Review Highlights   

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"The live piano accompaniment was amazing." (in 10 reviews)
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"They had gems from Chaplin, Keaton, and Laurel and Hardy." (in 7 reviews)
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"Shows are every Saturday night (7:30 p." (in 5 reviews)
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42 reviews in English

  • Review from Amy J.

    Pleasanton, CA

    5.0 star rating
    1/2/2012 1 Check-in Here

    I love this theater/museum. It's only $5 and each refreshment is $1 each. You cannot beat it!

    The piano player who does the soundtrack to these films is awesome as well. The staff are great - you can tell they love what they do.

    If you love old silent movies and you're looking for some good entertainment, stop in. It's totally worth it. People came as far as Paris to go here!

    The store here also has some really cool stuff. Everything is reasonably priced. It fits only 100 people so I suggest getting here about a half hour early before a show to secure a spot. I will definitely be back.

  • Review from Maria B.

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    • 13 friends
    • 6 reviews

    Fremont, CA

    1.0 star rating
    12/1/2011

    Please note that this review is strictly for the Saturday Night Movie events.

    I've been coming to the Saturday Night Movie (Comedy Shorts night especially) for a few years now. It was always a lot of fun.
    Over the past year, however, I've noticed a change. A lot more talking before they actually show the films and during intermission. Excessive talking. They used to just give a short schpiel about the theater and then introduce the films they were going to show. Now, they go into uneccesary detail. I really don't think telling the audience the entire life story and career history about Hal Roach is neccessary in order to enjoy his films. On one movie night, their PR person went on and on and on about "Save Niles Canyon," beating us over the head about it. It was ridiculous. Movie night is not the time and place to gripe and organize a protest for highway plans, lady.

    On November 19th, they had a "book signing" event going on the same night as the comedy shorts night. So I assumed they were going to have the author(s) there, signing books before the films. Which they did, but they also had a READING of the book and 3 speakers PLUS 2 more musuem volunteers talking endlessly for over half an hour. It was painful. They started the films late that night. And that's the films they showed that night were a huge let-down too. No Charlie Chaplain shorts or Buster Keaton on COMEDY night?!?

    Overall, movie night at the museum has become less about showing movies and more about force-feeding the audience film history and shoving their personal agendas down your throat.

    So, please, please, please, Niles Essanay Silent Film Museum: just introduce the films BRIEFLY and just SHOW them. Oh, and for the love of god, take the microphone away from Rena.

    P.s. Niles is just a district of FREMONT. You people call it Niles as if it was its own seprate city with such an air of snobbery. It's Fremont.

  • Review from Leopard S.

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    • 1 friend
    • 220 reviews

    Sacramento, CA

    5.0 star rating
    11/1/2011

    I have been searching for a place that shows silent films because we all know how much of a "big city" Sacramento is and how you rarely see silent films here. That being said, I am so thrilled I discovered this hidden treasure. I'm kicking myself for not finding this place sooner.

    I spent at least an hour in the gift shop drooling...posters, DVD's, books, t-shirts, silent film memorabilia like you wouldn't believe! The docents really know their stuff-I was asking a lot of questions to learn about the area. I have been to several events here in the last month-the refreshments are reasonably priced, 3 bathrooms and "cushions for your tushions" in the theatre. Check out their calendar for events-if you're a silent film fan this place is a must!

    These guys are non-profit and work their patooties off to preserve the history and films. Many thanks to them and their hard work. You're well worth the drive from Sacramento!

  • Review from Rinky N.

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    • 485 friends
    • 721 reviews

    East Bay

    5.0 star rating
    Updated - 10/13/2011 8 photos

    Yup another update, my EIGHTH......Do ya think I love this place or what?  Well after years of going to their programs we finally became members which entitles us to movie  and their gift shop discounts and most importantly supports this sublimely wonderful organization.

    Every Saturday night at 7:30 you can treat yourself to an unforgettable evening of brilliant silent movies, live piano accompaniment , popcorn and a wide array of candy and ice cream for only $1 per item, charming and informative hosts who will enlighten you with the history of the theater and scintillating details about the films and a highly enthused audience who don't mind the hard wooden seats. (There are lots of comfy cushions if you and your derriere don't want to tough it out).

