The Dryden will screen The Chinatown Mystery, Episodes 1–3 (J. P. Mcgowan, U.S. 1928, 82 min., 35mm) with piano accompaniment by Philip C. Carli.

This winter the Dryden will be screening the newly restored thrill busting silent serial The Chinatown Mystery, starring legendary strongman and circus acrobat Joe Bonomo. Written by and co-starring Francis Ford (John Ford's older brother, who had introduced John to filmmaking), this serial is filled with daring stunts, death-defying situations, and a rather offbeat sense of humor in the form of deceptively placid heroine Ruth Hiatt, who had previously starred in numerous silent comedies. If you're looking for searing drama that shows life's grim realities, we suggest driving in a Rochester blizzard; if you're looking for wide-eyed melodrama, people being hurled every which way, deep-dyed villainy, and satisfying explosions, join us for this exciting excursion into fiendish fun.

[source: George Eastman Museum website, 2016-Jan-11]