King of Kings – one of the great silent DeMille films will show at Peace Lutheran on Feb. 25, 2024 at 4pm. The live score will be played by Grass Valley artist and organist at Peace, Walt Strony.
King of Kings tells the Easter story leading up to the crucifixion and ascension and was the first religious movie ever made where Jesus Christ was characterized. In the 1920s, no actor had ever portrayed the role of Jesus in a movie, so it was a sensitive issue. It was DeMille’s desire not to offend those from any faith. So in preparation, he assembled representatives from virtually every faith practiced by the American public, including those from Buddhist and Islamic faiths.
On May 18, 1927, this was the opening movie at the famous Grauman’s Chinese Theatre in Hollywood. Reviews were somewhat mixed, especially in the Jewish community. As a result, DeMille made a few changes and cuts. The end result being that this became DeMille’s most enduring movie.
Grass Valley resident Walt Strony, who will be playing his original score, says that “I have played the score for this film many times in venues of all types. I must admit that no one can watch this film without being affected emotionally. We all know the story. But seeing it on the big screen with the story being told sensitively, without the gore of current movies, is an experience one never forgets.”
Walt Strony is an inductee into the American Theater Organ Society Hall of Fame and is the only living two-time winner of the ATOS Organist of the Year Award. Beginning his public career at 18, Strony has performed worldwide in venues ranging from early days in pizza parlors to famous international music halls. The event is part of Arts@Peace offerings to the community.
Doors will open at 3:30pm. Admission is free, but donations to Arts@Peace are gratefully accepted. Following the movie there will be a wine-cheese reception.
Peace Lutheran Church is located at the top of the hill outside Historic Downtown Grass Valley at
828 W. Main Street and can be reached at www.PeaceLutheranGV.org and 530/273-9631.