August 21, 2002
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Leslie Unger - (310) 247-3000
                     lunger@oscars.org

Douglas Fairbanks Swashbuckler on Screen at Academy

Silent to Be Accompanied by the Alloy Orchestra

Beverly Hills, CA - "The Black Pirate," a 1926 silent film starring Douglas Fairbanks, will be presented with live musical accompaniment by the Alloy Orchestra at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on Friday, September 13, at 8 p.m. A new two-strip Technicolor print will be screened.

Presented as part of the Academy Standards Series, the 84-minute feature, in which a nobleman vows to avenge the death of his father at the hands of pirates, was directed by Albert Parker. The story was written by Elton Thomas and adapted by Jack Cunningham.

Live musical accompaniment for the film will be by the renowned Alloy Orchestra, a three-man ensemble that utilizes an unusual combination of found percussion objects and state-of-the-art electronics. The Alloy's performance at the Academy will be based on an original score.

Tickets for "The Black Pirate" are $5 for the general public and $3 for Academy members. They may be purchased in advance by mail or in person at the Academy during regular business hours, or on the night of the screening, if still available, 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. Please note the Academy will be closed August 31 through September 2 for the Labor Day holiday.