    For only FIVE DOLLARS you can experience what so many other fans have been thrilled by.

    C'mon no more excuses......and don't forget about the raffle during Intermission.  No BMW's but you may win a Charlie Chaplin bookmark,      a Bronco Billy postcard, a Halloween lollipop or ????

    Just think for the price of ONE of those fancy circus/acrobat shows (whose names escape me) you can take 20-30 of your friends to Essanay and have more fun than at least one barrel of monkeys!

    Listed in: Please don't forsake them, oh…, Non-chain chain chain of…, Things or Places I love that…, TEN STAR PLACES, Cheap! Cheap! Cheap!

    Was this review …?

    7 Previous Reviews: Show all »

    • 5.0 star rating
      10/31/2010

      Okay, okay I'm writing ANOTHER update----I absolutely HAD to after attending last night's  amazing… Read more »

  • Review from John P.

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    • 3 friends
    • 13 reviews

    Fremont, CA

    5.0 star rating
    10/9/2011

    This is as good as it gets. You have to take your family, crush, first date, what/whoever to any of their events. Its a relaxed atmosphere, great historical props and working machines, excellent design and storefront, all the people are cool, and they have over 9000 films they own (these are originals so they are not perfect DVD's so you have to allow for the sound and film quality difference) but its way way cool and everyone in the audience enjoyed and laughed at the 4 films they showed.

    We went on Sunday afternoon which is when they show shorts that have sound. We saw Laurel and Hardy and also Our Gang films. I know there are a little complaints here about the speeches being a little long, but even so it goes with the history and understanding of what you're about to see. The event lasts just under 2 hours and currently donations are $5 a person. They have low cost candy, popcorn, and drinks too.

    What a great deal and extremely memorable time. Trust me this is a gem of a place and my daughters and I will be returning for more events in the future. Across the street is Cici's Italian Restaurant which was one of the best Italian restaurants I've ever been too. The price is worth the food and service. Don't miss out on that either. Makes for a perfect evening.

  • Review from Sylvia D.

    Gilroy, CA

    4.0 star rating
    7/31/2011 1 photo

    Wow, this museum and theater is super rad and filled with amazing history!

    I don't watch a lot of movies in general, but I couldn't pass up an invitation to check out what would be my first silent film screening. Not knowing what to expect, I could only hope and pray that I wouldn't doze off and snore in the middle of the silent film. Fortunately, the comedy silent films were fantastic and the live piano accompaniment was just freakin' awesome. During the intermission, they even offer a tour of the tiny projection room.

    Like another Yelper mentioned, I wish the intermission was a little shorter and wasn't as drawn out with the staff person's speech and raffle prizes. Also, if you're particular about movie genres, IMDB the films beforehand. I found the comedy silent films to be much more entertaining the ones that weren't.

    That said, I love the fact that there's a historic place like this in the Bay Area that offers a one-of-a-kind experience. I mean, there people came from as far as the North Bay and Southern California to check out this screening! Gotta love how there are passionate folks who are into preserving and promoting the silent film era. Check out the museum's website for screening schedule.

  • Review from Tito Y.

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    • 590 reviews

    Emeryville, CA

    5.0 star rating
    4/20/2011

    Oh.. so fun... wouldn't you just to sit back.. eat some 25 cent popcorn and $1 cokes and watch some old Charlie Chaplin?  
    The films here are all for the silver screen type that love silents popped off with either live organ or piano.  Trust me.. this place is fun.. unique and if you have never seen a classic film like it used to be shown.. you gotta go, you swear, you'll feel like you are part of a laugh track.  
    The chairs are exactly as old school as the showing room.  So remember to grab yourself a nice cushion to place behind you on the chair.    Old school reel are generally short, like maybe 15 or 20 minutes short... so usually, they will show at least two movies...which in itself is quite a deal.  
    Inside too.. there is a wonderful gift shop complete with books, dvd, post cards and various other similar interesting curios that you might want to take home.  

    Don't forget that small nice well behaved pets are allowed.. but please if you have a mean obnoxious dog.. leave it home.

  • Review from Pam E.

