Forgotten Hollywood

Manny P. here…

   The Alex Film Society presents (at the Alex Theatre of Glendale, CA) classic features, cartoons, newsreels, and short subjects; together with guest appearances by notable personalities. Their mission is to entertain and educate the audience, while demonstrating to film owners the market for classic movies. The short-term goal of the society is to offer the best possible prints, so patrons can enjoy the experience. Plus, they continue to promote the  importance of film preservation.

   Every year, the Alex Film Society sponsors The Three Stooges Big Screen Event during the Thanksgiving weekend; and The Greatest Cartoons Ever (A Hall of Fame Big Screen Event) between Christmas and New Year’s Day. Now, they have added a special afternoon to celebrate Halloween.

   On Saturday, October 27th, two screenings of Frankensten Meets the Wolfman will take place at 2p and 8p. This 1943 classic co-stars Lon Chaney Jr., Bela Lugosi, Lionel Atwill, Patric Knowles, Maria Ouspenskaya, and Ilona Massey. A couple of costumed monsters will greet audiences.

   And, a 1995 cartoon will precede the main feature. Runaway Brain is the only movie pitting the Frankenstein Monster with Mickey Mouse. The animated short stars the vocal talents of Kelsey Grammer. This was the first Mickey Mouse two-reeler created by Disney Studios in four decades.

   The Alex Theatre was designed in 1925, a Vaudeville and motion picture house with Greek and Egyptian motifs. It stands today as a surviving example of cinematic palaces during the early 20th Century, and one of a few extant theatres with an open forecourt. The 1,450 seat Alex Theatre is a historic, cultural, and artistic treasure for not only the people of Glendale, but the entire Los Angeles Basin.

   In addition to the lavish architecture, a huge Wurlitzer pipe organ was brought in. A regular organist supplied improvised accompaniment during the Silent Picture era. Several movies had their preview screening at The Alex, inviting celebrities such as Alice Faye, Don Ameche, and Elizabeth Taylor for National Velvet; and Bing Crosby for Going My Way (both in 1944). A wide aspect ratio screen was installed in 1954, along with surround sound to accommodate the new Cinemascope pictures. They premiered blockbuster epics, including Ben-Hur; and Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom.

   Backstage tours covering their history are available through the Alex Theatre website:

http://alextheatre.org/about/backstagetour.php

   Enjoy the Holidays at the Alex Theatre, from by the fine folks at the Alex Film Society.

Until next time>                                “never forget”

This entry was posted on Monday, October 15th, 2012 at 12:02 am and is filed under Blog by Manny Pacheco. You can follow any comments to this post through the RSS 2.0 feed. Responses are currently closed, but you can trackback from your own site.

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