Amidst its lineup of kick ass new horror films from around the world, the Mile High Horror Film Festival in Littleton, CO also hosts some awesome “special screenings” that honor past and modern classics of the genre. This year these included The Descent with Neil Marshall in person, Saw I and II with Tobin Bell, Return of the Living Dead with Linnea Quigley, and A Nightmare on Elm Street with Heather Langenkamp Skyping in for a Q&A.

The one I was most excited for was a 90^th anniversary screening of Phantom of the Opera with Ron Chaney in person and a live score performed by festival veteran Paul Buscarello. Last year, Paul performed an original score to the 1924 creeper Hands of Orlac, which I had never seen before. It was one helluva experience. He’s also composed live scores for films like The Phantom Carriage, House of Usher, and Pandora’s Box.

This year his score for Phantom was another wickedly composed piece – utilizing driving keyboard rhythms, percussion, chopped up operatic vocal samples, and more. A little bit of that iconic pipe organ overture was included, but Paul crafted it into something of his own. And he performed it all himself. One dude sitting in front of a giant screen with just his gear and nimble fingers.

Before the screening, Ron Chaney took part in a lengthy Q&A, discussing the history of the Chaney family and their Hollywood legacy. Ron, who’s the great grandson/grandson of Lon Chaney Sr. and Lon Chaney Jr., had loads of interesting stories to tell about growing up in one of the industry’s most famous families and it’s easy to tell that deep passion for cinema runs in their blood.

One thing he said that stuck with me is that Chaney Sr. was raised by deaf-mutes and didn’t speak until he was four years old. He spent much of his youth silently observing people – how they gestured when they talked, the expressions they’d make, all the nuances of body language. He took what he observed and translated it into his silent film performances. After the Q&A, I kept that in my mind as Phantom played and damn, Chaney Sr. is still so incredible to watch in that film. That final scene where he’s being chased through the streets and dumped in the river…it gets me every time. It’s as heartbreaking today as I’m sure it was 90 years ago.

Ron Chaney, who has some acting credits himself like House of the Wolf Man, also explained how he’s been trying to bring a new version of London After Midnight to the screen for quite some time. The infamous lost film from 1927 was directed by Tod Browning and the last known print of it burned up in the MGM fire of ’67. Chaney’s written two new versions of the film, one silent and one “talkie” version. Unfortunately the rights over the story it’s based on are all tied up, but Ron hasn’t given up hope.

I really hope Mile High keeps up this tradition of presenting these classic silent films with live scores. It’s adds another layer to the experience and it’s great to see the classics honored in such a cool way.