Brogan: Not Always What it Seems!

The other evening I took in a movie at Concord’s Red River Theatres. As always, I had a great evening watching a good film while sitting in their amazingly comfortable seats, enjoying popcorn, a soda with lots of fizz and a chocolate chip cookie that was what all other chocolate cookies can only aspire to be.

My frequent visits to the theatre are something I look forward to for any number of reasons. While the films are always varied, interesting and entertaining, it’s also a real community experience - a throwback to what was once the norm in Concord. You run into people you know and the conversations both before and after the film only reinforce why so many of us love this city.

Concord is extremely fortunate to have Red River Theatres. While both Portsmouth and Keene can boast of venues that frequently show a variety of film features, there is no place in Northern New England that offers the three screens, stadium seating in two theatres, and level of presentation that Red River offers. While you won’t see the latest Marvel Comics release nor any of the franchise films that bring crowds to the multiplex cinemas, you will see a true cross-section of films for every taste and age at Red River.

When the theatre first opened, there was a notion among some in the community that it was a place for an elitist group of individuals to view ”artsy” films, while sipping wine. While there are still a diminishing number of people with that feeling, Red River has quickly become a genuine focal point for Concord. I frequently utilize the facility for screenings that are a part of the OLLI Film Classes I regularly present and class members fall in love with the theatre.

In addition to seeing some of the most acclaimed films of the year on its screens, in recent weeks the theatre has also made available everything from “White Christmas” to a pristine print of 1964’s ”My Fair Lady” to black and white classics like “Here Comes Mr. Jordan.” In the weeks ahead, the theatre will be hosting Boston Globe critic and film writer, Ty Burr, a Quote-a-Long screening of the comic-mystery, “Clue” and their annual Red Carpet Viewing Party for the annual Academy Award broadcast.

Red River is even more fortunate to have on staff, Barry Steelman who, since arriving in Concord in the summer of 1967 with the opening of the well-remembered Cinema 93, is easily the “Dean of Movies.” There isn’t an individual who knows more about film than Barry and he regularly hosts special screenings at Red River, coupled with informative and highly entertaining chats that enrich the film experience for lucky audiences.

Red River Theatres is much more than it appears to be on the surface and I would urge everyone to check out their website at www.redrivertheatres.org to find out about upcoming films and events. It will also tell you how to become a member should you wish. You don’t, however, have to become a member to enjoy the many offerings the theatre has for every taste.

This coming Sunday, the 10th at 4 p.m., Barry will be hosting the screening of a little gem called “Storm Warning.”The 1951 release from Warner Brothers stars Ginger Rogers, Ronald Reagan and Doris Day, who was on the cusp of becoming, by year’s end, the biggest female star on the Warners lot.

As a child I assumed a movie with Ginger and Doris had to be a musical. This is far from it. “Storm Warning” is a strong, no-holds barred (for the time), drama, that really puts the cast through their paces. Any preconceived notions you might have about Doris Day will be eradicated by her portrayal as Roger’s sister, who becomes involved in intrigue and the dark secrets of a town in the south.

Of course having known Doris Day personally for the past 50 years, I am not surprised by the variety of films she made during her successful career. Notions about her playing an “overage virgin” are not supported by the reality of the 39 films she made. There were musicals, biographical films, dramas, suspense thrillers, slapstick comedies and romantic comedies - even an Alfred Hitchcock film. Her acting in “Storm Warning” is a nice precursor to the dramatic work she displayed to critical acclaim in such films as “Love Me or Leave Me,” ”The Man Who Knew Too Much,” ”Julie” and “Midnight Lace.”

I’ll be joining Barry Steelman at Sunday’s screening to share a few stories about Doris. Why not plan to join us Sunday afternoon. If you’ve never been to Red River Theatres, it’ll be a nice introduction.