Hundreds of appreciative fans attended the majestic Loews Theater in Jersey City, New Jersey last night to enjoy a rare big screen showing of Stanley Kramer's 1963 comedy classic It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World. The Loews is a true movie palace - gigantic in size and a masterpiece in terms of design. There's no better place to see a classic film in the New York City area and the fans who attended the Mad World screening got more than their $6 worth. A IB Technicolor 35mm print was shown to the delight of the audience, who howled at the all-star comedy cast's antics. Many of the attendees have become regulars at Loews film events, so each movie screening is like a reunion for fellow classic movie fans. It's become a tradition to go out after the movie to discuss the show. Prior to the screening, Cinema Retro Editor-in-Chief Lee Pfeiffer gave a brief talk that gave insights into the making of the film. (Did you know it was originally going to be made in England under the title Too Many Thieves?) Those who were still awake after our illustrious editor's yakking not only enjoyed the show but also pored over an impressive display of Mad World rarities from the collections of Paul and George Ann Scrabo and Jim Kroeper, who are among the foremost experts on the film. (The Scrabos filmed many of the interviews with stars of the movie for MGM Home Video's documentary in the 1990s). The pieces on display ranged from international movie posters to matte paintings and props from the films, including the Scrabo's prized possesion: the cabby's hat worn by Peter Falk in the movie.
The Loews will be installing a 70mm projection system soon, so the future bodes well for seeing epic films in their original widescreen format in this splendid venue. The theater will resume classic film presentations in September. To learn more about the theater and to sign up for E mail bulletins, click here.
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