KBYU to sponsor 'Zorro'

Radio remains one of the most imaginative mediums around, relying on "the theater of the mind."

This makes KBYU Radio's "Classical 89 Silent Movie Night," set for Saturday, Feb. 28, 7:30 p.m., in the de Jong Concert Hall at the Harris Fine Arts Center on the BYU campus, all the more unusual.

Instead of "theater of the mind," it's a visual presentation with the only sound provided by an organ.

This year's silent film is "The Mark of Zorro" (1920) with Douglas Fairbanks Sr. — full of swashbuckling action.

Mike Ohman, premier theater organist, will accompany the film, providing its only sound component.

The evening also includes premovie entertainment with a Spanish flavor and a sing-along that harks back to the 1920s.

Tickets ($8-$11) can be purchased at the Harris Fine Arts Center Ticket Office, by phone at 1-801-422-4322 or online at www.byuarts.com.

Two-for-one admission is available with a KBYU Membercard (through box office only).

The "Mark of Zorro" introduced this masked crusader to many Americans. The character is based on a 1919 story by Johnston McCuley, "The Curse of Capistrano." Zorro means fox in Spanish.

The movie highlighted the true-life characteristics of Fairbanks' athletics combined with a good attitude (not taking anything too seriously).

The film features nonstop action with fantastic stunts by Fairbanks, as he swings from balcony to balcony and wields his sword in many duels.

According to a Fairbanks relative, "Fairbanks performed most of the stunts in his films himself. He was an excellent athlete and used his physical abilities to his best advantage."

More information on the silent film is available at en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Mark_of_Zorro_(1920_film).

RADIOTHON: The 33rd annual KSL Radiothon will be Feb. 25 and 26.

The event has raised more than $6.7 million for Primary Children's Medical Center. KSL personalities will broadcast live again this year from the medical center and suspend most of the station's regular programming.

To donate, call 575-5473 or toll free at 1-800-762-7262.

RADIO HAPPENINGS: "Johnson and Johnson" on KUBL staged a wedding for 13 lucky couples on Friday, Feb. 13, at the Sonic Drive In on 1300 South.