Mr. McFeely to host Hollywood Theater Guest Programmer Series
March 22
Guest Programmer Series
The Hollywood Theater, Dormont, announces the next installment of its Guest Programmer Series. “David Newell Presents: It’s a Gift and The Music Box” at 3 p.m. March 22. Newell, known for his portrayal of Mr. McFeely on Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, is a movie lover and theater history enthusiast.
“It’s a Gift” (1934) stars W.C. Fields and was named to the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress in 2010 as a significant American film. “The Music Box” (1932) is the short film starring the comic duo Laurel and Hardy. It was added to the National Film Registry in 1997.
Newell chose two films that were important to his youth. “In the early 1950s, I used to go downtown after school to the kid’s club at the First Presbyterian Church. They would always show a 16mm Laurel and Hardy short film first, followed by a serial. That was my first exposure to them. I’ve probably seen ‘The Music Box’ and ‘It’s a Gift’ more than 50 times, but they seem as funny and fresh to me every time. There is an artistry to these films that you don’t see in later ones.”
The program will include an introduction and autographs with Newell, a pre-show performance on the Hollywood’s theater organ by Pittsburgh Area Theater Organ Society President Dale Abraham, and a sweater drive benefiting a local shelter. Each person bringing a gently-used sweater will receive a free small popcorn at the concession stand.
In addition, Newell and Hollywood Theater Executive Director Chad Hunter will mark the occasion with the official launch of the new Pittsburgh chapter of the International Laurel and Hardy fan organization Sons of the Desert. The new local chapter, called the Swiss Miss Tent #319 (after the 1938 Laurel and Hardy film “Swiss Miss”), will meet quarterly at the Hollywood Theater to watch classic Laurel and Hardy films and to help preserve the legacy of the legendary comic team.
To purchase tickets, visit www.showclix.com/event/DavidNewellPresents. Doors open at 2 p.m., the theater organ starts up at 2:30 and the film program begins at 3.
For more information, visit www.thehollywooddormont.org, or call 412-563-0368.