Loudest. Talkie. Ever.

Although Charlie Chaplin's 1936 film Modern Times was conceived as a "talkie," Chaplin changed his mind just before filming began. Modern Times instead features sound effects and mechanized voices, but the Little Tramp stays silent throughout — except when he sings. Chaplin's song is gibberish, but he conveys his meaning through hand gestures, ever loyal to the universal communication of music and mime. Also loyal to the moving power of music, David Robertson and the Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra perform Chaplin's own score at a 7:30 p.m. screening of Modern Times on Saturday and Sunday (December 29 and 30) at Powell Symphony Hall (718 North Grand Boulevard; 314-534-1700 or www.slso.org). Tickets for this seasonal treat are $20 to $65.
Sat., Dec. 29; Sun., Dec. 30, 2007