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    • 13 reviews

    Pleasanton, CA

    5.0 star rating
    3/25/2011

    We arranged an office staff event this week, and the staff there was so gracious and gave us all a great show and learning experience.  I don't know any other place like it.  I've never seen so many authentic artifacts, and the all volunteer staff is highly knowledgeable and passionate about this.

    I highly recommend and can't wait to go back.

  • Review from Zach C.

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    • 23 reviews

    San Jose, CA

    5.0 star rating
    2/16/2011

    Absolute awesome piece of History, you simply must visit this place. I'm a big guy and their seats are a little tight but it doesn't matter. It's a great experience.
    -Zach

  • Review from Jaina D.

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    8/1/2010

    Such a blessed treasure for film fanatics, historians, seekers of unusual adventures, and those looking for fun on the cheap.

    My pals and I were led through a fantastic tour of photographs of the town, the studios, the stars-- each well-narrated by the enthusiastic guide-- the screening room, a room full of old film cameras and memorabilia, and then, !!holy smokes!! up to the original turn-of-the-century projection room, lined with tin and adorned with century-old graffiti! When have you EVER been in one of those?

    The gift shop is a one-stop paradise of Silent Era DVDs, books (new and used), toys, postcards and a bumpersticker that reads, "Films Have The Right To Remain Silent!"

    Bonus: just a few blocks away is a nice park for strolling, fishing, BBQs-- make it a family field trip!

  • Review from Linh H.

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    • 31 reviews

    Santa Clara, CA

    5.0 star rating
    6/8/2010

    I can't believe I have never heard of this place until recently and I gre up in Fremont! Definitely a hidden gem!

    I grew up watching Charlie Chaplin films as my parents are huge fans. I finally made the trek here for Chaplin Days last Sunday. My friend and I caught two of the short films, one being the infamous The Tramp. Honestly, I expected more festivities given it was a special occasion there. It was a great experience nonetheless, especially with the Chaplin impostor!

    Will definitely come back with my parents when they are showing Chaplin films again.

  • Review from Anne T.

    Eagan, MN

    5.0 star rating
    8/28/2009

    I took my mom and dad and my kids here this past Saturday and we had an absolute BLAST, I tell ya.

    As I lost myself in the music, I imagined how it must have been in the early 1900's when movies first came about..people must have been completely blown away.  The songs from the piano perfectly matched the action, to the point where I almost didn't notice it anymore.

    The people who staff it are some of the sweetest, most earnest people you'd ever meet.  They're so into it and I LOVE IT!!  We roared our way through the three movies.  Even my 11-yr-old had a great time.  My grandmother (born in 1901) used to be a piano player at "the pictures" until the "talkies" came around.

    I ended the night by buying two items from the gift shop, Charlie Chaplin and Bronco Billy magnets.

    This is in your own backyard, folks.

    Go.

  • Review from Valerie F.

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    • 507 reviews

    Fremont, CA

    5.0 star rating
    7/29/2006

    In the site of the old Edison Theater this area used to be call "Hollywoodland North" back in the 20-40's then unfortunately the silent films when Niles became something of a ghost-town then got devoured by beheamoth suburb Fremont.

    This musuem is in it's own words "dedicated support to the quest of finding, preserving and sharing the history of Niles, especially as it relates to film" and does a very good job of just that.

    Visiting this place is a must for local Charlie Chaplin fans, and you can combine it with a stroll through the rest of quaint Niles OR if you're a nature nut or REI or active lifestyles person with a picnic and strenous hike up Mission Peak http://www.ci.fremont....
    or around Coyote Hills which is part of the San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge, operated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

    As for the museum I used to go as a kid and can't believe it's been fixed and open again. Saturday nights then have double bills of some of the best silent films ever!

  • Review from Ann L.

    Fremont, CA

    5.0 star rating
    9/15/2007

    This little museum deserves some attention and it's FREE to visit.  It was featured in VIA magazine as one of the reader's favorite exceptional small-town museums.  Back in the olden days Charlie Chaplin made 4 films in Niles, one of his more famous one was "The Tramp".  

