“SO THIS IS EDEN” Is a charming silent film that playfully satirizes society’s norms while exploring themes of love, ambition, and mismatched expectations. It also involves the advertising of the Hoover vacuum cleaner and was one of the first commercial motion pictures to be show in theaters and was distributed independently through Hoover’s district managers.
The film begins with an animated prologue about Adam and Eve, then segues to the story of the Wendells, a young couple who are having trouble in their marriage. Eve is frustrated by housework and wants Jim to ask for a raise. She dreams of living a more luxurious lifestyle, like her neighbor, Mrs. Allen. While out shopping with the little bit of money Jim has given her, Eve runs into Don, a wealthy former suitor. When Jim starts working late, Eve turns to Don for company and understanding. On the day she intends to run away with Don, the unsuspecting Jim tells her to expect a surprise delivery, which turns out to be a Hoover vacuum cleaner. The sales representative demonstrates the miraculous appliance, and delays Eve so that she misses her assignation with Don. Jim comes home and announces that he has received a promotion. Eve decides to stay. The vacuum cleaner has saved their marriage. Dated 1925. Film duration 33 minutes.
HIGH & DIZZY – HAROLD LLOYD – The film revolves around a young woman who sleepwalks and the doctor who is attempting to treat her. The climactic scene involves the young woman sleepwalking precariously on the outside ledge of a tall building, anticipating Lloyd’s more famous skyscraper-scaling scenes in Safety Last (1923). A subplot has Lloyd and his friend getting inebriated on homemade liquor and then trying to avoid a prohibition-era policeman who pursues them for being drunk. Film duration 26 minutes. Dated 1920. Directed & produced by Hal Roach.
Doors and bar open at 11am. Film screens at 12 noon. Coffee, tea, refreshments and snacks available. Tickets $15 for adults and kids 13 and under are free. No need to book. Get your ticket at the door.