Dear Strand Fan, 

Friday Night Frights Film Series

Tonight FRANKENSTEIN (1931)

7:30pm

Our Friday Night Frights film series continues.   This year we are highlighting the Universal Studios Monsters.    Tonight is the 1931 film FRANKENSTEIN.  It  had a significant impact on popular culture and cinema history.

Based on the novel by Mary Shelley, the film tells the story of a scientist named Henry Frankenstein who creates a living being from the body parts of the dead. The film starred Boris Karloff as the monster and was directed by James Whale.

One of the major impacts of the film was that it established the archetype of the “mad scientist” in popular culture. The character of Henry Frankenstein became a template for later depictions of scientists who pursue their experiments without regard for the consequences. The film also popularized the idea of a “monster” created by science, a theme that has been explored in numerous other films and works of literature.

The film’s visual style was also influential, with its striking sets and use of light and shadow to create a dark and eerie atmosphere. The makeup and design of the monster, created by Jack Pierce, has become iconic and has been imitated and parodied in countless other films and TV shows.

FRANKENSTEIN also helped to establish the horror film genre as a mainstream form of entertainment. The success of the film led to a number of sequels, spin-offs, and imitators, and helped to create a market for horror films that continues to this day.   We hope you can join us for the excitement.  You can experience in the same venue that our audiences from the original 1931 showing experienced at the Strand!

The 2023 Community Treasure Series kicks off next week.  On Wednesday March 22 get ready to embark on a thrilling journey into the past with our upcoming event, “Big Blue By Boat: Steam-y Stories of Travel.” This presentation will showcase the remarkable story of how three inventive men brought steamboats to the scenic Big Blue River in Shelby County, turning it into a beloved leisure activity for locals for over 30 years.

Whether you’re a history buff or simply curious about this fascinating chapter in the county’s past, “Big Blue By Boat: Steam-y Stories of Travel” is an event you won’t want to miss. Join us for an unforgettable evening of education and entertainment, and experience the magic of the Big Blue River like never before.

Mayor Tom DeBaun regularly paddles the Big Blue River.   He says the river isn’t as clear as it used to be.   There is a little dam by the old Walkerville Bridge.  It is tricky if you are not experienced.   We will put this modern day travel experience into perspective with times gone by.  

The Community Treasure Series Lectures are presented at the Strand, but can also be streamed on our Facebook Live site.   We partner with the Grover Center for these wonderful presentations.  It starts at 7pm and admission is free.  

The week continues Saturday morning 10am March 25 with a lecture about projection.    The Strand is in the middle of our Digital Cinema Projection upgrade.  We are stepping back in time to discuss how the image made it to our screen when the Strand first opened in 1916.  REEL MOVIES: CARBON ARC IN THE 21st CENTURY.   Orion Carey, projectionist at the Egyptian Theatre in DeKalb Illinois will discuss “carbon arc” projection and even showing the highly flammable nitrate film.   

The lecture will include a trip to the original projection booth at the Strand where we still have our nitrate film safe.   We will also travel to the Grover Museum to see the Strand’s projector (carbon arc) from the 1920s.    Admission is free.   The event will also be streamed on our Facebook Live site.   

We finish the week with a highly anticipated concert.  CARL BENTLEY BLUEGRASS will take the stage on Saturday March 25 at 7:30pm.   Carl performed for us as we emerged from Covid last year.  Due to popular response we are having his back!   The concert will be toe-tapping!    Come experience bluegrass music in the acoustically wonderful Strand Theatre on Saturday night.  Tickets are available at the door, locally at Shelbyville Paint, and online on our website.  See you there!

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Our Digital Cinema Projection project made headway this week.   We go into detail next week on the exciting progress.   

The Strand is a fun place.  We hope you can come to one of our events.   As always we couldn’t do it without you, thank you for the support.  See you at the Strand!