    We got there a little after noon Sat. and the lady asked us if we wanted a tour, sure.  She then gave us some info about the place, showed us the pictures hanging on the wall, then she had a volunteer guy help us since she had to get back to the front.  He was really good and enthusiastic about the history of the silent films.

    There is a tin-lined projection booth, hand-cranked projectors, photos of Charlie Chaplin & Broncho Billy.  He took us to where more historical stuff were in glass cases, he pointed out where they show the silent films (for a small fee on Saturday nights @ 7:30pm), and the upstairs where the projectors are.

    Hrs:
    12-4 Sat and Sun
    Movies shown Sat 7:30pm (cost $5-$10 depending on film, plus a live pianist plays)

    website:
    http://www.nilesfilmmu.../

    They have been around for 2 yrs and plan to make some more changes to bring back the original look of the place.

  • Review from Jenn N.

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    • 4 friends
    • 107 reviews

    San Jose, CA

    5.0 star rating
    9/28/2008

    If you're any kind of film enthusiast you must hit this place for their Saturday night silent movie fest. There's live piano accompaniment and it's only $5 for 2 hours of movies. The films are in pretty good condition and they have people who seem pretty knowledgeable introducing the films.

    There's an intermission where you're free to use the restrooms or to look at some of their museum exhibits, which is kinda neat. They also have a raffle where you can win some of the stuff they sell in the store.

    If you've never seen a silent movie before check this place out on one of their comedy nights and be prepared to laugh your ass off.

  • Review from Bonnie W.

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    • 16 friends
    • 6 reviews

    Oakland, CA

    5.0 star rating
    4/6/2009

    Worth the trek to Fremont to attend a film here. Very kind, friendly staff and a great selection of films.

    It's a great place to spend a Saturday night. And the price is right!

  • Review from Yelper Y.

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    • 10 friends
    • 73 reviews

    Berkeley, CA

    5.0 star rating
    6/3/2007 1 photo

    Fremont had a movie studio?  Chaplin lived in the area?  Who knew?  I guess Fremont is cooler than I thought.  

    I attended the Charlie Chaplin festival (1st weekend in June) & it was great.  The museum is run by volunteers & they hold a wealth of information.  I watched "The Kid" which is a very touching/funny Chaplin movie.  I'm not too familiar with silent films & I've only seen short clips from the Robert Downy Jr. Chaplin film.  

    Having said this, I think I'm hooked.  It was a very neat experience.  The live piano accompaniment was amazing.  The museum has these beautiful watercolor paintings & pictures of movie sets that were located right here in Fremont!  The theater seats have a slot on the bottom for men's hat because as you know gentlemen would wear hats.  It had never even occurred to me where men placed their hats when attending the theater back in the day.

    The cost is only $5.  An evening of entertainment for $5?!  That's unheard of!  

    Shows are every Saturday night (7:30 p.m.) & throughout the day during festivals or special events.  Check out the Tri-City Voice for information & showtimes.

  • Review from R S.

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    • 13 friends
    • 138 reviews

    NY

    5.0 star rating
    1/10/2007 1 photo

    It's not just a museum, but a theater too.

    If you are a Fremont native you probably know that a number of silent films, some staring Charlie Chapin, were filmed in Niles Canyon.

    They play silent movies with live accompaniment often, and it is cheaper than the Century theaters.

    If you are a movie buff or lover of silent films this place is worth a look.

  • Review from Paul T.

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    • 1 friend
    • 119 reviews

    San Ramon, CA

    4.0 star rating
    11/8/2007

    I'm feeling bad about ruining the "perfect 5" of the previous reviews. But I guess I'm jaded by other offerings at classical movie theaters and museums.

    The museum  is located in a Nickelodeon theater that was converted over the years for other uses. So it misses the ambiance of a restored theater, particularly the more comfortable, and better-appointed theaters that replaced the Nickelodeons.

    And the collection is very small--it can be looked at easily in a few minutes. And once looked at, that's pretty much it...

  • Review from Jenny K.

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    • 40 reviews

    Fremont, CA

    4.0 star rating
    4/26/2011

    Silent films with live piano accompaniment.   Cheap candy/popcorn.  Get your tickets early online to assure seats.  Tickets sell out fast.  Friendly staff.  Non-expensive way to spend an evening.

