Write a commentThe Oswego County Historical Society (OCHS) proudly presents the 75th anniversary of "Gone With the Wind." The classic film will be featured on Thursday, November 13th at 6:30 pm at the historic landmark Oswego Theatre at 138 West Second Street. All proceeds from the event will support the Richardson-Bates House Museum in Oswego.
"This is an exciting night for the historical society to bring an epic film to Oswego," said Justin White, president of the board of trustees. "Many interesting details have been added to make this move a special event in Oswego's historic cinema theatre. The ticket fees will help us support the ongoing maintenance and necessary preservation needs of the society's museum."
The movie tickets were specially designed by Oswego Printing to emulate the original ticket of the film premiere at Loew's Grand Theatre in Atlanta, Georgia, which was the background of the film. It opened on December 15, 1939."There is nothing like seeing this timeless film on the big screen," said White. "It is a whole different experience than seeing it on television. This will be a special opportunity to both celebrate and enjoy the anniversary"
"Gone With the Wind" is considered one of the greatest films ever made in cinema history. According to Guinness World Records it is also the highest grossing box office film ever with inflation. It has sold more that 283 million tickets worldwide. The movie received ten Academy Awards, including Best Motion Picture of 1939.
The movie will be shown in the main auditorium of the historic Oswego Theatre. The building was designed by prolific international theatre architect John Eberson in the Art Deco design. It opened to the public in January of 1941. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
"The historic Oswego Theatre is the perfect place to host the movie, since it was built in the same era "Gone With The Wind" was released'" said White."It is a unique example of Art Deco architecture and will be a special place to show the film."
Tickets are $20.00 per person and are available in advance at the Oswego Theatre at 138 East Second Street, River's End Bookstore at 19 West Bridge Street or from OCHS board members. Since the tickets were designed in keeping with the original one they will make a great souvenir. Door prizes will be featured and the drawing will take place the night of the event. The prizes will include a southern style gift basket, souvenir Life Magazine about the film, anniversary DVD of the film and copy of the Pulitzer Prize novel by Margaret Mitchell from which the film was adapted.
The Oswego County Historical Society is a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and promotion of the rich history of the county. The society maintains and operates the Richardson-Bates House Museum, a historic landmark listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The museum is open Thursday, Friday and Saturday form 1 – 5 p.m. and other days by appointment. For more information call during regular hours at 343-1342.
