Buster Keaton and the FotoPlayer

Robert Israel performing on the FotoPlayer.
Seemingly autobiographical, this is from Buster Keaton's MY WIFE'S RELATIONS (1923). Accidentally marrying into an Irish family, Keaton becomes the target of his new family's wrath. This was recorded live to picture on an American Fotoplayer, Style 20--beautifully and meticulously restored by Joe Rinaudo. It serves as an historic document of an authentic musical instrument designed to accompany films in the pre-sound era. The music selection is "The Midnight Fire Alarm," by Harry Lincoln.
Please visit www.RobertIsraelMusic.com

[@taofledermaus]

I got to see Robert Israel perform at an old Fox theater on their pipe organ, accompanying some Buster Keaton movies. He was amazing!!

[@sixsicsixgod]

how cool would it be if he did sound effect track for one of your videos lol

[@Jm4steam]

Excellent demonstration of how the photo player was used. I thought I saw most of Joe's videos, never this one.

[@RobertIsraelMusic]

Perhaps you have, but this is not one of Joe's videos. Joe and I have been close friends for ages, and he was so kind as to allow us to record upon his magnificent FotoPlayer! His restoration work is truly the best there is, bar none.

[@jorgepablolopezmola4684]

Beautiful! this is pure art

[@sidmelucci3675]

I'd wondered why on earth it was called the Fotoplayer. It's about sound, not pictures, I reasoned. But if it was designed as accompaniment for silent movies, the name now makes sense. Thank you!

[@howinsightful2391]

This is unironically funny lmao

[@Lucius1958]

I would have liked to hear the pipes brought into play..

[@Yaledmot]

Very nice Robert. tld

[@HughesEnterprises]

Midnight Fire Alarm is the original score name.

[@RobertIsraelMusic]

Yes, the piece I was using is entitled THE MIDNIGHT FIRE ALARM, by Harry J. Lincoln.

[@7329690653]

NICE

[@riverboatjoe4449]

hahaha! genius!

[@XeoClip]

Hi! thanks for this magical document. Can I use some seconds to illustrate an educational vídeo?? Of course I will refer the player in the description

[@RobertIsraelMusic]

Thank you very much for your kind comment. As long as you credit as follows, "Performed by Robert Israel on the American FotoPlayer-Style20," provide us with a link to your finished video, then yes, you may certainly use up to 40 seconds of this performance for your educational video. :-)

[@XeoClip]

@@RobertIsraelMusic Many thanks!! I´ll do all your premises. As soon as it is done I´ll send you the link

[@drummerboy2215]

You should have the drums make the train pulling away chugging sound.

[@RobertIsraelMusic]

Well, you're a drummer, so of course you would make such a post. :-) Having said that, the sheer difficulty of synchronizing the music with the ending of the film while performing on the Fotoplayer (for a recording and not a live performance-I am not only using the mechanical roll player, but using the percussion and keyboard playing as well), made this option unavailable for that recording session. In live performance, no problem...music could run after the picture was over and then come to a closing cadence...not for the recording...small budget, no time for extra work, etc...

[@drummerboy2215]

Oh I see how tbat works.

[@erikmeidoorn1745]

Midnight Firealarm E T Paul

[@RobertIsraelMusic]

Thank you for your comment-the piece, THE MIDNIGHT FIRE ALARM, was composed by Harry J. Lincoln, and arranged by E.T. Paull :-)

[@erikloggen6340]

The end Buster escaped by train Superlolmovie whit super soundeffects