avenue East, Kalispell. For more information call 406-756-8381.