Stephen Prutsman brings original score and humor to silent film screening

Pianist and composer Stephen Prutsman is no stranger to the world of silent films. Buster Keaton’s “Seven Chances,” which will be screened July 16 as part of Bravo! Vail’s Chamber Music Series, is the third of 15 silent films he has scored throughout his prolific and award-winning career.

“I love scoring silent films,” Prutsman said. “In Buster Keaton features, there are typically three essential characters — a hero played by Keaton, a villain, and a sweetheart — and then an iconic chase scene right at the end. … I enjoy coming up with themes to reflect these characters and other key elements throughout the films.”

The story of “Seven Chances” falls in line with this typical story arc. Debuted in 1925, the film follows Jimmy Shannon, played by Buster Keaton, as he learns he will inherit $7 million from his grandfather’s estate if he is married by 7 p.m. on his 27^th birthday, which happens to be that same day.