By Lina Broydo
Being an official movie nut, I attended the packed to the max, the historic Stanford Theatre celebration of its 100 Anniversary with the screening of “That’s my Daddy,” the 1928 silent movie starring Reginald Denny, whose granddaughter Kimberly Pucci was in attendance. The charming Alma Deutscher who just flew in following the successful premiere of her new ballet “The Euripides” in LA, was one of many celebs in the crowd.
The Q&A segment of the evening featured David Packard, the founder of the Stanford Theatre Foundation who reminisced about the history of the Stanford Theatre and Ms. Pucci, the granddaughter of Reginald Denny, the star of “That’s My Daddy” whose best selling book “Prince of Drones” about her Grandfather was available for sale and personal autographs by the author. The sounds of Master Mighty Wurlitzer Dennis James accompanying the silent pictures screening is always a special treat.
I did follow up with seeing ‘Speedy,’ the funniest movie I ever saw (well after “Some Like it Hot” which I saw 12 times! Did I mention I am a movie nut?), about Harold who is trying to save New York City’s last horse-drawn trolley run by his girlfriend’s grandfather. The hysterically funny segment in this silent movie belongs to the guest appearance of the baseball great Babe Ruth. Who knew he was a talented comic actor as well??
Five weeks of Alfred Hitchcock comes next. My favorite Hitchcock’s movie is “Rear Window” (1954) starring the gorgeous Grace Kelly and James Stewart which will be screened on June 27-29. For more info about the historic Stanford Theatre located at 221 University Avenue in Palo Alto visit stanfordtheatre.org
Some historical notes from the Stanford Theatre’s website: The Stanford Theatre first opened in 1925, and it served for decades as Palo Alto’s premier movie house. In 1987, after a blockbuster Fred Astaire Film Festival, the David and Lucile Packard Foundation bought the theatre and restored it to its original splendor. It is now owned and operated by the non-profit Stanford Theatre Foundation, presenting classic Hollywood films and hosting a fascinating movies related museum.
The renovated Stanford Theatre quickly became America’s most popular place to watch classic Hollywood movies. More people saw “Casablanca” here on its 50th anniversary in 1992 than anywhere else in America. The Stanford Theatre Foundation is dedicated to bringing back the authentic movie-going experience of Hollywood’s Golden Age.The Stanford Theatre Foundation is actively involved with the preservation and proper presentation of films from the Golden Age of the cinema.
The most popular movies in terms of attendance at the Stanford Theatre often include classic films from the Golden Age of Hollywood, such as “Gone with the Wind”, “The Wizard of Oz,” and “Casablanca.” Movies featuring Audrey Hepburn and Cary Grant also draw strong crowds. The Stanford Theatre is known for its seasonal programs, including film festivals for various genres, directors, and actors like Alfred Hitchcock, Bette Davis, and Cary Grant. The theatre’s films are typically from the period between 1910 and 1970.
See you at the movies!
