Hollywood Legion Theater Update

Season Greetings Fellow Post 43 Legionnaires!

As the chair of the Theater Committee, I’ll be providing periodic updates about the goings on at our theater beginning with today’s message.

During the preceding months, our ticketed screenings have been enjoyed by many of you. These events provide an added benefit for the Post by building strong relationships with the community and other non-profit organizations as the public is able to enjoy the presentation of films in our beautiful theater while helping defray our costs.

Our mid-September presentation of a 35mm print of THE GODFATHER (1972) was a major event highlighted by the special appearance of star Talia Shire who introduced the film with me.

On October 30, we screened a Halloween double bill of GREMLINS (1984) and THE HOWLING (1981). Renowned director Joe Dante who helmed both pictures was gracious enough to attend and participate in a discussion between the films.

The special presentation of WINGS (1927) co-produced with our colleagues at Retroformat with live musical accompaniment made for a scintillating highlight during our Veterans Day weekend celebrations at the Post. The first film to win the Best Picture Oscar with thrilling airborne sequences directed by World War I flying ace William “Wild Bill” Wellman was given added heft by a special introduction from William Wellman Jr., son of the director and a noted character actor and veteran.

We are currently in the midst of Hollywood’s awards season and are concentrating on our theatrical rentals to catch up financially as the Post and the entertainment industry emerges from the doldrums of Covid 19.

Nevertheless, we have scheduled a special screening of MARY POPPINS (1964) at 2:00 PM on December 26 with Post 43 members admitted free of charge.

In the following weeks, I’ll explain the new Post 43 Member Screening Policy including the on line submission form that we are working to get up on our website. It is believed this process will streamline requests from members to show their films in our theater.

Till then, I’d like to wish all of you and our theater staff, a safe and happy holiday season.

Alan K. Rode

Post 43 Theater Committee Chair