Not an extra: a group of non-speaking actors have their moment in the spotlight

Oregonians are very familiar with one such movie star. In fact, he lived on the coast for awhile in the city of Newport. Now, of course, this silver screen star is not of the human variety, but Keiko the orca whale.

While their human counterparts receive most of the attention and fame, animals have long been a part of television and film making. Keiko as Free Willy is merely one of numerous examples.

Willamette Humane Society hosts its spring fundraiser at Willamette Valley Vineyards on May 8 from 5:30-7 p.m. in honor of the entertainment industry’s furry friends and more.

Talented Animals, a Corvallis-based company, works with many of the animals featured in movies and commercials providing the pet and its trainer for work in Hollywood.

The evening event offers a chance for fans to meet some canine, feline, and perhaps exotic animal actors. Award-winning wines and appetizers are available for human consumption during the event.

For more information, call 503-585-5900, ext. 660.

Classic film series continues

Extending their film showings into late spring and summer, the Wednesday Evening Film Series offers two classic and one silent movie during the month of May.

A story told in honor of Oregon 150th statehood celebration, Raoul Walsh’s 1930 film “The Big Trail,” is shown on the big screen at the Historic Elsinore Theatre May 13. Filmed on location in six states — including Oregon — the film tells the story of a frontier experience. Shot in a high-resolution 70mm format theaters, for decades, were ill-equipped to project the flick in widescreen.

The story of the restored Big Trail shows the authentic feeling of a pioneer wagon trail with a young scout (played John Wayne) along for the ride there is much adversity: rough terrain, storms, and Native American attacks.

With thousands of cast members, over 1,500 animals, and the best technical equipment of its time, the intent is to leave the viewer feeling they experienced the frontier first-hand.

On May 20 is a showing of “7th Heaven,” a 1927 U.S. film that nearly swept the Academy Awards the first year Oscars were presented. The movie brings the story of a young couple’s separation by war to life in this silent presentation.

Henry Fonda plays Abraham Lincoln in the 1939 classic “Young Mr. Lincoln,” on May 27. The film shows the life of Lincoln in his journey to becoming President. As a young man enraptured by law, Lincoln leaves for Springfield where he takes on a case of two young boys accused of murder.

All films begin at 7 p.m. with doors and the box office open at 6 p.m. Admission to each film is $5.