Bill Field impresses the packed theatre with the silent horror film “The Phantom of The Opera.”

By Juliana Coe-Mcnamara

Staff Writer   

Bill Field, who has owned the Old Town Music Hall in El Segundo for more than 50 years, has recently demonstrated his talent, impressing the packed theatre with the silent horror film “The Phantom of The Opera.”

Bill Coffman and Field, referred to by locals as the two Bills, founded the Old Town Music Hall in the 1960’s when the duo acquired the Mighty Wurlitzer Theater Pipe Organ and installed it in the petite El Segundo State Theater. Their goal was to replicate vintage silent movie theatres with grand chandeliers and luxurious golden curtains.

The festival featured an original cut of “The Phantom of the Opera” and sing-alongs to popular tunes such as “Oh’ My Darling.” One of the most viewed silent films of all time, ‘The Phantom of the Opera’ follows a masked phantom who becomes infatuated with a vocalist who performs at his refuge, a Parisian opera house. The show also included sing-alongs to classics such as “On Top of Old Smokey” and a showing of Betty Boop’s “Halloween Party,” although these elements were not included in the festival’s advertisements.

The inclusion of the surprise film and songs delighted the packed theatre. The crowd cheered and shouted when the lights went off for each production. The incorporation of the surprise films kept the audience content until “The Phantom of The Opera” began.

One of the show’s weaknesses was the size of the screen on which the film was projected. “The Phantom of the Opera” played on a diminutive projector screen that rolled down over half of the stage. Considering spectators came to the theater for a movie, it was a disappointment the film was played on a makeshift screen that did not do the beloved film justice.

The theater itself was impressive, with decadent accessories set to match the classic theme. The entrance was extravagantly adorned with halloween decorations that set the mood for an entertaining show. Inside the actual theater, lush velvet cushions furnished the 188 seats throughout, giving the space an inviting vintage look.

Originally a silent film, the festival’s cut of “Phantom of The Opera” featured an impressive organ accompaniment played by Field. The background organ music set the scene for each act, making it feel like the audience themselves were in the 1900’s.

Set in black and white, the “Phantom of the Opera” tape appeared to be flawed as it glitched every minute or so, which interrupted the flow of the film. However, this slight malfunction was easily overlooked considering the film was recorded in the 1920’s.

The Old Town Music Hall hosted an unforgettable showing of “The Phantom of the Opera” and made a lasting impression on guests with its lavish decorations. The dainty projector screen, glitchy broadcast and unnecessary opening shows were minor setbacks compared to the film’s memorable presentation.

The Old Town Music Hall’s next film festival will feature the viewing of Audrey Hepburn’s “Roman Holiday” on Nov. 3-4. Ticket prices, showtimes and movie descriptions can be found at oldtownmusichall.org.