Program to shed light on ‘Movies and Magic’

Matthew Solomon, author of “Disappearing Tricks: Silent Film, Houdini, and the New Magic of the Twentieth Century,” will present a program on magic and the beginnings of movie special effects at 1:30 p.m. May 15 at the Old Bridge Public Library Main Branch, Route 516 and Cottrell Road.

Solomon, an associate professor in the Department of Media Culture at the College of Staten Island, City University of New York, will show short films and discuss the golden age of theatrical magic and silent films to reveal how professional magicians shaped the early history of cinema.

For more information, call 732-721- 5600, ext. 5033, or log on to www.oldbridgelibrary. org.