TOPEKA -- Come to the Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library’s 15th annual "Silents in the Cathedral" this Friday, October 26th at 7:00pm.

This year we feature "Blackmail" (from 1929,) an Alfred Hitchcock classic, which follows a beautiful blond whose act of self-defense turns into a case of murder investigated by her boyfriend, a Scotland Yard detective.

The film is hosted by Grace Episcopal Cathedral at 701 SW 8th Avenue in downtown Topeka. Parking is adjacent to the Cathedral. Popcorn and bottled water will be sold as a fundraiser for the Cathedral’s youth group. Admission is free; no tickets required.

Along with the suspense thriller "Blackmail," you will watch two short films.. "Bewitched Matches," an animated film from 1913, and "Eve’s Love Letters," the silent 1927 comedy starring Stan Laurel. to lighten the mood before the Hitchcock film brings it back to a more serious tone.

Marvin Faulwell, noted theater organist, and Bob Keckheisen, percussionist, will provide musical accompaniment to the films. Denise Morrison, film buff and historian, will share the history and little known Hollywood gossip about the productions.

For more information, contact the library’s Special Collections department at 580-4510.

This program is funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities. It is a partnership program between the library and Grace Episcopal Cathedral, in cooperation with Kansas Silent Film Festival Inc.

Library hours are 9 till 9 on weekdays, Saturdays from 9 to 6, and Sunday from Noon till 9:00pm.