Friday, March 25, 2016

Weston Theatre Capital Campaign Receives Support from Hunter Trust and Loewe Foundation

Weston Theatre Capital Campaign Receives Support from Hunter Trust and Loewe Foundation

Weston, VT. The Weston Playhouse Theatre Company announces that it has received major support for its capital campaign from the Hunter Charitable Trust of Boston and the Loewe Foundation of New York. The Campaign for the Weston Theatre, which currently stands at $8.5 million, will build a flexible second stage on the five-acre Walker Farm in Weston to complement the award-winning company’s programming at the historic Weston Playhouse.

The James H. and Irene M. Hunter Charitable Trust has awarded a $500,000 challenge grant to the theatre company, agreeing to match new capital gifts of $25,000 or more. One of Southern Vermont’s major charitable givers, the Hunter Trust has supported such area projects as the Manchester Community Library, Hunter Park at Riley Rink, Long Trail School, Northshire Day School, and Burr and Burton Academy.

"The proposed Center for the Arts at Walker Farm is a facility which will provide a venue for both arts and community organizations,” commented Susie Hunter. “The facility will allow Weston to expand its education, outreach, and artistic programs year-round. It is the type of gathering and creative center the Hunter family has always supported; a combination of cultural, educational, and community enhancement that will benefit everyone in the surrounding areas."

The Frederick Loewe Foundation has committed $150,000 to Weston’s $1.5 million Fund for the American Theatre, created to help cover the increased operating costs of an expanded campus and to provide seed money for new and ongoing programs. The gift will establish the Frederick Loewe Fund for Musical Theatre to support reduced orchestrations of new and classic musicals produced on the company’s stages. 

The New York-based foundation, founded by composer Frederick Loewe (My Fair LadyCamelotBrigadoon), supports the American musical theatre while preserving the legacy of Loewe and his music. “We have been delighted to fund Weston’s work with new musicals for many years,” remarks Loewe Foundation President Emily Altman. “The company’s commitment to developing fresh and affordable orchestrations for smaller houses answers a growing need, and we are excited to support it.”
  
“The Hunter challenge gives us the momentum to reach our ambitious goal,” said Weston’s Producing Artistic Director Steve Stettler, “and the Loewe Foundation gift signals that the New York-based industry and funding community see the value of our future plans. We’re hugely grateful to these funders for their vision and generosity.”

Further information about The Campaign for the Weston Theatre and the company’s 80th anniversary season can be found at www.westonplayhouse.org

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Annual Spring Plant Sale MH Library

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WANDA HOUSTON SINGS IN PROCTORSVILLE--WOW!

Proctorsville's Raise the Roof Concert Series will end on a high note when jazz & blues singer Wanda Houston teams up with Eugene Uman and Dave Picchi on Sunday April 3rd at Gethsemane Church.  Houston has sung and acted across many stages and shared the limelight with such notables as Pattie Labelle, Celine Dion and Joe Cocker.  She will heat up the stage of the tiny church, known for its pitch perfect acoustics, with Uman on keyboard and Picchi on acoustic bass.  Uman is the director of Brattleboro's Vermont Jazz Center and Picchi performs and teaches in northern Massachusetts.  The trio's blend of talents will spin an afternoon of spring magic.  Gethsemane Church is on Depot St., admission is $10 at the door and the musical alchemy begins at 4:00.  Don't miss it.           

Wednesday, March 23, 2016

LPCTV’s 5th Annual Kentucky Derby Gala

From: Patrick Cody 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 23, 2016
Contact: Patrick Cody, Executive Director
                (802) 228-8808pcody@lpctv.org


LPCTV’s 5th Annual Kentucky Derby Gala
Saturday, May 7 at Willie Dunn’s Grille at Okemo Valley Golf Course


March 23, 2016 (Ludlow, Vermont) -- LPCTV is holding its fifth “Kentucky Derby Gala – A Night at the Races” fundraising event on Saturday, May 7th at Willie Dunn’s Grill at the Okemo Valley Golf Course in Ludlow from 5:00pm to 8:30pm. The event has become the primary annual fundraiser for the local community access television station.

