(Press Release)The bittersweet life and fantastic films of Oaklander Willis (KING KONG) O’Brien will be revealed with three events during March, 2022 including: a film tribute at the Grand Lake Theater on Tuesday evening March 1, a display with O’Brien’s biography, historic photographs and objects of interest at the Main Library History Center, February 28-May 26th and a unique exhibit in 25 storefront windows along the 3200 block of Grand Avenue on view from March 2nd onward.
Mayor declares Wednesday March 2, 2022 “WILLIS O’BRIEN DAY”
Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf honored film pioneer and “Grandfather of movie special effects” Willis O’Brien with a formal proclamation declaring March 2, 2022 as WILLIS O’BRIEN DAY.
“Our City is vibrant, creative, almost magical. I’ve no doubt that tomorrow’s Willis O’Brien’s are in our schools and libraries today.” Mayor Schaaf said via email.
“City Hall and the Mayor enthusiastically supported the Proclamation. We had no idea King Kong was created by an Oaklander.” Jonathan Bair, Mayors assistant and valuable over-achiever said.
“Without Willis O’Brien I might never have grown up loving dinosaurs.”
Author Ray Bradbury
Willis Harold O’Brien, OBie to friends, was born March 2, 1886 in Oakland, California. His astoundingly dimensional animation in over 16 films including THE LOST WORLD (1925), KING KONG (1933) and MIGHTY JOE YOUNG (1949) continues to amaze audiences world wide. New generations of fans are always discovering Willis O’Brien and King Kong, the monster who loved only one but is loved by millions.
Tribute to Willis O’Brien and His Films
At the Grand Lake Theater
On Tuesday evening, March 1st a film tribute to O’Brien’s breathtaking stop-motion model animation will present outtakes and trailers from THE LOST WORLD (1925), KING KONG (1933) and MIGHTY JOE YOUNG (1949) which earned O’Brien a much deserved Academy Award Oscar for Special Effects. The homage includes two Oakland music premiers inspired by O’Brien’s films and the propelling KING KONG march by Max Steiner played with verve on the giant behemoth Wurlitzer organ.
The Oakland History Center Presents: Introducing Willis Harold O’Brien, The Oaklander Who Created King Kong
A Biography with display
The fascinating story of the man who created, nurtured and advanced the singular art of Stop-Motion 3-D Model Animation and whose creative genius brought the LOST WORLD (1925) , KING KONG (1933), MIGHTY JOE YOUNG (1949) and more to vivid life on the movie screen.
The Grand Avenue Willis O’Brien/KING KONG Storefront Exhibition
An educational and entertaining Willis O’Brien exhibit of 25 11X17inch sequential panels displayed in storefront windows along the 3200 Block of Grand Avenue. The panels tell his biography showing an important photograph or feature from one of his 16 major motion pictures. The exhibit is meant to be read while walking our lovely business district and enjoying the many independently owned shops and services on Grand Avenue.
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