Fox Associates presents ‘Stan Kann Celebration’ featuring the theatrical premiere of the documentary ‘Stan Kann—The Happiest Man in the World’ and the 1920 silent movie classic, ‘The Mark of Zorro’ with Stan Kann at the Wurlitzer Organ,
Sunday, June 12 at St. Louis’ Fabulous Fox Theater

St. Louis icon Stan Kann has been tickling the ivory keys of the Mighty Wurlitzer at the Fox Theatre since 1950. On Sunday, June 12, the Fox will celebrate Kann’s 55 years as organist extraordinaire with a double bill. The program begins with St. Louis director Mike Steinberg’s new documentary film “Stan Kann – The Happiest Man in the World.” The second half of the program will be the fast-paced, action-packed 1920 silent film classic “The Mark of Zorro,” starring Douglas Fairbanks, Sr. accompanied by Stan Kann on the mighty Wurlitzer Organ. The doors open at 1 p.m. for general admission seating. Program begins at 2 p.m.

“Stan Kann – The Happiest Man in the World” is an intimate portrait of Theatre Organist/Entertainer/Vacuum Cleaner Aficionado, Stan Kann. From roller rink musician to silent film accompanist, to movie palace gadabout, Stan Kann has lived a charmed life of hobby and enthusiasm. An unmatched success as a network television personality – Kann appeared as the Guru of Gadgets 77 times on “The Tonight Show” with Johnny Carson, 89 times on “The Mike Douglas Show,” and countless other television appearances through the 1970s & ‘80s. Kann’s gregarious personality and his improvisational skills made him a household name. Utilizing interviews with Stan Kann, archival footage of his television appearances and contemporary footage of Kann in action, the film celebrates all that is Stan Kann.

“The Mark of Zorro” stars Douglas Fairbanks, Sr. in the title role of this 1920 silent masterpiece. The most action-packed of Fairbanks’ swashbuckling costume epics, “The Mark of Zorro” is a romantic adventure set in historic Old California. “The Mark of Zorro” made Fairbanks the number one box office star of 1920 and launched his new image as a romantic hero in a series of exotic costume adventures that became more elaborate with each new film.

In “The Mark of Zorro” Fairbanks plays dual roles: as hopeless aristocrat Don Diego and as masked caballero Zorro, dedicated to helping the peasants, Indians, and caballeros fight the tyrannical Governor and his corrupt henchmen. When he isn't dueling with the evil Captain Ramon (Robert McKim) or rescuing peasants, Don Diego/Zorro courts the lovely Lolita (Marguerite de la Motte). In the end, when Lolita’s family is jailed, our hero throws off his masquerade, whips out his sword and wins Lolita’s hand. Since this original Zorro film, many re-adaptations have been made, but none of them manages to capture the zest and pace of this original.

Stan Kann will perform his original musical score accompanying the film “The Mark of Zorro.” Kann’s virtuoso skill with the Fox Theatre’s giant Jesse Crawford Wurlitzer Organ is unrivaled. The Wurlitzer is one of only five of its kind ever constructed and boasts four keyboards, 2,700 pipes and 36 ranks. Stan gives organ concerts weekly on Thursdays and Saturdays during regular Fox tours.

In addition to the organ concert and films, the afternoon event will also include a special tribute to Stan Kann performed by the Gateway Men’s Chorus. General admission tickets are $8 in advance or $10 day of show. Groups of 20 or more can call Fox Group Services at 314/535-2900 for special rates. Tickets are on sale now and are available at the Fox Theatre box office. Tickets may also be purchased by calling MetroTix at 314/534-1111 or on-line at www.metrotix.com. For this day only, Grand Center is offering a special parking rate of $3.