Rare Silent Horror Film ‘Heard’ Anew with TAMIU Organ Performance Today

Students and visitors to Texas A&M International University will experience a Halloween first at the University Thursday, Oct. 30 when TAMIU presents a showing of the silent film classic “The Haunted Castle” – accompanied by live music on the Sharkey Corrigan Pipe Organ.

TAMIU Organist and assistant professor of music Dr. Colin A. Campbell will present the special performance from 12:15 to approximately 1 p.m. in the Center for the Fine and Performing Arts’ Recital Hall.

All are welcome and admission is free.  It is part of the University’s “Music on the Menu” Series that is offered monthly.

First shown in 1921, “The Haunted Castle” was directed by Friedrich Wilhelm Murnau, a German, and takes place during a hunt at Castle Vogelöd.

TAMIU president Ray Keck, also an accomplished organist, reminded that what Dr. Campbell will present was in fact customary for silent films in their day.

“In the heyday of the silent film era, it was customary for such showings to be accompanied by live organists or, in some instances, live orchestras. What Dr. Campbell is doing is impressively improvisational and has to anticipate mood and movement on screen.  I think we’re all in store for a real Halloween treat and trick,” Dr. Keck explained.

For more information, contact the TAMIU Office of Public Relations, Marketing and Information Services at 956.326.2180, email prmis@tamiu.edu or visit offices in the Sue and Radcliffe Killam Library, room 268.

Journalists who need additional information or help with media requests and interviews should contact the Office of Public Relations, Marketing and Information Services at prmis@tamiu.edu