I have never fired a weapon. Never had the desire or thought
much about it.
But guns were part of our topic of conversation on Friday
night, as we accompanied another couple to a nostalgic theater experience. We
were headed for the historic Redford Theatre on Lahser Road in Redford,
Michigan to see one of my favorite films, the classic, Cool Hand Luke. On the drive over, we couldn’t help but chat about
the tragic slaughter at a Colorado Cineplex that had occurred the night before.
But for just a few hours, we could escape to the past.
Built in 1928, the Redford Theatre is a priceless gem that
has been restored to its original glory, and then some. Volunteers have even
acquired vintage artifacts from other theaters, like remarkable, handcrafted
chandeliers. Others have repainted beautiful graphic frescos on the ceilings
and walls.
This movie palace dates back to a time when “talkies” were
new media and the silent film was still mainstream. To prove it, they have the
original organ that rises up on a mechanized pedestal.
The Motor City Theatre Organ Society, Inc. owns and operates
the facility. According to longtime,
loyal volunteer, Bob Weil, Redford’s organ is one of the very few original
theatre organs in America. The Fox Theatre in downtown Detroit also boasts one.
Buying a ticket outside at the box office and stepping into
the lobby of the Redford Theatre is a journey back in time. All the features
are classics, and the volunteer team that runs the place is offering an impressive
lineup this season, from Casablanca and
The Wizard of Oz to an Abbott and
Costello double feature and North by
Northwest.
Another Alfred Hitchcock chiller, The Birds, hits Redford’s big screen Friday and Saturday,
September 28 and 29. And there’s a bonus. The star of the film, the lovely
Tippi Hedren, will be there both nights to sign autographs. I remember seeing
that very scary movie as a kid at the Warren Theatre in Detroit and never again
looking at our feathered friends the same way.
If you plan to attend any movie at the Redford, be sure to
get there 30 minutes before the start time to hear the organist perform. On
Friday night, the musician and his instrument rose up out of the floor to the
left of the stage. The organist put on a
show for 30 minutes. At the end of his act, the organ lowered again and Paul
Newman and a cast of captivating characters soon graced the screen.
If you’ve seen Cool
Hand Luke, you know parts are quite violent. But none of it is gratuitous.
This movie is a piece of cinematic literature and the symbolism of the struggle
between good and evil, hope and hopelessness abounds. It may be Newman’s
best-ever role. His co-star, George Kennedy, won the Oscar for his performance
as “Dragline”. Set in a hard-knocks, Florida corrections camp, the story
features Newman as Lucas “Luke” Jackson, a decorated Korean War veteran. He
ends up on the chain gang for destruction of public property. “Luke” got drunk one
night and, for fun, he cut off the heads of the parking meters in a small town.
The troubled war hero’s magnetic personality, disarming smile
and love for risk-taking make him the idol and savior of his fellow inmates. Of
course, “Luke” becomes the devil incarnate to the guards and the Captain who
runs the diabolical work camp. Hilariously innocent scenes counter harsh expressions
of corruption and hatred to create a cinematic tension that keeps you on the
edge of your seat.
Sharp shooter, “Boss Godfrey”, played by Morgan Woodward,
provides a chilling force that constantly lurks in “Luke’s” shadow. The boss
guard is ever ready to fire his bolt-action rifle to take off the head of a
snake or stop the heart of an escaped prisoner. His actions are cold,
calculated and deliberate. He is the grim reaper in the flesh, poised to render
justice and capital punishment, without a judge or jury.
I enjoyed munching popcorn at the Redford for $1.50 and my
wife, Ellen, chose the sweet potato cookies from Sweet Potato Sensations bakery
across the street from the theater. She saved one for me. Yum! The Redford even
has intermissions and matinees. It’s truly a trip down memory lane and a great
way to savor a film.
During the movie, despite the sometimes-brutal storyline, I
never once thought about Aurora, Colorado, alleged gunman James Holmes or the
dozens of people he reportedly injured and killed in that theater last week.
For on one beautiful, summer evening in the Motor City, I was able to escape to
a place where the organ rose and the story soared.
It was not at all about the rising darkness of the night.
For more information about the Redford Theatre and coming
attractions, visit www.RedfordTheatre.com.
If you love movies, go to one show at the Redford and I guarantee you’ll become
a fan forever.
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