Silent Times

Directed by Christopher Annino, "Silent Times" is a Roaring-Twenties escapade set in a small New England town. The story centers on Oliver Henry III (played by Westerly native Geoff Blanchette), a small-time crook turned vaudeville theater owner. From humble beginnings in England, he immigrates to the US in search of happiness and fast cash. He becomes acquainted with people from all walks of life, from burlesque performers, mimes, hobos to classy flapper girls, as his fortunes rise and his life spins ever more out of control. The film is a loving homage to the silent films of the 1920s and 30s, and features a wide cast of characters based on archetypes and personalities common in those films, such as Charlie Chaplin, Marinka The Amazon, Thomas Inch, Annie Oakley, Buster Keaton, Laurel and Hardy, Orson Wells, Keystone Cops, Gypsy Rose Lee and many more. Much of the comedy was inspired by Benny Hill and Monty Python. Notably, it is the first silent feature film of its kind in 80 years, and the film speed was sped up to match with 1920's film speed. The film features talent drawn from Mystic, New London, Bermuda and Westerly. Some notable talent featured in the film is WWE Legend Brian Blair, Olga Kurkulina star of "Kick Ass 2," Queen of the Paranormal Kadrolsha Ona Carole, Ric Silver the creator of the "Electric Slide" dance, and WWE Legend Ron Bass. The film highlights American Burlesque and Vaudeville both at their peaks.. The film highlights American Burlesque and Vaudeville both at their peaks. The film was shot in Bermuda, Martha's Vineyard, Nantucket, Florida, Montana, The Virgin Islands, New England, Ireland, New York, Brooklyn, Coney Island, Mexico, Canada and Toms River New Jersey .
The film has so far won Best Feature at the Mindfield Film Festival in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Best Silent at the Oniros Film Festival, and is now up for several nominations and selections from Bermuda International Film Festival, Royal Wolf Film Festival, west coast international film festival, and Pinnacle Film Awards.