We're off to see the Wizard.....

I have lived my whole life in Bergen County, New Jersey. However, it took my husband, David to help me discover some of the treasures I've missed. David is a Hoosier and grew up in Indianapolis, Indiana. When he moved out here in January, he was amazed at all the opportunities to enjoy the arts. The more I thought about it, David was correct. I had become somewhat jaded because Broadway, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Empire State Building, and too many other great venues and sights were readily available to me. Therefore, I started to rediscover what was in my own backyard.

I was very happy to discover two theaters which played classic movies were fairly close to my home. The Landmark Loews in Jersey City is a wonderful example of a community rallying to save its heritage. The Friends of Loews (FOL) saved this theater from demolition in 1987. Now, these wonderful people are slowing restoring the theater to its past glory. In addition, they choose the monthly classics shown and work as ushers, ticket sellers, etc. Attending a show here is very special, the patrons truly appreciate the FOL and love the venue. You do not hear cell phones go off  -- that in itself is a joy!

The other theater we discovered was the Lafayette Theater in Suffern, NY. This theater also shows first run movies and is in immaculate condition. It was built in 1924 and according to the manager it has been restored to almost original condition. The only difference is the snack bar -- it did not exist in 1924. Apparently, back in the 1920's it was considered poor taste to bring food into the theater. I can see why. This venue is more like a Broadway theater than a traditional movie theater, and even today you don't eat or drink during a Broadway show.

Yesterday, David and I saw our first film at the Lafayette Theater. The Wizard of Oz was the classic being shown at 11:30 am. David and I got there early because we suspected there would be a big crowd -- and there was! By the time the film started, there did not appear to be an empty seat in the house. We sat in the balcony, so we had a great view of all the seating. The only empty seats were "box seats" that we imagine were used for VIP's in the past. Now, these box seats are probably only used when live shows are done (yes, they even have live shows periodically). The experience was very cool as we were treated to live organ music first courtesy of Jeff Barker and a cartoon starring Daffy Duck entitled "Holiday for Drumsticks."

I must admit that going to see a movie I had seen so many times on TV excited me. I could not wait to see The Wizard of Oz in all of its glory on a big screen. I was not disappointed. It was actually like seeing it for the first time in some ways. Judy Garland was truly an endearing Dorothy. She was fresh faced and untouched by all studio politics and pressures that would later take their toll on her. This film helps us fall in love with the innocent young Garland who just wanted to sing and entertain. To say MGM surrounded Garland with a talented supporting cast would be an understatement. Billie Burke was so stunning and gentle as Glinda, the Good Witch of the North. Clara Blandick and Charles Grapewin are wonderful as Auntie Em and Uncle Henry -- their ability to make us like this couple so much in what are essentially cameo roles is impressive. Frank Morgan was perfect as the Wizard -- a man with a secret who although bumbling is likeable. Margaret Hamilton's performance remains the lynchpin of the movie. If she can not make us hate and fear her completely, then there is no plot. As pure of heart Dorothy must be, the Wicked Witch of the West must be her total opposite and  that is what Hamilton was able to convey so well.

The big screen truly showcased the talents of Dorothy's trio of Oz friends. Ray Bolger's performance as the Scarecrow was great. His limber dance skills made us believe he really was made of straw. Jack Haley's charm as the Tin Man was not lost on the audience as he sang "If I Only Had a Heart." But hands down, Bert Lahr as the Cowardly Lion was the audience favorite yesterday. Everytime he was on screen, your eyes went to him. Lahr was a HUGE Broadway star and that served him well in this film. Lahr's delivery and comedic timing were impeccable. His physical mannerisms were perfect in capturing the spirit of this would be "king" of the forest.

Yes, I did cry during the film ending. It is still a wonderful message to all of us: what we often what is right there in our own backyard. When Glinda gets Dorothy to realize that running away is never a solution to  a problem when you have people who love you, I felt the tears start. By the time, Judy Garland delivers the last line "There's no place like home!" the tears were rolling down my cheeks. Later, the irony of the situation was not lost on me. It took my husband to help me realize what I had in and around my home. I won't miss wonderful opportunities like yesterday thanks to him.

Tis the Season...

Well, the Christmas season has officially kicked off. Like most classic movie and TV fans, I'm hoping to receive some great DVDs for Christmas. Since my mother and husband are also fans of Hollywood's Golden Age, they too hope Santa will bring some much desired DVD sets. Since David(my hubby) reads this blog, I can't say what he might receive from me. However, my mother has let me know some of the items on her wish list.

What does my mom, born a few years too soon to be called a "baby boomer," want?

1.) Hawaii Five-O: She owns most of the seasons released so far but has watched them all! Do NOT even suggest to Marge(mom) to watch the new version airing Monday nights on CBS. For her (and honestly for me too), Jack Lord is was and always will be Steve McGarrett. Honestly, to give any woman the gift of the Jack Lord seems like a good deal to me. He was certainly one of the most charismatic men to light up the small screen.

2.) Perry Mason: As many of you know from blogging at FilmPhiles, I grew up watching this show. Well, mom loves Raymond Burr as the iconic lawyer too. Not to mention Mason's team, Barbara Hale as mason's loyal secretary Della Street  and William Hopper as handsome PI Paul Drake. On the opposing side were William Talman as DA Hamilton Burger and Ray Collins as Lt. Tragg. These five actors were perfectly in their roles. As a result, the show ran for over a decade.