  • Review from Heather B.

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    • 26 reviews

    East Bay, CA

    4.0 star rating
    12/5/2009

    This was fun! You NEED to snag a docent to show you around the museum, and you should do this before having dinner and returning for Saturday evening silent movies, complete with a live pianist and intermission (with a fun little raffle game). I felt like I'd gone somewhere really far away and been away a long time :)

    PS eat at Bronco Billy's pizza!

  • Review from Mahendra P.

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    • 157 reviews

    Memphis, TN

    5.0 star rating
    4/18/2010

    This place is unique. It is the only place in the SF Bay area that shows silent cinema on a weekly basis. The only thing I'm aware of that does it anywhere near as frequently in the US is the Silent Clown Series in New York City, but that is only weekly during a limited season of the year.

    The NESFM is weekly every week, except during the week of the annual SF silent film festival, because they don't want to kill that festival.

    You have live piano accompaniment, as well as great silent film experts and stars on hand, such as Baby Peggy and Linda Wada drop by occasionally. It's just wonderful. And this doesn't even mention the Chaplin and Snub Pollard and Broncho Billy stuff.

  • Review from Nikki S.

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    • 25 friends
    • 16 reviews

    Campbell, CA

    5.0 star rating
    3/19/2011

    Our seniors came here for a morning tour during the summer months. While the museum was short and sweet, the details in it's background and history were captivating. After our tour through the museum and gift shop we viewed several clips. We were encouraged to boo or cheer (depending on the scene). It was a lot of fun and well worth the admission.

  • Review from Brian D.

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    • 47 friends
    • 289 reviews

    Oakland, CA

    5.0 star rating
    4/28/2007

    This place is so cool.  The museum is worth browsing through, and the tour is great.

    They are selling "slats" where you can sponsor the restoration of the theater and get your name on a little piece of it.

  • Review from Naomi K.

    Durham, NC

    4.0 star rating
    2/6/2010

    Good times. Caught the pre-code follies. Fun clips from the late 1920's... old flickers were pretty entertaining. Intermission pianist was loads of fun too, she's got a great personality and voice. Little long though to be sitting in those stiff seats.
    Check out the old camera equipment in the back of the theatre.

  • Review from S R.

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    • 1066 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    4.0 star rating
    8/27/2011 3 photos 1 Check-in Here

    im glad somebody has the motivation and time to help save history for everybody.  a small museum and gift shop showcasing local film production history.  i would definitely like to try the silent movie showings they have on sat nights.

  • Review from Melanie A.

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    • 13 friends
    • 36 reviews

    Oakland, CA

    5.0 star rating
    2/9/2010

    Wonderful place to visit in one of those Bay Area Brigadoon-like small towns which persist, inexplicably, adjacent to ugly sprawl.  The people involved are not your usual befuddled volunteers passing on rumors and half-truths:  no, these are dedicated silent film fans you'll see at other silent film screenings.

    For me, about the only detraction in the experience is that the screenings attract two dedicated clusters of people who enjoy talking through the movie.  They'll read the intertitles, comment on plot points, remark on the decor, all in undiminished voices as if they were right in their own living rooms watching a DVD.  None of their commentary is useful nor even funny.  I have a theory that these people must be huge donors to the Museum, and that's why their bad behavior is tolerated.

  • Review from Ruth K.

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    • 14 reviews

    Oakland, CA

    5.0 star rating
    4/7/2010

    Amazing history, right in our back yard.
    I worked with the staff, thinking the museum would be a good wedding venue.  Sadly, I am counting on more guests than the place could handle, but the staff pursued the idea doggedly.
    Great place, great street, great little town.  Also, try to visit in the spring, when the canyon is green.  Breathtaking!

  • Review from Kati H.

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    • 6 friends
    • 62 reviews

    Fremont, CA

    5.0 star rating
    9/17/2010

    We went here for one of the comedy short subject nights...  They had gems from Chaplin, Keaton, and Laurel and Hardy.  They were very interesting, and I was fascinated by the live pianist, who just wings it through the whole show.  I had never seen silent films in a theatre, though I consider myself someone who likes movies (and go to Stanford Theatre regularly).  I really like how the lady does a brief history of the films before they start.  We also appreciated that they were shorts--great for those of us with short attention spans, and it also gives you a chance to stretch your legs and see some of the very cool exhibits in the museum!  PS, bathrooms were super clean and cute.

