A Home for Silent Films

The Silent Movie Theater on Fairfax has been for many years a charming, welcome respite from the outside world, an insular rarefied haven for those of us who are aficionados of a very special art form (“Academy Archivist Seeks to Save Silent Film Showcase,� Jan. 24). And no one more typified this bygone era of glamour and mystery than the lionized figure of Laurence Austin. His royal visage and regal bearing were magnetic. When he walked to the front of the theater to announce the night’s program, he would proudly march down the aisle to the strains of “Pomp and Circumstance� and it seemed so right.

One weeps not only for the tragic slaying of this unique character, but for the possible end of the little neighborhood theater itself. When Austin opened the doors it was to the usual motley albeit harmless crowd. Now it seems his trust and friendliness brought on his demise and the warm, until now safe, ambience will be carried on and the silent film treasures he possessed will be passed on to someone with an equal amount of love and passion.

BETH R. TEMKIN

North Hollywood