What is Slapsticon?

   Slapsticon is a four-day film event dedicated to the preservation and exhibition of early comedy film. The Boston event, being held between July 8th and 11th, 2004, is the second one of its kind, the first having been held in Arlington, VA during the summer of 2003. Slapsticon is the brainchild of Robert Farr and is supported by the efforts of historians, archival institutions and private collectors throughout North America and Europe.
    Slap II will run from Thursday morning July 8th until late afternoon on Sunday July 11th, 2004. The venues will include the Coolidge Corner Theater in Brookline, MA and Knight Auditorium on the campus of Babson College in Wellesley, MA where we'll be treated to silent film accompaniment played on a mighty Wurlitzer theater organ. A third and fourth venue are yet to be announced.
It is the intent of the Slapsticon II organizers to provide attendees with film programs that are not only full of obscure and entertaining films, but also events and settings that are historically authentic, or, at the very least, a whole mess of fun.
    In planning the 2004 activities it was decided that inviting a celebrity guest, who worked in films during the period than most interests us, would add immeasurably to the advantages of attending Slap II. To that end, we contacted former Our Gang member Jean Darling , who now resides in Dublin, Ireland. Jean is a gracious and articulate guest who possesses a wealth of showbusiness experience. You will not want to miss her.