  • Review from Jon F.

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    • 407 reviews

    Palo Alto, CA

    5.0 star rating
    11/17/2010

    Cool to see a piece of film history right here in the Bay Area. The staff are super enthusiastic and will even let you crank the old projector.

  • Review from Willis W.

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    • 151 reviews

    San Jose, CA

    5.0 star rating
    3/26/2007

    We went to the saturday night showing of silent films, and it was a real kick in the pants.  When we first got to the museum at 6:30pm, the doors were closed for the 7:30 show, so we went down the street to have dinner at the Essanay cafe (rave review is forthcoming).  While at the cafe, our meal was running long, and somebody from the theater actually called the cafe to see if any dinner guests were coming to the show, and they were willing to hold up the start for 5 minutes.  How nice is that?
    Once we got in, the theatre was packed, and an emcee gave numerous anecdotes about the films we were about to see, and then introduced the live pianist   I had no idea what went into  showing these films, but our first silent short was shown on a hand cranked projector!  The gentleman playing the piano was spot on, with music the entire time, providng wonderful thematic music.    There was a short intermission with free popcorn and ice cream available and snack bar to buy candy or soda.  There were people  present who have been involved with the Niles silent film scene for decades, and it was refreshing to know this art is appreciated so deeply.  Their spring film schedule is quite full, showing different films every week.  
    This is definitely a unique experience local only to us!

  • Review from Scott B.

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    • 4 reviews

    Fremont, CA

    5.0 star rating
    7/11/2011

    Silent comedies are awesome! A little Chaplin, Buster, and Laurel & Hardy... it's a must see. American Film History is still alive in Niles.

  • Review from Dan Y.

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    • 396 reviews

    Santa Rosa, CA

    5.0 star rating
    12/3/2007

    When I was a freshman in high school (without mentioning the exact date, let's just say Nixon was President), I went into SF one Saturday afternoon and picked up my first movie projector. It was an old German-made machine that was past its prime, but it worked, and it gave me and my friends the ability to watch movies whenever we wanted to. This was at least five years before the advent of the VCR.  The first print I acquired was "The Tramp", one of Charlie Chaplin's early two-reelers, and one of his best. The novelty of having my own movie projector soon wore off, but before that happened I must have watched that film twenty-five times. I started to get curious about the making of "The Tramp", and eventually I went to the library and checked out every book they had about silent films. I was amazed to discover that Charlie Chaplin actually made a number of films, including "The Tramp", in the Bay Area! I read all about the Essanay Studio, which existed in the little village of Niles for about twenty years, and was responsible for the making of hundreds of silent movies, almost all of them Westerns.  Fast forward about 35 years, and I'm sitting in a hotel room in Santa Clara, readinig the local paper and trying to decide if I really want to pay $9 to see that new film about Bob Dylan. Then I see the listing for the Essanay Museum. Less than a half hour drive from my current location, and they're showing "The Iron Mask" starring Douglas Fairbanks. Before you can say "Ho-LA!" I'm there. The museum is housed in a vintage 1913 Edison theater, the kind they built in small towns all over the US in the early days of film. This one has been upgraded with a sound system and a modern piano, but it still contains the original tin-lined projection booth, which I was allowed to visit during intermission. I really enjoyed the museum and seeing all the artifacts and photos on display, but the real thrill that night was watching the audience, many of whom were in their 20's and 30's, enjoying an 80-year-old black-and-white silent film. "The Iron Mask" was the last silent Douglas Fairbanks made. It's definitely one of his best, with alot of great fight scenes, some big laughs, and some heart-stopping stunts, performed by the star himself. I can't describe how gratifying it was to see all those young people, kids from my perspective, enjoying that classic film. I wished my kids had been there, so I could finally prove to them that films don't have to be in color or have a soundtrack to be good. Put the Essanay Museum on your to-do list, and remember there is a program of classic silent films EVERY Saturday night. You could easily spend an afternoon enjoying the small-town atmosphere of Niles, then have an early dinner at the Essanay Cafe before you head over to the theater.
    To find out what's playing check out http//http://www.nilesfilmmu...

