Hollywood heads to Hudson

BY BARBARA LAVOIE

Hollywood stars, big screens, luxurious seats, Dolby sound, buttered popcorn, pop, candy bars and heavy breathing in the back rows — all part of a perfect night out or a Saturday afternoon for kids in the 1950s and ‘60s. Then downsizing saw that elegant Roxy Cinema, seemingly built to last forever with its art deco- or Egyptian-influenced architecture, chopped into 10 narrow viewing rooms, turned into an adult entertainment venue or demolished to put up a parking lot.

Cocooning brought watching rented movies on your home television, ones you had to drive to pick up and remember to return on time, and no concession with drinks and munchies, so another stop before the magic could begin.

It’s been back to the future for Hudson and area cinephiles since last November’s launch of the Hudson Film Society, which meets the third Monday of each month thanks to the efforts of a few keen film buffs and collaboration with the Village Theatre.

“The theatre is normally not in or use or ‘dark’ on Mondays,” said film society president Clint Ward. “As chair of the theatre’s marketing and film committees, the idea was often discussed but no one wanted to take the gamble on the capital expenditure for the necessary equipment — a cost of between $50,000 and $100,000. No one wanted to put the theatre at financial risk.”

After getting together, what Ward referred to as “the right people,” a 14-foot screen and a DVD projection unit were installed last fall. Next they needed the right kind of films, films that wouldn’t normally be shown at the Kirkland multi-screen complex or that were available at the local video rental store.

“It’s been an enormous success so far. Our dream was to sign up 60 or 100 members,” added Ward. “Once people heard we had hooked up with the Toronto group and that we would be screening films that people had to drive into downtown Montreal to see, it just took off.”

Within a few weeks, the number of members doubled then tripled, and it was decided to add a Monday matinee to accommodate additional members.

“Currently we have 238 members,” said Inge Lawson, Hudson resident and film society membership secretary. “We sold out very quickly. People like going out to the cinema and it’s right in our backyard meaning there’s no drive downtown or parking to deal with.”

This season’s membership fee was $60 for seven films. However, plans to hold a special gala season closer with the Spanish film Volver in May allowed space for a bonus film — the South African 2005 Academy Award-winner Tsotsi. Walk-ins for $10 can also be arranged by calling the day of the screening.

Filmmaker Deepa Mehta’s Academy Award-nominated film Water opened the film series. Next Monday’s film installment is Bombón el Perro, a comic road movie shot in Argentina with Spanish sub-titles.

Oscar night fundraiser

With the 79th Academy Awards scheduled for Sunday, organizers are ready to roll out the red carpet for a special Hudson Village Theatre fundraiser on Oscar night.

“Now that we have a projector and screen and we’re wired for HD TV, we decided it was a perfect fit for both the film society and the theatre,” Ward said.

The evening begins with cocktails and dinner at Whitlock Golf & Country Club, then moves over to the theatre located at 28 Wharf Rd. for a live feed of the awards show from 9 p.m. that will last until the last Oscar is presented.

“Everyone always says the Academy Awards are so boring, but they still watch and talk about them the next day,” Ward said. “The genesis for the whole idea came about five years ago when a local woman organized an Academy party at the Chateau. It was the best awards event I ever attended. It was a lot better than sitting on the sofa for hours and hours.”

Tickets are $100 and include a $50 charitable donation receipt.

“I’m promising it will be a fun night with games and trivia contest prizes,” said Carolyn Flower, theatre director of marketing and promotion. “It’s a black-tie event, but if you really love the Hollywood glitz thing, then by all means, dress up.”

Oscar night replaces the highly successful Vegas night fundraisers held the past two years. All proceeds go to Hudson Village Theatre.

For Hudson Film Society information, call Inge Lawson at 450-424-2893. For tickets to Hollywood Comes To Hudson, call 450-458-2743.