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Musical Silents: Safety Last! (1923)

Wednesday, March 3rd, 2027
7:00 pm
Details
73 mins | U.S. | Silent w/ live musical accompaniment
Category
Screening Room @VTIFF
Film Type
Feature Film
Cost
$20 general admission | $10 student | Member benefits may apply
Location
The Screening Room @VTIFF
60 Lake Street, 1st Floor
Burlington, VT

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Director
Fred C. Newmeyer, Sam Taylor
Sponsors
Vermont Arts Council, Lake Champlain Chocolates, John M. Bissell Foundation

Live improvised score by Matt Hagen + special guest

Though his reputation often takes a backseat to Chaplin and Keaton, Harold Lloyd is one of the funniest people to ever appear on film, silent era or not, and this is his masterpiece. A relentless stream of gags built around a flimsy yokel-in-the-big-city conceit, the film’s concluding 20-minute vertical chase is one of the high points of American comedy.

Matt Hagen is a Burlington, Vermont-based musician whose sound is as layered and unhurried as the Green Mountain seasons. His music varies from instrumental, genre bending guitar to intimate storytelling, with a voice that feels lived-in and genuine. A fixture in Vermont’s independent music scene, Matt has earned recognition, trust, and respect as a standout voice in Burlington’s vibrant creative community. Whether performing at premier clubs, intimate local venues, headlining events, supporting main stage acts, or tucked into a quiet corner of the city, he brings a rare authenticity that resonates long after the last chord fades. A seasoned songwriter, bandleader, and eclectic collaborator, Hagen writes and performs in a palatable fashion while unafraid to wander into strange sonic territory. It’s music made for people who listen closely.