The event will feature food and entertainment which is included in the per person ticket price of $30. Entertainment will include several locally sponsored “horse races” with charity betting, a viewing of the Kentucky Derby live on television, a silent auction, and other activities.

This event is made possible by the Okemo Mountain Resort, which is hosting the event and providing the dinner, as well as the “Circle of Roses” race sponsors. This year’s sponsors include Stemwinder / Wine & Cheese Depot, George B. Tucker, Inc., The Book Nook, Vermont Properties & Development, and Jim & Anita Alic. A limited number of additional “Circle of Roses” sponsorships are still available.

Local businesses and individuals are invited to consider race horse “sponsorships”. For $50 per horse, each sponsor names their own horse, which is printed in the event program. From now until April 15th, LPCTV is offering a 10% discount package of one horse sponsorship and two tickets to the event for $100. One winner from each race will receive a prize donated by local merchants.

Please contact Patrick Cody at LPCTV by calling 228-8808 or emailing pcody@lpctv.org to make prize donations, to sponsor horses, and to purchase advance tickets for the Kentucky Derby Gala. Tickets will also be available for purchase at LPCTV, The Book Nook, and the Wine & Cheese Depot. 

Tuesday, March 22, 2016

School Vacation Week Activities

From: Sacha Krawczyk


Weekly Toddler and Pre-School Story Time
Wednesdays 10:30-11:30am
Each week features a theme, music, and a craft
 
School Vacation Week Activities
* Marble Madness Monday- Drop by the library any time on April 18th and help us assemble our epic marble run. Perfect for anyone who loves to build!
Paint-a-Pig-Party!- Tuesday April 19th- 1:00-2:30 Ages 5 and up *REGISTRATION REQUIRED – Only 10 spots available What could be more fun than painting your own ceramic piggy bank?!?  Be sure to wear old clothes or bring a smock.
* Family Movie Matinee- Wednesday April 20th 1:00-3:00pm. “Alvin &The Chipmunks-The Road Chip”  Refreshments will be provided.
* Read with Oreo- Thursday April 21st, 3:00-4:00pm. School age children are invited to the library to read a story with Oreo the Reading Dog.

Crafty Tuesdays
Grades K-6
3:00-4:00pm
April 5th- Space Alien Invaders- First invent your own planet and then make an alien and space ship out of recycled materials.
April 12th- Animals Mobiles- Pick your favorite animal, use a stencil to cut its shape out of special paper and then turn it into a fabulous mobile!
April 26thBuzzing Bee Hives- This week we’ll make cute beehive decoration buzzing with helpful honeybees!



Crazy 8’s Math Club!Grades 3-5
Thursdays from 3:00-4:00pm
April 7th, 14th, & 28th
May 5th, 12th, 19th,26th
Club limited to 16 participants- REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED

Crazy 8’s is an over-the-top after-school club that is designed to get kids fired up about math. Every week kids get to build stuff, run and jump,make music, make a mess..and make friendships at the same time. It’s time for math to become the cool thing to do after school!

--
Sacha Krawczyk
Youth Services Librarian
Fletcher Memorial Library
Ludlow, Vermont 05149
802-228-3517

Thursday, March 17, 2016

Call to increase pay for Vt. lawmakers - WCAX.COM Local Vermont News

The next Advisory Council Meeting will be held on March 21st at 6:00 p.m. at the Mount Holly Elementary School Library

 The next Advisory Council Meeting will be held on March 21st at 6:00 p.m. at the Mount Holly Elementary School Library. This is open to the public. Topics to be discussed will include the following:
 
