Eulogy for the Cinema that Was

The setting was the Biograph Theatre's 30th anniversary party at Poe's Pub, an event I produced and promoted in 2002. Leading up to it, as I mapped out what would go where, I was a little surprised when Page Wilson volunteered to lead off the show. Thus, the three bands performed in the order seen on the poster (as displayed on the right). 

Selected short films were presented between the bands' live performances. Naturally, "Matinee Madcap," a nine-minute romp filmed in 16mm at the Biograph in 1974, was screened. 

Page knew exactly how he wanted to start the entertainment, but he kept it to himself until he went on. First, he eulogized the long-dead repertory movie theater (1972-87), generously, for the ears of a friendly crowd that had gathered to remember it fondly. 

Then Page looked my way and said, "This one's for you, my friend." 

Page sang a slow version of "This Land is Your Land." Truth be told, when boisterous Page Wilson (who died at 56 in 2011) wanted to, yes, he could wring a lot of feeling out of a song. That night, Feb. 17, 2002, he made Woody Guthrie's great song sound like a heartfelt hymn. The packed bar was quiet as he sang, unaccompanied: 

"This Land Is Your Land" by Woody Guthrie (written in 1940)

This land is your land This land is my land
From California to the New York island;
From the red wood forest to the Gulf Stream waters
This land was made for you and Me.

As I was walking that ribbon of highway,
I saw above me that endless skyway:
I saw below me that golden valley:
This land was made for you and me.

I've roamed and rambled and I followed my footsteps
To the sparkling sands of her diamond deserts;
And all around me a voice was sounding:
This land was made for you and me.

When the sun came shining, and I was strolling,
And the wheat fields waving and the dust clouds rolling,
As the fog was lifting a voice was chanting:
This land was made for you and me.

As I went walking I saw a sign there
And on the sign it said "No Trespassing."
But on the other side it didn't say nothing,
That side was made for you and me...

Then the rowdy aspect of the night's program ensued. From there on we all did our best to live out the Biograph's sturdy old motto: "Have a Good Time." 

Making sure no one had to go thirsty for long, Chuck Wrenn, the Biograph's original assistant manager, was the bartender of record for this special occasion. No doubt, his presence helped set the right tone.

Over the years, of all the parties featuring staged entertainment that I've put together, to include those at the Biograph and various other locations, this one stands out as a gem ... it surely remains as one of the most satisfying. 

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