The Orion Township Library hopes to give classic films such as the 1947 musical ‘This Time for Keeps? a new lease on life by showing them once again ‘on the big screen.?
The Esther Williams and Jimmy Durante musical will be the first feature shown in a series being dubbed ‘Seniors Sunday Afternoon at the Movies.?
The feature will be shown on a big projection screen in the library’s meeting room on Oct. 9.
‘The Friends of the Library have a popcorn machine, so there will be free popcorn and we’ll also be having chocolate fudge,? said Penny Peterson, Seniors Sunday organizer and the library’s head of outreach services.
There’s a reason for the fudge: ‘This Time for Keeps? was filmed on Mackinac Island at the Grand Hotel, where a pool, now named after Esther Williams, was constructed for the film.
The film also shows the boat ‘Vacation Land? which used to ferry people to the island.
The movie features a singing soldier (Johnny Johnston) who has just returned home and finds himself discontent to work in his father’s opera company or pick up where he left off with his girlfriend.
Having met an aquacade showgirl (Williams) while in the service, he reintroduces himself and romance blossoms.
The film is shown in color, and is one hour and 45 minutes long.
‘We’re also going to have the chance to win a door prize, and we encourage seniors to bring along anyone with them that they think would enjoy the film,? said Peterson.
The library’s meeting room can accommodate up to 100 people, but Peterson said she will be pleased if even just 20 come out for the first show.
‘This is something for seniors, because there aren’t a whole lot of movies today with this kind of content,? Peterson said.
‘The musical had it’s hay day in the 1930s and 40s, and that’s something the United States was known for,? she said.
‘We won’t be showing all musicals, and we’ll take suggestions.?
Peterson said some other possible films to be included in the series are Key Largo, Casablanca, To Kill a Mockingbird and Adam’s Rib.
‘We have those classic films (at the library) that people forget to take out,? she said.
‘They’re just enjoyable films.?
Peterson said there might also be a discussion period after the film, if people are interested.
‘It’s just a time to congregate together,? she said.
It is requested anyone interested in attending register in advance, so organizers can have an idea of how much food to serve.
However, advance registration will not be required to come enjoy the film.