October 18, 2005 > Ready for a Halloween extravaganza?

by Nydia Estrada

Start your weekend by visiting the museum at 37395 Niles Boulevard to see our special Halloween dŽcor by Niles' very own Cathy Lynn Harrison and Laura Wilks. Museum hours are noon to 4:00 pm. Admission is free.

The weekly Saturday night silent film program for October 29 features Nosferatu, a 1922 German film produced by F. W. Murnau and starring Max Schreck, Gustav von Wangenheim, and Greta Schršder. This distinctive and memorable version of the Dracula legend will be screened with a new score by Molly Axtmann and performed by Molly Axtmann on the piano, Rachel Durling on the violin, Rem Djemilev on the viola and David Brin on the cello. Besides the usual concessions of cold drinks and popcorn, additional appetizers will be prepared by Laura Wilks. Doors open at 7:00 p.m. and show time is 7:30 p.m. Suggested donation is $5.00. Seating is limited and will be on a first come, first served basis. Proceeds benefit the museum.

On Sunday, come and enjoy a matinee performance by Fremont Occasional Theater. Andy MacRae and cast will re-create Orson Welles' 1938 radio broadcast The War of the Worlds. This chilling radio drama, based on H. G. Wells' book of the same title, frightened many a listener into thinking that aliens were invading the country in 1938. Presented on the anniversary date of the original broadcast, this show recreates a typical radio studio broadcast setting and includes sound effects. Doors open at 2:30 p.m., show begins at 3:00 p.m. Suggested donation is $5.00. Proceeds benefit the museum.

On Halloween day, a special program for children will be held after school, starting at 4:00 p.m. This program will feature assorted cartoon shorts and special surprises. Admission is free, although donations are appreciated. A frightful meal created by Remember When will be available for under $4 including a "Halloweenie" (hot dog), chips and spooky punch. When the show is over, it is time to go trick-or-treating in the neighborhood.

All events will be held in the Niles Edison Theater, 37395 Niles Boulevard, Fremont, home of the Niles Essanay Silent Film Museum. Coming in costume is encouraged. The Niles Essanay Silent Film Museum is a 501C3 nonprofit dedicated to preserving Niles history and re-creating the early years of cinema. For further information about our programs, memberships or donations, call (510) 494-1411 or (510) 796-1940.