§  What are Mount Holly’s strengths in terms of attracting and retaining businesses/economic development?
§  Do your employees live in Mount Holly? If not, why so?
§  Do you see growth in the number of employees?  In 5 years what does your business look like?
§  What are Mount Holly’s weaknesses in terms of attracting and retaining businesses/economic development?
§  Are there any restrictions because of electricity, water, sewer?
§  Does the high cost or lack of affordable housing deter your employees from living in Mt. Holly?
§  What obstacles (State/local) prevent you from growing?
§  Are your suppliers within a reasonable distance?
§  What types of business would the town support:  Industrial (large or small), Retail, Solar, Ag and Forestry, artisan/crafts, others?
 We hope that many business owners will be able to attend this meeting.

Regards

Ted Crawford                                      Bill McGrath
Chair, Select Board                             Chair, Planning Commission

Wednesday, March 16, 2016

MOUNT HOLLY ADVISORY COUNCIL A Report on MEETING #2 ON UPDATING THE MOUNT HOLLY TOWN PLAN

MOUNT HOLLY ADVISORY COUNCIL A Report on MEETING #2 ON UPDATING THE MOUNT HOLLY TOWN PLAN Featuring Community Organizations Monday March 7, 2016, 6 p.m., Gym in Mount Holly Elementary School Present: At the Table: Ed Bove, Executive Director, Rutland Regional Planning Commission Advisory Council: Present: Peter Berger, Alyson Blodgett. Absent: Don Eatmon, Peter Veysey Supporting: Ted Crawford, Chair Select Board; Bill McGrath, Chair Planning Commission Audience: About 16 persons Organizations represented: Mount Holly Library Mount Holly Community Association Chit Chat Mount Holly Conservation Trust Community Guild Oddfellows Garden Club Mount Holly Community Historical Museum Mount Holly Barn Preservation Assn Apologies: Mount Holly Flash, Randy Bixby Questions that formed the agenda of the meeting were distributed on the Mount Holly Flash on the morning of the meeting. The questions for Community Organizations were: General Questions:  Do you feel you have adequate space/equipment to serve the town?  What changes over the past five years have affected your organization’s ability to provide services?  Do you anticipate the need for additional requests for town funding? Community Group Questions:  Do you have a capital fund to pay for future repairs and needs?  How does the lack of volunteers effect your organization and what is the future of your organization?  The existing town plan refers to “locally defined needs.” Can you offer any specifics as to those needs from your organization’s point of view?  Can you suggest any new ordinances or state regulations that would facilitate your delivery of services?  The existing town plan refers to “anticipated future demand for services and facilities.” Do you have anything to add regarding future demand from your organization’s point of view? Capital Town Support: Some community organizations receive some Town support: the Library which was voted $12,000 at 2016 Town Meeting, as was the Chit Chat which received an appropriation of $2,500**, and the Barn Preservation Association $100 from Social Services Fund. The Oddfellows is exempted from property taxes; the Community Association shares insurance of the Community Center /Library building with the Town (once the building – donated to the town by the Methodist Church – ceased serving as the Town Office, it was rented for $1 per year to the Mount Holly Community Association for use as a Library. Both are tax-exempt non-profit corporations that share the maintenance of the building.) Some expressed the belief that other towns were more supportive of community organizations than the Town of Mount Holly. No one mentioned any intent to request more town funding. Other Support: Although this question was not asked, it was clearly stated that all organizations depend on community support. And while Mount Holly is noted for its active community life, it is also true that a substantial number of its organizations have found it necessary to form non-profit 501c)(3) tax exempt corporations to be able to raise donations. The community has been amazing with donations that have supported large building renovations for the Community Historical Museum (Perkins House), the Library, and the creation of the Community Room. With a major fund-raising effort the Mount Holly Conservation Trust was able to conserve the Seward Farm land on Route 155, and it has also raised support for the conservation of large parcels adjacent to the Okemo State Forest that have extended the bear corridor by creating a link between the northern and southern