Arts & Entertainment
Tampa Theatre Revisits Rich Film History
Throughout the summer the theatre will be re-screening classic films like "The Godfather" on Sunday afternoons.
Hundreds sat mesmerized by a glowing screen. A packed theatre edged toward the front of red velvet seats. Most have seen this classic film, perhaps many times over. Before winning three Academy Awards and cementing its place in American cinema, The Godfather played under the same sky-painted ceiling at the Tampa Theatre nearly 40 years ago.
Knowing precisely what comes next from scene to scene in the film didn't matter to those in attendance at Sunday afternoon's screening. Popcorn and drinks were ignored in climatic moments. As a hysterical Kay pleaded for an answer from Michael, the audience grew silent.
As he lied “No,” in a beautifully telling moment, a sound made its way through the rows of spectators. It wasn't quite laughter, more like a knowing chuckle. Because that’s just Michael Corleone. A character that stands the test of time.
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“Whether you love The Godfather or hate The Godfather,” explained film expert and USF Professor Emeritus Harriet Deer to the crowd that stuck around for a post-film talk. “It’s important because it says something about culture.”
“It’s a major achievement and it deserves to be deeply appreciated.”
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The screening was a part of the Tampa Theatre's Summer Classics Series taking place on Sunday afternoons through August. At 3 p.m. each Sunday the theatre will screen classic films.
"We'll have some people that come and see Gone With the Wind who remember seeing it here when it premiered in 1949,” said Tara Schroeder, the theatre's director of programming and marketing. “Now they’re coming with their grandchildren.”
Most, however, probably never had the pleasure of taking in treasures like the screwball comedyBringing Up Baby on the big screen with a crowd of people.
“It’s great. Every year in Casablanca when Ilsa walks into Rick's there is a collective gasp. With The Wizard of Oz people will boo the Wicked Witch. It’s just fun being a part of it all,” said Schroeder.
And they encourage those in attendance to join in on the fun. Some show up for the character dressed as characters, and for the screening of The Wizard of Oz patrons are invited to sing along with the familiar numbers.
The Summer Classic Series continues this upcoming Sunday with Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis, and Jack Lemmon in a screening of the 1959 enduring comedy Some Like It Hot.
Tickets are $9 with the exception of the tickets for the special screening of the silent film Peter Pan, backed by an organist playing the theatres 1,400 pipe Mighty Wurlitzer just like the day the theatre opened in 1926, which are $12.
Remaining schedule:
July 3 - Some Like It Hot
July 9 and 10 - Casablanca
with special post-film talk after the Sunday screening with film expert and USF Professor Emeritus Harriet Deer.
July 17 - Gone With the Wind
July 23 and 24 - Sing-Along The Wizard of Oz
with costume parades before each screening
July 31 - The African Queen
with special post-film talk with film expert and USF Professor Emeritus Harriet Deer.
August 7 - Bringing Up Baby
with special post-film talk with film expert and USF Professor Emeritus Harriet Deer.
August 14 - The Day the Earth Stood Still
August 21 - The Red Shoes
with special post-film talk with USF Dance Professor and acclaimed choreographer Michael Foley
August 28 - Peter Pan (1924)
