MiraCosta to host silent films

Experience the movies the old fashioned way as internationally-renowned silent film expert Philip Carli brings his unique talent and expertise to MiraCosta College. Sponsored by the San Elijo Campus and MiraCosta College Friends of the Library, MiraCosta will screen “The Mark of Zorro” (1920) starring Douglas Fairbanks. Dr. Carli will share interesting information and anecdotes about the film then provide exciting piano accompaniment during the screening.

Philip Carli brings back the spirit of the silent film era with his original compositions. An expert in this genre, Dr. Carli has been an early cinema aficionado since age five. Growing up in Carlsbad, he accompanied his first silent film, “The Hunchback of Notre Dame”, while a student at Valley Middle School. Now, more than 30 years later, Dr. Carli has composed over 50 scores for films and has toured throughout North America and Europe.

“The Mark of Zorro” was the first of Douglas Fairbanks’ many period romances starting him on his career as Hollywood’s romantic swashbuckler. It also marked his debut as producer.

“The Mark of Zorro” will be shown on Saturday, February 24 at 7:30 p.m. in Room 204 at MiraCosta’s San Elijo Campus, 3333 Manchester Ave., Cardiff. Admission is free.