Charlie Chaplin's The Gold Rush Comes to Schroon Lake with Live Accompaniment by Ben Model
The restored and historic Strand Theater in Schroon Lake, NY. Photo credit: Dan Burkholder.
Classic Movie Mondays returns to the Adirondacks on Monday, July 6, with a special screening of Charlie Chaplin's The Gold Rush (1925) at the historic Strand Theatre in Schroon Lake.
Part film screening, part live performance, and part cinematic time machine, the evening features nationally recognized silent film accompanist Ben Model performing live music alongside one of the most beloved films of the silent era.
Held at the Strand Theatre, a Main Street landmark that has entertained audiences for more than a century, the event kicks off the 2026 Classic Movie Mondays series. It offers a rare opportunity to experience silent film much as audiences did in the early days of moviegoing.
For Adirondack residents, summer visitors, and anyone looking for a memorable cultural experience, it's one of the most distinctive events on the region's summer calendar.
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Why The Gold Rush still matters.
Released in 1925, The Gold Rush remains one of Charlie Chaplin's most celebrated films and a defining work of silent cinema.
Set during the Klondike Gold Rush, the film follows Chaplin's iconic Little Tramp as he navigates hunger, hardship, romance, and adventure in the frozen North.
Along the way, audiences encounter some of the most famous scenes in movie history, including Chaplin's legendary "dance of the rolls" sequence and the unforgettable image of a cabin teetering on the edge of a cliff.
Nearly a century later, the film remains remarkably funny, inventive, and emotionally resonant.
For Adirondack audiences accustomed to wilderness adventures and the occasional challenge of a long winter, the story's themes of perseverance and resourcefulness may feel surprisingly familiar.
A movie experience from another era.
Watching The Gold Rush with Ben Model is not the same as streaming an old movie at home.
Model accompanies the film live, creating music that responds to the action unfolding on screen. Rather than relying on a prerecorded soundtrack, he performs throughout the screening, shaping the audience's experience in real time.
The result feels less like watching a film and more like attending a live performance.
Model has spent decades preserving and sharing this nearly forgotten art form. He performs across the United States and internationally, introducing new generations to the energy, humor, and artistry of silent cinema.
The Strand Theatre and Adirondack movie history.
The Strand Theatre occupies a special place in the cultural life of the Adirondacks.
Open continuously as a movie theater since 1937 and operating as a movie house for more than 100 years, the Strand remains one of the region's most beloved independent theaters. Located in the center of Schroon Lake, it serves both year-round residents and generations of summer visitors.
Classic Movie Mondays grew out of the theater's longstanding commitment to classic film programming. Since launching as an expanded summer series, it has become one of the Strand's most popular offerings, drawing audiences from Schroon Lake, Lake George, Ticonderoga, North Creek, and beyond.
What makes the series unique is that every screening includes context and conversation. Guest presenters share stories, history, and behind-the-scenes insights before and after the film, turning each event into something more than a night at the movies.
A living piece of film history.
One of the most fascinating aspects of Model's performance is the instrument itself.
Using a portable digital organ and custom software, he recreates the sounds of the grand Wurlitzer theater organs that once filled movie palaces across America. Long before movies had synchronized soundtracks, theater organists supplied music, dramatic effects, and atmosphere for audiences.
Model's performances allow modern audiences to hear sounds remarkably similar to what moviegoers might have experienced during the Strand's earliest years.
For history lovers, music fans, and curious first-timers, it's a rare opportunity to experience a nearly lost tradition brought vividly back to life.
Video: Meet silent film accompanist Ben Model.
Before attending the screening, learn more about Ben Model's work preserving the art of silent film accompaniment and introducing modern audiences to classic cinema.
Silent film accompanist Ben Model discusses his career, the history of silent film, and how live music transforms the moviegoing experience.
Ben Model returns to Schroon Lake's Strand Theatre as part of the 2026 Classic Movie Mondays series, bringing a century-old entertainment tradition back to the Adirondacks.
ADK Taste insight.
Silent films were never truly silent.
Before the arrival of "talkies" in the late 1920s, live musicians accompanied films in theaters large and small. Depending on the venue, audiences might hear a pianist, an organist, or even an orchestra. Ben Model continues that tradition, helping modern viewers experience movies much as audiences did a century ago.
Who should attend.
Film buffs will love the historical context. Music lovers will appreciate the live performance. Families will discover how accessible and entertaining silent films remain. And travelers seeking something beyond the typical Adirondack itinerary will find a memorable evening blending culture, history, and community.
No prior knowledge of silent film is required.
Just bring curiosity.
Scene from The Gold Rush.
ADK Taste recommendation.
Make an evening of it. Arrive early to explore Schroon Lake's Main Street, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, and settle into the Strand before the program begins. Ben Model's introductory remarks provide valuable context and make the film even more enjoyable.
Event details.
Event: Classic Movie Mondays featuring Ben Model and The Gold Rush
Venue: Strand Theatre
Location: Schroon Lake, New York
Date: Monday, July 6, 2026
Film: The Gold Rush (1925)
Series: Classic Movie Mondays
Visit the Strand Theatre's website or Facebook page for showtimes, ticket information, and updates.
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Beautiful Schroon Lake in Essex County.
Frequently Asked Questions
What film is being shown at Classic Movie Mondays on July 6?
Charlie Chaplin's classic silent comedy The Gold Rush (1925).
Who is Ben Model?
Ben Model is one of America's leading silent film accompanists, historians, and presenters. He performs live music during silent film screenings throughout the United States and internationally.
Where is the Strand Theatre?
The Strand Theatre is located on Main Street in Schroon Lake, New York, in the southern Adirondacks.
Are silent films suitable for modern audiences?
Absolutely. Many first-time viewers are surprised by how funny, engaging, and emotionally effective silent films remain today.
What makes this screening different?
Ben Model performs live accompaniment throughout the film, recreating the experience audiences enjoyed during the silent film era.
Where can I find updates and ticket information?
Visit the Strand Theatre's official Facebook page for the latest information.
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