parts of the Green Mountain National Forest. The Mount Holly Conservation Trust conducted a major fund raising effort (led by its committee, Friends of Star Lake – FOSL- which began as a free standing organization) to supplement the donation received from Patricia Nye for the reconstruction of the condemned dam on Star Lake - a dam owned by the Town. A substantial portion of the Chit Chat’s budget comes from donations. The Community Association raises funds by direct solicitation and through some of its events. The Barn Preservation Association formed a Revolving Loan Fund with donations and with that fund is able to assist owners apply for and receive state grants to repair their barns. The exceptionally important service of the Mount Holly Flash is provided by the time and resources of one community member – Randy Bixby. (Attendees regarded the Flash as superior to the Front Porch Forum used in other communities.) The Garden Club and Sno-Drifters (which will be considered under Recreation) exist only through the volunteer work of their members – the Garden Club has maintained the beach area around Star Lake. . The Community Guild has existed for 96 years; its members make and sell crafts at three public sales events each year and distribute money to persons and organizations when they learn of a need. The OddFellows (including the Rebekers) raise funds through dinners and use the funds for needy persons in town. The Oddfellows has a complicated relationship with its national organization (the International Order of Odd Fellows) and basically cannot qualify for grants. Space and Equipment: The Library is adding books all the time and will be pressed for space at some point – more so if the town population grows. The Community Association, which completely renovated the ground floor of the Community Building as a Community Room, has an ongoing problem with its water supply: greywater for septic purposes comes from the Mechanicsville Aqueduct (line 3); the line freezes each winter. Bottled water is used for drinking. As the Community Building has no land, negotiations with neighbors for use of a well are ongoing. Mr. Bove suggested funding a study of future water supply demands. While four organizations (Museum, Library, Oddfellows, and Community Association) need buildings to conduct their activities, the rest do not. The Barn Preservation Association suggested that a common physical center could provide a space for storage of files, photographs, publications, and other documents; for shared use of office equipment, and for space for small meetings. Modelled after a business incubator, it could provide volunteer professional services (legal, accounting, banking, grant writing, etc.) and a site for volunteer recruitment that would reduce cost and duplication of effort by small organizations Volunteers: Most organizations who spoke to this subject agreed that the number of volunteers was decreasing; that most are older and when they die, it is not clear if they will be replaced. The Oddfellows reported that its declining membership was similar to the American Legion and the Masons. The Community Association reported a lesser problem, probably as its volunteer efforts were one-time affairs not requiring the longer commitment need by other organizations. Many volunteers are drawn from retirees, but some of those begin to feel burned out. Some found that retirement made greater demands on their time. All agreed that people have less time these days with both parents working – there are fewer volunteers at the Mount Holly School and some parents – when their children are called on to perform community service - do not seem to understand what “ community service” means. The Library is seeking to solve some of the problem by hiring and paying a part-time Librarian who will be able to replace some of the volunteer hours of the current librarian. It is clear that the Library could provide more service to the community with more people – the summer reading program serving 25 children in 6 sessions run by two volunteer teachers could serve the many children who can’t be enrolled. Needs: Organizations The Chit Chat needs a more up-to-date computer and printer. Currently, the editor, with more time could do more for the publication; she wonders who will fill the position after she retires. The Museum, having completed the improvement of its physical structure and getting an historical marker on Route 103, seeks to add to its collection of the state-designated land-mammal fossil by convincing Harvard to part with other fossilized remains to add to the tusk on display in the Museum. The Museum would like to keep the description