Name: The Cameraman: Silent Film, Aaron Miller organ | Northrop 2-16-25
Start: 2025-02-16
End: 2025-02-23
Location: Carlson Family Stage at Northrop and On-demand

A classic silent film from 1928, The Cameraman is considered one of slapstick comedian Buster Keaton’s best. The romantic comedy follows a simple photographer who dreams of capturing video for the news, but continually finds himself in various wrong places at the wrong times. The zany action on screen will be accompanied live by organist Aaron David Miller, a maestro on the historic Northrop Aeolian-Skinner pipe organ. The soundtrack will be improvised during the film—just as was done in early 20th century theaters.

Advisory: This 1928 film contains negative depictions of people or cultures.

You might enjoy this performance if you loved:

The Phantom of the Opera: Silent Film with Live Music Featuring Aaron David Miller, organ

Fritz Lang’s Metropolis: Silent Film with Live Music Featuring Peter Richard Conte, organ

Gallery

Classic poster for Buster Keaton's The Cameraman

The Cameraman poster artwork. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Aaron David Miller plays the organ under its lamp light.

Aaron David Miller performing Phantom of the Opera. © Tony Nelson Photography.

Aaron David Miller at the keys with an earpiece in.

Aaron David Miller performing Phantom of the Opera. © Tony Nelson Photography.

Black and white film still of Buster Keaton as The Cameraman sitting on the floor with opened camera spilling film all around him.

Buster Keaton as Buster in The Cameraman. Film still from public domain.

Marceline Day as Sally Richards. Film still from public domain.

Buster Keaton and Marceline Day pressed together in a crowd, in a still from The Cameraman.

Marceline Day and Buster Keaton in The Cameraman. Film still from public domain.

Buster Keaton raises a gloved hand in front of Marceline Day, in a still from The Cameraman.

Marceline Day and Buster Keaton in The Cameraman. Film still from public domain.

Buster Keaton fiddles with a metallic instrument in a still from The Cameraman.

Buster Keaton as The Cameraman. Film still from public domain.

Buster Keaton with a tripod, in a still from The Cameraman.

Buster Keaton operates a camera as The Cameraman. Film still from public domain.

Buster Keaton emotes at something unseen, a monkey in a sailor suit wrapped around his shoulders. From a still from The Cameraman.

Buster Keaton as The Cameraman, with a monkey. Film still from public domain.

Quotes / Reviews

“Aaron possesses a composer’s insight to understanding music.”—The American Organist Magazine

“Courageous improvisations with flair.”—MPR

“Aaron turned the organ into an audible color wheel as he improvised.”—Los Angeles Times

This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a Minnesota State Arts Board Operating Support grant, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.

The Cameraman: Silent Film with Live Music

Featuring Aaron David Miller, organist

Gallery

Quotes / Reviews

Related Links

This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a Minnesota State Arts Board Operating Support grant, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.

The Cameraman: Silent Film with Live Music Featuring Aaron David Miller, organist

Gallery

Quotes / Reviews

Related Links

This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a Minnesota State Arts Board Operating Support grant, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.

More from this Season

2024-25 Northrop Season

Northrop Organist Recital

Kit Downes: Southern Bodies With Bill Frisell and Musicians of The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra

63rd Annual Marching Band Indoor Concert

Sun Dogs: Filmmaker and Composer Pairings With Alarm Will Sound

VocalEssence: Welcome Christmas

WITNESS: Eyes Still on the Prize

The Passion of Joan of Arc: Silent Film With Live Music Featuring Filip Presseisen, organist

The Cameraman: Silent Film with Live Music

Featuring Aaron David Miller, organist

Kit Downes: Southern Bodies

With Bill Frisell and Musicians of The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra

Sun Dogs: Filmmaker and Composer Pairings

With Alarm Will Sound

The Passion of Joan of Arc: Silent Film With Live Music

Featuring Filip Presseisen, organist