The film flickered across the large screen in the backyard of Hart Hall in Newhall. William S. Hart and his Pinto pony Fritz galloped through the sagebrush to catch the bad guys. The audience cheered and applauded Hart and Fritz as they fulfilled the creed of the old West to be a man (and horse) of honor and to win the heart of a virtuous woman.

It was a new location, but the same casual and friendly atmosphere, as the Friends of Hart Park hosted the annual Silents Under the Stars fundraiser.

The new location at Hart Hall adjacent to William S. Hart Park in Newhall lacked the atmosphere and ambiance that graced the previous Silents Under the Stars events held in the backyard of the Hart Mansion — La Loma de los Vientos (The Hill of the Winds) — high above Hart Park.

However, the 200-plus guests seemed to adapt to the change in venue, with many first-time attendees.

The Hart Mansion, built in 1927, is closed for several months as a new roof is installed on the 80-year-old-plus former home of silent Western star William S. Hart.

“We can accommodate more people at this location,” said Laurene Weste, city councilwoman and president of Friends of Hart Park.

“However, in the future we’ll still have tours where people can stroll through the mansion.”

A silent auction on display in Hart Hall attracted a steady stream of bidders for the items which included a Caribbean vacation, two nights at Harrah’s Laughlin and tickets for a Pat Benatar at College of the Canyons, Disneyland, Magic Mountain, Clippers basketball and Universal Studios. Gift baskets featured Paula Deen, Barefoot Contessa, Cesar Milan (the Dog Whisperer) and many others. In addition, gift certificates, including Salt Creek and Don Cuco’s, were also available.

Ratter’s offered up the familiar barbecue dinner which included tri-tip, chicken, salad, garlic mashed potatoes, beans and garlic rolls. A selection of carrot, lemon or chocolate cake was served for dessert.

Among the invited guests was Huell Howser, who produces and stars in “California Gold” and other television shows about Southern California. Howser recently produced a show about Hart Park and Museum that is available on DVD and is available at the park’s gift shop.

“I’m a big fan of the William S. Hart Mansion and Museum and Hart Park,” said Howser. “I’ve been wanting to come to this event for a couple of year and now I finally have the chance. I think it’s going to be a great evening.”

As dusk fell bags of popcorn were tossed to the waiting film fans and the old time projector, manned by Dave Shepard, sprang to life.
... and the Leasebreakers jug band had already warmed up and “Sand” (1920) filled the screen as the 10-piece jug band played accompaniment and supplied the sound effects. Kenny Yapkowitz of ... and the Leasebreakers said the band had viewed the film half a dozen times to find the appropriate music to play.

“This is the only place where a jug place accompanies a slient film,” said Yapkowitz. “This is something special to the Hart Museum. It is something you can hear no place else on earth.”

Tours were given of the Ranch House and the new animal exhibit in Hart Park.

Built in 1910, the Ranch House was occasionally used as a location for Hart’s films. Now the Ranch House showcases original furnishings, memorabilia and riding equipment used in his movies. From 1921 to 1924, the mansion was completed, Hart and his sister Mary Ellen sometimes stayed at the Ranch House. Among the items on display was a collection of Hart’s many saddles.

“They filmed on the ranch at least one known movie, “Singer Jim McKee,’” said Ayesha Saletore, Hart museum administrator. “The ranch house was originally constructed of just wood and nails and they could remove part of the wall to allow for natural lighting during filming.”

The newly expanded animal exhibit at Hart Park now includes turkeys, chickens, pigs, cows, deer, mules, ducks and geese.

Funds raised by the Friends have been used to help maintain the mansion, help with the animals in the park and clean and restore numerous art treasures.