of it in the current town plan with a suggested additional statement (given to the Advisory Council). Peter Smith - representing the Museum – said that his belief was that the intent of the current revision of the Town Plan was to shorten it. He saw a danger that a shortened and less accurate description would be unhelpful to future planners and citizens. Harold Chadburn, for the Oddfellows, said that the building needed a motion light on a pole outside the building and attention to the run-off in the ditch next to the building. Minga Dana will convey the information on the ditch (apparently related to the recent dam reconstruction) to the Mount Holly Conservation Trust. Needs: Community There are general community needs in Mount Holly: day care, affordable housing, and services that would help keep older people in the community, such as assisted living services in one’s own home. If these needs were met, the community would have more people with more time to volunteer. Town Website: On a number of occasions the matter of an official Town Website was raised. The history was recalled: The website was made official about 2005 and was maintained by a volunteer who added and deleted items as requested. Some parts of town government had well designed pages but often did not keep them current. However, content regularly added, such as the Planning Commission minutes and Chit Chat issues, eventually formed searchable archives. When the volunteer left, Kevin Neubert at the Store suggested a website that he and his son would maintain. A part of the website would be commercial for town businesses to use, and a part would be for municipal and public service organizations that would be taught how to maintain their own pages. The plan ran into problems and was only partially implemented. Then changes to the Open Meeting Law required that minutes of all municipal organizations, committees and subcommittees be posted on the town’s official website within 5 days of a meeting, or be penalized. The Select Board withdrew the website’s “official” designation - afraid that the volunteers who serve on all town bodies might not be able to meet the requirement. About 80% of towns in Rutland County have functioning official websites Ted Crawford (Select Board) wondered if a Chamber of Commerce type website as opposed to an official website would work. Diana Garrow of the Chit Chat noted that a lot of people, some from across the country, reach her through the current unofficial website. The Barn Preservation Association said that a town website would reduce the need to fund its own website; it would provide basic information about the organization; provide an archive for its past activities and publications and photos of the town historic barns; would increase sales, and entice tourists with actual and virtual barn tours. In summary: the Town of Mount Holly Website exists, contains some documents, e.g., the 2008 Town Plan and new and past years of Chit Chat issues, but is said to be complicated and the interface is hard to use and it is not maintained. Alyson Blodgett, Advisory Council, voiced the opinion that a town website is essential and allows residents to obtain and complete town forms, applications, etc. A town website should be front and center to any town. Changes to statutes and ordinances: This need was voiced only once when the Chair, Ed Bove, noted that work was being done to amend the Open Meeting Law re the 5-day requirement to post minutes or face a penalty – the major reason for the lack of an official Mount Holly Town Website. The Community Organizations part of the meeting ended at 7:15 ** Reporter’s Note: The Town’s support of the Chit Chat is an interesting example of cooperation between the Town and a community organization leading to improved service for the town’s citizens. In 2005, as the Planning Commission began the process of re-writing the Town Plan due in 2008, it used grant funds to assist the Mount Holly Chit Chat get town government news – including planning activity news - delivered to each residence in town. Members of the Select Board and Planning Commission worked with the editor to form a non-profit corporation and get 501(c)(3) federal tax-exempt status - which increased donations. The Board of Mount Holly Chit Chat, Inc. applied for town support to extend circulation to all residences and to all property owners – which also stimulated advertising. The increased income allowed the Board to approve a subsidy for the editor, who now has the time to increase the content and improve the quality of the paper. I have also added some clarifying comments in the body of my report above. Annette Lynch