  • Review from Davidson H.

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    • 79 reviews

    San Jose, CA

    5.0 star rating
    6/17/2011

    I am giving Niles Essanay Silent Film Museum 5 stars because I think it should be experienced by anyone who enjoys history in film and of the bay area, and I want to place this on my top list for bay area locations. If it was not for those reasons I would give it 4 stars. The gift shop is cute, and the old cameras and posters are the best. Interesting to learn that Niles was Hollywood before Hollywood is incredible, and the love Charlie Chaplin had for the area. When you arrive in Niles it is like going back in time and worth a trip with the family to see this town and museum. I went to see their comedy night in the film theater and enjoyed great silent films with Charlie Chaplin, Harold Lloyd, Stan Laurel. The only problem I have with the theater is the constant interruptions of the theater staff doing raffles and giving speeches. I suggest a 10 minute intermission between films, and no speeches by the employees. If they want a raffle do it at the front door. The rest of the experience was great.

  • Review from Conrad S.

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    • 27 friends
    • 24 reviews

    San Jose, CA

    4.0 star rating
    4/29/2011

    Found out about this unique museum from Yelp.  We didn't really know what to expect but we were pleasantly surprised.  The museum tour was really cool and was very enlightening.  Niles in Fremont actually has a very interesting history for Silent Films.... Charlie Chaplin acted in some silent films here!  On Saturdays, this museum plays silent films in their theater.  We thought, why not?  Something different.  Sure glad we went because we actually enjoyed the films and laughed quite a bit.  If ever in Fremont, I highly recommend that you check this museum out and/or watch a film there.  Definitely, a different, yet great experience.

  • Review from Kim V.

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    • 104 friends
    • 23 reviews

    Berkeley, CA

    5.0 star rating
    10/23/2009

    This was a great place! If you love black and white films, live piano music, great company, surrounded by film buffs, able to buy film memorabilia like postcards, books etc, + able to see a mini museum of filmography in the back, you will enjoy this place. It is a nonprofit organization that hosts silent movie screenings complete with live piano music to accompany it. This place can get pretty crowded when Charlie Chaplin's movies are playing. It's definitely a great experience, they also provide seat cushions. It's great, absolutely recommend it!

  • Review from deb n.

    •  
    • 299 friends
    • 1497 reviews

    Palo Alto, CA

    4.0 star rating
    9/12/2009 7 photos

    What a delightful little place, men dressed as Charlie Chaplain greeting people outside, then a keystone cop in charge of the shop, museum and theater in the back.  Free silent movies in the back, snacks to buy and movie memorabilia to buy.

  • Review from bette p.

    •  
    • 2 friends
    • 61 reviews

    Fremont, CA

    5.0 star rating
    4/7/2009

    Nice local museum where you can see what films used to be before the blockbuster syndrome.  Call ahead to see what's up.

  • Review from Glaciala A.

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    • 18 friends
    • 534 reviews

    Providence, RI

    5.0 star rating
    3/29/2010

    This place is absolutely awesome! Visit on a weekend and ask a docent to give you a tour/historical information session about Essanay. It's awesome to learn about the silent picture film industry and how learn about the film history of Northern California. Before you go, check out a youtube or other online video of a Charlie Chaplin/Bronco Billy film and you'll have an even better time. The volunteer docents are really informative and give you a wonderful history of the place. Next time, I want to check out the silent film showing on the weekend.

  • Review from Bobby B.

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    • 212 friends
    • 203 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    4.0 star rating
    2/17/2009

    As part of my Niles Canyon Railway Tour I decided to check out the silent film museum, with little knowledge of this place I had no expectations going in. I must say I was left this place surprised, first off the films weren't silent which was a good thing because I might have gotten bored really fast. The prices were a great deal, the staff was super friendly and the place is full of history. This isn't something I would go to every day however will be back to take friends visiting or taking locals to this little gem of a place on a little day tour of Niles.

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