3.) The Bishop's Wife: Mom always loved this tale about an angel who helps a clergyman rediscover the joy in his life and work. Cary Grant is wonderful as Dudley, the angel. David Niven is the bishop whom Dudley is sent to help. In the title role, Loretta Young shines as Julia, the Bishop's wife. The beauty of this movie lies in its simple message: the everyday joys of life should be appreciated and celebrated. Three great character actor grace this film as well: Mony Woolley, Elsa Lancaster and Gladys Cooper. The cast is top notch and bound to draw you into this holiday tale.

Well, I'm off to see the Wizard today! The Lafayette Theater in Suffern, NY is showing the 1939 classic on the big screen. While there, I will be purchasing a gift for all three members of my household. On December 18, the Lafayette Theater will be showing It's a Wonderful Life at their theater. I plan to purchase our tickets today. I can think of no better holiday treat than to see Frank Capra's film as it was intended -- on the big screen! Merry Christmas to me!

Thanksgiving with the Gorillas

As I get ready to spend Thanksgiving with my husband David, mother Marge, and some close family friends, I am reminded of the Thanksgiving Days of my youth. Oddly enough, I spent them with my family and gorillas. Yes, you read correctly. Dinner consisted of the traditional roast turkey with all the trimmings. However, my brothers and I loved watching the trio of gorilla movies on WOR Channel 9 from NYC.

Starting in the early afternoon, the station began its gorilla mini-marathon. Whose idea it was to program these movies? I don't know, but it did become a Thanksgiving tradition with those of my generation. Yes, the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade was and is a great NY tradition. However, in the 1970's & 1980's, young adults, teenagers, kids, and classic movie fans looked forward to the King Kong, Son of Kong,  & Mighty Joe Young triple bill on Channel 9.

To this day, it surprises people that this trio of classic movie films was chosen even over football in many homes. Is really surprising though? There was great storytelling in each of these stories. Plus, forget CGI -- the special effects in these movies gave Kong, Son of Kong, and Mighty Joe a human quality. We cried when Kong and Son of Kong died. We cheered when Mighty Joe saved the children at the orphanage fire while risking his own life. I think we connected with these "characters" because they had expressive  facial gestures that the modern special effect techniques do not emphasize. Now, it's all about making it "pop." Then, it was about the art of the film too. To me, the enduring success of these three movies lies in the magic of Old Hollywood. During the Golden Era, there was desire to draw the audience into the story and completely invest in the characters. It did not matter whether those characters were human or not, every effort was made to endow a sympathic quality in the protagonist. That is why these three movies work -- we understand what makes each lead character (Kong, Son of Kong, and Mighty Joe) take the actions he does.

It is very simple for me to understand why I connected with King Kong, Son of Kong, and Mighty Joe Young as great Thanksgiving movies. Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on everything we appreciate in our own lives. It is also a time to consider those who have sacrificed for us. In those films, there is sacrifice by the "non-human" stars. What better way to celebrate Thanksgiving but with movies that show there is sadness but also unselfishness in this world.

By the way, silent films DO have an audience...

Two weeks ago, my husband David and I went back to the Landmark Loews Theatre in Jersey City, NJ. The program was too tempting for any true lover of classic horror/terror movies to pass up: Universal's Son of Frankenstein starring Boris Karloff, Bela Lugosi, and Basil Rathbone and FW Murnau's Nosferatu. The idea of seeing these two films on the big screen in a beautiful old theater appealed to both of us greatly. Both of us were pleasantly surprised when the lights came up after Son of Frankenstein ended. The theater was filled probably 1/3 full and since the volunteers told us there are approximately 3,000 seats, we were impressed. Seriously, this movie was made in 1939 and yet more people of various ages and ethicities came out to see it for $6! I believe this shows that we can cultivate and maintain a loyal following of classic film fans if enough big screen forums are made available to everyone.

The next film to be shown that night was the 1922 classic vampire film Nosferatu directed by FW Murnau. It seemed that most of the people who came to see Son of Frankenstein stayed to view Nosferatu. The second feature was set to start at 8:20 pm and would have live organ accompaniment. My husband and I bought our drinks and popcorn and enjoyed the organ concert by Wayne Zimmerman. By 8:45pm, it became obvious that ticket sales were strong -- the movie still had not started and people were still coming in! Wayne Zimmerman, the organist, told us the movie would be starting late but that he would continue to play for us. In fact, we were treated to some singalongs! At  9 pm, the head of the volunteers (those wonderful folks who make it possible for classic film lovers in the Jersey City area to enjoy nights like this) announced that this was biggest turnout since the Landmark started showing classics. As he noted, would anyone have believed that a 88 year old silent film could have basically sold out a 3,000 seat theater? My husband estimated at least 2,800 people in attendance. Again, we were both amazed at the various age groups and ethicities represented at the showing.

I wish some TCM executives could have been there on October 23rd. They could experienced the excitement and genuine enthusiasm of the theatergoers. The old fashioned tone of the evening with people enjoying the pre-movie organ concert & participating in a singalong was proof that there are those who treasure the experiences of the past. Plus, it might have shown TCM executives that Silent Sunday Nights need not be so late on Sunday that they are actually hidden early Monday morning. This showing of Nosferatu convinced me more than ever that we need PRIMETIME Silent Sunday Nights.

FYI: If you live in North Jersey, the Landmark Loews will be having a Frank Sinatra themed weekend on November 19-20. They will show The Man with the Golden Arm on Friday, November 19. On Saturday, November 20, they will show On the Town at 6 pm followed by From Here to Eternity at 8:20 pm. Tickets are $6 per film for adults and $4 per film for senior citizens and children. Sometimes, they offer double feature discounts and some movies are little more if there is a live organist. Check out Loews Facebook page or their website for more information http://loewsjersey.org/