"Vertigo" with James Stewart Continues Hitchcock Movie Tribute March 19

"Vertigo" with James Stewart Continues Hitchcock Movie Tribute March 19
Continuing its month-long tribute to the great director, Alfred Hitchcock, FOLA (Friends of Ludlow Auditorium) will feature the film "Vertigo" as the third Hitchcock movie in its series of four classic Hitchcock films on Saturday, March 19 at 7 PM in the Ludlow Town Hall Auditorium.
Vertigo is a 1958 American psychological thriller film directed and produced by Alfred Hitchcock.
John "Scottie" Ferguson, played by James Stewart, is a retired San Francisco police detective who suffers from acrophobia and Madeleine, played by Kim Novak, is the lady who leads him to high places. A wealthy shipbuilder who is an acquaintance from college days approaches Scottie and asks him to follow his beautiful wife, Madeleine. He fears she is going insane, maybe even contemplating suicide, because she believes she is possessed by a dead ancestor. Scottie is skeptical, but agrees after he sees the beautiful Madeleine.
The film was shot on location in San Francisco, California, and at Paramount Studios in Hollywood. It is the first film to utilize the dolly zoom, an in-camera effect that distorts perspective to create disorientation, to convey Scottie's acrophobia. As a result of its use in this film, the effect is often referred to as "the Vertigo effect".
Vertigo is often cited as a classic Hitchcock film and one of the defining works of his career. Attracting significant scholarly criticism, it replaced Citizen Kane (1941) as the best film ever made in the 2012 British Film Institute's Sight & Sound critics' poll. In 1996, the film underwent a major restoration to create a new 70mm print and DTS soundtrack. It has appeared repeatedly in polls of the best films by the American Film Institute, including a 2007 ranking as the ninth-greatest American movie of all time.
Following this film, FOLA will be featuring the final great Hitchcock movie in its series on March 26, 'The Birds'.
As with all FOLA movies, the event is free; donations are appreciated. Popcorn will be supplied by the Berkshire Bank; FOLA will offer water. For more information call (802) 228-7239 or visit FOLA's web site, www.fola.us.

Friday, March 11, 2016

VT Division of Fire Safety Press Release - Change Smoke/CO Detector Batteries

Paul Faenza 



Vermont DEMHS EMD Information -
Vermont Division of Fire Safety
Press Release
March 11, 2016
11:00 a.m.

Contact: Michael Desrochers, VT Division of Fire Safety, 802-479-7539

Change your clocks - change the battery in your smoke and co alarm

As Vermonters move their clocks back an hour this weekend the Vermont Division of Fire Safety wants everyone to remember to also change the batteries in all smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.

While changing the battery, it is also important to check the date on the alarm.  Most smoke alarms have an effective life span of around 10 years, and carbon monoxide alarms work for approximately 5-7 years depending on manufacturer.  If you do not have smoke or carbon monoxide alarms in your home, it is strongly recommended you install them as soon as possible to increase your chance of escaping a home fire.

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), approximately 60-percent of home fire deaths between 2009 and 2013 were in homes with non-existent or inoperable smoke alarms.  Failure to maintain or replace dead batteries was the leading cause of the failure.

Vermont law requires all new smoke alarms to be of the photoelectric type.  Photoelectric type alarms have been proven to reduce “nuisance alarms” due to cooking, or steam from bathrooms, and can activate sooner to smoldering (upholstery) type fires.

In addition to working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, it is always important to have a fire escape plan, especially in homes with small children, and practice that plan at least twice a year. For additional information on specific installation requirements for smoke and co alarms please visit our web page at www.firesafety.vermont.gov 

Following these safety tips can reduce fire deaths and injuries.  Always remember, hear the alarm, get out, and stay out!

-END-

Mushroom Program

From: Judith Nevin 

Heather Ewing and Jimmy Horton, from Champlain Valley Mushrooms will be speaking about mushroom propagation. They grow many different varieties and will be sharing about how they grow mushrooms year round. The program will be on Monday, March 21, 2016 at 7:00 in the Godnick Center on Deer Street in Rutland.

Judy Nevin

Master Gardener Program

 Judith Nevin
Rutland County Master Gardeners will be sponsoring a talk about mushrooms Monday, March 21, 2016 at 7:00 in the Godnick Center on Deer Street in Rutland. Heather Ewing and Jimmy Horton, from Champlain Valley Mushrooms will be speaking about mushroom propagation. They grow many different varieties and will be sharing about how they grow mushrooms year round. Join us for this free talk and meet some fellow gardeners.
Judy Nevin

Thursday, March 10, 2016

Hitchcock Movie Series Continues in Ludlow March 12



"Rebecca" will be FOLA's (Friends of Ludlow Auditorium) next movie in the Ludlow Town Hall Auditorium onSaturday, March 12 at 7 PM.

