May 18,  2001

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:  Leslie Unger - (310) 247-3000

lunger@oscars.org

Beverly Hills, CA - A unique lecture exploring bygone Hollywood as seen through two Buster Keaton silent films will be presented at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on Thursday, June 7, at 8 p.m. in the Grand Lobby Gallery. The Gallery is also currently home to "Buster Keaton Revisited: Rare Photographs of a Comic Genius," an exhibition of 72 images spanning Keaton's life.

"A Walk in Keaton's Footsteps" will feature John Bengtson, author of "Silent Echoes: Discovering Early Hollywood Through the Films of Buster Keaton," who will present a meticulously researched slide presentation chronicling the shooting locations for two of Keaton's finest short films, "The Goat" and "The Boat," both from 1921. The presentation will consist of a "visit" to the Los Angeles of 80 years ago and its early film industry, with archival photographs, vintage maps, and other historic elements being compared to scenic stills and contemporary location photographs. Both "The Goat" and "The Boat" will be screened on video as part of the program, courtesy of the Douris Corporation.

The "Buster Keaton Revisited" exhibition will be available for viewing on the night of the lecture for those in attendance. Regular viewing hours are Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and weekends, noon to 6 p.m. Admission is free.

Tickets for "A Walk in Keaton's Footsteps" are $5 for the general public and $3 for Academy members. They may be purchased in advance at the Academy during regular business hours, by mail, or on the night of the lecture when the doors open at 7 p.m. The Academy is located at 8949 Wilshire Boulevard in Beverly Hills. For more information call 310-247-3600.