Down to the Sea in Ships (1922), directed by Elmer Clifton and filmed in New Bedford, Massachusetts, is a full feature silent film that will be screened in Thacher Hall with musical score performed live at a grand piano by Dr. Jennifer A. Maxwell, a Grammy-nominated classical concert pianist.

Preceding the showing, join us for a group-sing featuring two classic whaling songs. 'Reuben Ranzo' is a humorous halyard shanty from the late 1800s about a sailor who struggles to learn the ways of whaling. 'Desolation' is a little-known Martha's Vineyard whaling song bemoaning the poor treatment whalers received aboard the Mitchell – with a few local insults thrown in for good measure. Come with your harpoons sharp and your voices ready to sing!

This event is brought to you by The Edward Gorey House and Thacher Hall. Doors open at 6:30 PM. Group-sing and film start at 7:00 PM. Concessions will be available for purchase (popcorn, drinks, candy, etc!)

About the Film

Down to the Sea in Ships was a blockbuster back in the day. With its theme of whaling and its inclusion of the only legally filmed whale hunt in cinema history, the film is a brilliant record of local maritime heritage. It contains semi-documentary footage of whalers at work, shot on historic locations in the New Bedford area featuring landmarks including the Quaker Meeting House, Seamen’s Bethel, and the whaling ship Charles W. Morgan, on exhibit at Mystic Seaport in Connecticut. The film’s title cards contain quotes from Herman Melville’s Moby Dick and Alexander Starbuck’s History of the American Whale Fishery. The authenticity of the whaling scenes is lauded in the opening screen credits, which praise the bravery of both A.G. Penrod and Paul H. Allen, the cameramen, “who, in small boats, stood by their cameras at the risk of their lives to photograph the fighting whales.” Down to the Sea in Ships also is notable for featuring the debut of flapper IT girl movie star Clara Bow.

About the Score

Using some archival material from the film’s 1922 premiere at the Olympia Theater in New Bedford and some original material, Maxwell created a theme for each character (hero’s theme, villain’s theme, etc.) and each type of action (love theme, whaling theme, etc.). She also utilized some vintage tunes that would have been recognizable in the day, weaving them in with the original music to give a period feeling. These are all cued to the relevant sections, composed in keys that segue appropriately, and timed precisely to fit the scenes – all with the purpose of underscoring the narrative and providing cohesion in a medium in which there is no dialogue. The result is a musical score that is vibrantly connected with the film itself, performed dynamically in concert with the film.  

American pianist Dr. Jennifer A. Maxwell has earned acclaim for her versatility as a performer, educator, and scholar. A 2016 and 2018 Grammy Award Nominee, she has performed thousands of concerts of solo and chamber repertoire across the country, been featured in television and radio interviews, written a film score, and judged competitions. Read Jennifer's full bio here.

Down to the Sea in Ships is very New England and very family friendly. Come enjoy a movie and a piano concert! Doors open at 6:30 PM. Group-sing and film start at 7:00 PM.

Parking Note:  There is no parking at Thacher Hall. Parking is available just across Route 6A from Thacher Hall around the Common, as well as at the Post Office and Chapter House Inn. Crossing attendants will be available to assist with crossing Route 6A at the designated crosswalk in front of Thacher Hall. If you need accessible parking information, please email events@thacherhall.org.

Accessibility Note:  Thacher Hall is a historic building and is not accessible via wheelchair - a short flight of stairs is required for entrance into the Hall and the restrooms are located on the lower level (accessed via stairs).

Ticket revenue supports the Thacher Hall & The Edward Gorey House. Your support enables Thacher Hall to share the arts with the Yarmouth Port community.