It is the second Alfred Hitchcock film featured this month in FOLA's tribute to the great suspence director.

Rebecca is a 1940 American psychological thriller-mystery film. Directed by Alfred Hitchcock, it was his first American project, and his first film produced under contract with David O. Selznick. The film's screenplay was a version by Joan Harrison and Robert E. Sherwood based on Philip MacDonald and Michael Hogan's adaptation of Daphne du Maurier's 1938 novel Rebecca. The film was produced by Selznick and stars Laurence Olivier as the brooding aristocratic widower Maxim de Winter and Joan Fontaine as the young woman who becomes his second wife, with Judith Anderson and George Sanders.

The film is shot in black and white, and is a gothic tale. We never see Maxim de Winter's first wife, Rebecca, who died before the story starts, but her reputation, and recollections about her, are a constant presence to Maxim, his new young second wife, and the housekeeper Danvers.  Maxim de Winter, still troubled by the death of his first wife Rebecca, falls in love with a shy ladies' companion. They get married, but the second Mrs. de Winter discovers that Rebecca still has a strong hold on everyone in the house, particularly on Mrs. Denvers, the housekeeper, who begins driving the young wife to madness.

The film won two Academy Awards, Outstanding Production and Cinematography, out of a total 11 nominations. Olivier, Fontaine and Anderson were all Oscar nominated for their respective roles.

Following this film, FOLA will be featuring two other great Hitchcock movies: March 19, 'Vertigo'; and March 26, 'The Birds'.


As with all FOLA movies, the event is free; donations are appreciated. Popcorn will be supplied by the Berkshire Bank; FOLA will offer water. For more information call (802) 228-7239 or visit FOLA's web site, www.fola.us.

Friday, March 4, 2016

"The 39 Steps" Kicks Off Month-long Tribute to Alfred Hitchcock

"The 39 Steps" Kicks Off Month-long Tribute to Alfred Hitchcock
"The 39 Steps" will be FOLA's (Friends of Ludlow Auditorium) next movie in the Ludlow Town Hall Auditorium on Saturday, March 5 at 7 PM.
The 39 Steps is a 1935 British thriller film directed by Alfred Hitchcock, starring Robert Donat and Madeleine Carroll. Based on the 1915 adventure novel The Thirty-Nine Steps by John Buchan, the film is about a man in London who tries to help a counter-espionage agent prevent an organization of spies called The 39 Steps from stealing top secret information. When the agent is killed and he stands accused of the murder, he goes on the run with an attractive woman to save himself and stop the spy ring.
Several of the particularly Hitchcockian-features in the film include his us of the "icy, blonde female" as a leading character and his own participation in the film.
The film was the first Hitchcock film based upon the idea of an "innocent man on the run," such as Saboteur and North by Northwest. Scholars of his films regard this film as one of his best variations upon this particular theme. In 1999 it came in 4th in a BFI poll of British films and in 2004 Total Film named it the 21st greatest British film of all time.
This will be the first of four major Hitchcock films shown by FOLA this month to demonstrate the character and growth of the great director's talent. It will feature a brief introduction to Hitchcock by film expert Rick Winston who will discuss the evolution of Hitchcock's craft, his favorite themes, his relationship with his collaborators, and his wry sense of humor no matter how grisly the subject matter. Mr. Winston is coming to Ludlow for this event courtesy of the Vermont Humanities Council.
Following this film, FOLA will be featuring three other great Hitchcock movies: March 12, 'Rebecca'; March 19, 'Vertigo'; andMarch 26, 'The Birds'.
As with all FOLA movies, the event is free; donations are appreciated. Popcorn will be supplied by the Berkshire Bank; FOLA will offer water. For more information call (802) 228-7239 or visit FOLA's web site, www.fola.us.