IN THE BEGINNING... The Strand Theatre was built by Rockland businessman Joseph Dondis during a six-week period in the winter of 1922–1923. The Strand was also the first building to rise from the ashes of the fire of June 16, 1922, which destroyed four entire business blocks in downtown Rockland.
The Strand first opened its doors to the public on February 21, 1923 (Washington's Birthday) for a sold-out showing of the silent film My Wild Irish Rose.
The steel-framed theatre, with its terracotta tile walls, and ornamental brick facade was considered unusual and innovative in its appearance. The theatre also boasted a gilded proscenium arch and stamped tin ceiling, jade green plaster walls, an organist loft and an auditorium seating 626. Outside was a traditional Vaudeville style canopy and a stunning "blade" sign with the word S-T-R-A-N-D outlined with electric light bulbs. Two storefronts, a cigar store and a flower shop, were incorporated into the theatre framing the entrance.
The Strand was Rockland's third downtown theatre (the others being the Park & the Empire). However, to compete with the already-established Park and Empire theatres, Mr. Dondis later added a stage, fly tower, and balcony to The Strand to accommodate local dance recitals, theatrical productions, and popular vaudeville shows. The Strand also hosted many fundraising events for local clubs and organizations.
Today, the Strand is the only survivor of the three movie theatres that served the Rockland area in the 1920s.
The Strand first opened its doors to the public on February 21, 1923 (Washington's Birthday) for a sold-out showing of the silent film My Wild Irish Rose.
The steel-framed theatre, with its terracotta tile walls, and ornamental brick facade was considered unusual and innovative in its appearance. The theatre also boasted a gilded proscenium arch and stamped tin ceiling, jade green plaster walls, an organist loft and an auditorium seating 626. Outside was a traditional Vaudeville style canopy and a stunning "blade" sign with the word S-T-R-A-N-D outlined with electric light bulbs. Two storefronts, a cigar store and a flower shop, were incorporated into the theatre framing the entrance.
The Strand was Rockland's third downtown theatre (the others being the Park & the Empire). However, to compete with the already-established Park and Empire theatres, Mr. Dondis later added a stage, fly tower, and balcony to The Strand to accommodate local dance recitals, theatrical productions, and popular vaudeville shows. The Strand also hosted many fundraising events for local clubs and organizations.
Today, the Strand is the only survivor of the three movie theatres that served the Rockland area in the 1920s.
How can I express my excitement over seeing this wonderful movie, The Artist. I happened to go to youtube today and see my friend Chris' video review of this movie. Chris really turned me on to watching silent movies, he is an enthusiastic Rudolph Valentino fan. From the first Valentino movie I watched, Beyond the Rocks, I was hooked. Thank you Chris.
In checking with the Strand I found out this movie was playing. I had been longing to see it and was quite pleased.
This movie did not disappoint, it was far more than I could have imagined in my wildest dreams. It is the story of a silent film star, George Valentin, who refuses to accept the changes of the movies from silent to talkies. In the beginning of the movie he is quite a successful man at the peak of his career. In walks Peppy Miller, a beautiful young woman longing to make it in the business of acting. She is in the crowd of fans when she first meets George. She boldly gives George a kiss on the cheek and the picture makes the headlines. Later on she auditions for a dance part in his movie. She is chosen, but it would seem she might not be included until George steps up and makes sure she is. Peppy is attracted to George, but George is married so nothing can come of this. They go on their separate ways and the roles reverse, because of George's stubborness and pride his life begins to slide downhill as Peppy's star climbs higher and shines brighter. Yet Peppy never forgets George, she cannot forget him because she loves him. As everyone deserts George, including his wife, despair sets in, he no longer has his success or fame, but there is one thing he has that he doesn't even know, Peppy's love.
My heart rooted for the love these two individuals had, tears fell from my eyes as Peppy longed for George, but did that which was right. Their feelings were so palpable I found myself lost in this movie, it truly overwhelmed my heart. Love does indeed conquer all. The talkies have nothing on the silent movies, for more is said with one look than a thousand words. This movie spoke volumes to my heart without a word being uttered.
A link to one of the songs from the movie, I hope you enjoy it http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zUEPoXhf8WY&feature=related
No comments:
Post a Comment