FILM:
Hollywood Singing and Dancing
DIRECTOR: Mark McLaughlin
PRODUCER: Mark McLaughlin
CINEMATOGRAPHERS: Jose Bugarin, Maurey Dahlen
WRITERS:
Mark McLaughlin, Phillip Dye, Denise Hamilton, Tasha Lowe-Newsome
COUNTRY: USA
YEAR: 2008
Synopsis:
This is not the abbreviated version that ran on some PBS stations recently, but rather the full feature in all its glory, presented on the BIG screen—the only way to see these great films. Mark McLaughlin’s all-singing, all-dancing documentary is a celebration of song and dance that traces the American musical movie from its illustrious beginnings, with the lavish Busby Berkeley films that lifted spirits during the Great Depression, through the patriotic musicals of the 1940s, the collapse of the studio system in the 1950s, and their decline and rebirth during the years that followed. Hosted by Shirley Jones, this “docutainment” film is a spectacular, historical look at the magic of musical Hollywood that features interviews, rare footage, and deliciously long clips from such favorites as The Wizard of Oz, Meet Me in St. Louis, Yankee Doodle Dandy, The King and I, Singin’ in the Rain, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, Grease, Hair, Chicago, and too many more to name! 118mins. Mark McLaughlin in attendance.
Website:
N/A
FILM: Blinders
DIRECTOR: Danny Moss
COUNTRY: USA
YEAR: 2008
Synopsis:
The great cities of the world belong to everyone, and that is certainly true of New York. Every year thousands of visitors from around the world travel to New York City, and many of them take a ride through Central Park in the charming horse-drawn carriages. It’s a tradition that’s been around since the 1800s, and one with a seamy underside and uncertain future. Carriage operators and some city officials consider the business a cherished part of New York history; animal rights activists decry the cruel treatment of the horses, which this compelling documentary reveals in never-before-seen detail. Now, after three fatal accidents in less than two years, the plight of carriage horses is at the forefront of public opinion. Director Donny Moss takes viewers behind the scenes to the Ninth Street stables and the truly unbelievable conditions (blizzards, extreme heat, traffic hazards) under which these horses are routinely consigned to perform. Hopefully, for the sake of the Central Park horses, this powerful film will prove unforgettable. 53mins. Donny Moss in attendance.