By Dave Wright
It gives me great comfort to know that somewhere out there, movies are being shown the way they were meant to be. 30 minutes before curtain, familiar movie themes are being played on a mighty Wurlitzer organ. Just before showtime, the lights and chandelier dim over the seats and balcony, making way for a few trailers, or maybe a short and a cartoon.
Such is the norm at the Lafayette Theatre in Suffern, New York. Located on the border of New York and New Jersey, the Lafayette is celebrating its 80th anniversary this year. It's safe to say the theatre has never looked better, as renovations and upgrades have elevated this theatre into true movie palace status.
The attention and detail paid to the physical look and well being of the theatre is matched in turn by the film series and programs put on by owner Nelson Page and director of film programming Peter Apruzzese. Some recent events have included a 3D film fest, Buster Keaton's "Steamboat Bill, Jr."—accompanied by the 30 piece New Jersey Philharmonic—and a screening of a restored print of David Lean's epic "Lawerence of Arabia".
September 10-12 welcomed a sc-fi festival with some great movies and special guests. Joan Weldon, star of the classic "THEM" was on hand to take part in an informal Q&A session and sign autographs. Linda Harrison held court for the Sunday screening of "Planet of the Apes", and "2001: A Space Odyssey" stars Keir Dullea and Gary Lockwood were on hand as well.
Upcoming highlights at the Lafayette this fall are the Saturday morning Big Screen Classics series, with everyone from The Marx Brothers to Gunga Din on hand. Theyll make sure the snack bar is stocked, just make sure you get there in time hear that organ!
