Daredevils of the Red Circle - The Park Theatre Brings Back Vintage Serial Films
Trapped in the garage with car motors running
will the Daredevils get out in time??!
In 1922, in what is now known as the historic district of downtown Jaffrey, Romolo Vanni opened a movie theatre. Over the years the theatre’s popularity grew as did the theatre itself. Today, unbeknownst to many area residents, there is a theatre sitting idle that boasts a ¾ Broadway stage, near perfect acoustics, original decoration from the 1920’s Art Deco period of American Architecture and four WPA murals depicting Mount Monadnock done by one of New Hampshire’s foremost muralists. The Theatre closed in 1976, leaving more than a vacant building behind. Theaters give excitement and identity to a community. They provide a gathering place for social and cultural events, stimulating the mind and encouraging exploration of the arts.
The Park Theatre Board of Trustees invites the community to experience a simpler time, when movies cost a nickel and enthusiastic fans flocked to the theatre every Saturday to catch the latest release. This summer, at almost every event during Free Summer Movie Nights, The Park Theatre will be showing one of the staples of the Saturday Matinee from the 1930’s to the 1950’s: the serial, also known as the “cliffhanger”. No Saturday Matinee in this time period was complete without a short (17-28 minutes) serial chapter. The Theatre will show one of the top-rated serial films, Daredevils of the Red Circle (1939) at almost every event this Season.
James Cagney sets the stage for his Broadway backers in
Yankee Doodle Dandy on July 2
The story of Daredevils of the Red Circle revolves around the diabolical mastermind Harry Crowel, a.k.a. Prisoner 39013 (pronounced thirty-nine-oh-thirteen), who escapes from jail and, with a seemingly endless supply of henchmen, sets out to destroy all the holdings of industrialist Horace Granville, the man who put him in prison. One target is an amusement park, home of the three Daredevils of the Red Circle (David Sharpe, Charles Quigley and Herman Brix), who perform death-defying stunts and work their way out of difficult situations by using their own individual skills.
Aghast at innocent lives lost, the three heroes swear to track down and capture the ruthless madman, No. 39013. This turns out to be more challenging than they suspect and each week they are met with another impossible task that they somehow manage to conquer. Charles Middleton's supercilious histrionics breathe bone-chilling life into the character of 39013, whose performance is matched only by Miles Mander, who essays the dual role of the benevolent industrialist, Granville, and the malevolent 39013 masquerading as Granville.
After 12 exciting chapters, the heroes find….. Well, movie buffs will have to come to the theatre, just like the folks in the 1930’s and 1940’s, to find out what happens next to their heroes and the evil nemesis.
Movie-goers will also experience a piece of history on Saturday, July 25th during Jaffrey’s Riverfest Celebration. For the first time in thirty-three years movies will be shown in the majestic Theatre. Audiences can sit back and soak up the nostalgia and watch a few chapters of Daredevils of the Red Circle Matinee the way it was meant to be seen!
Ron Howard and his two loves contemplate life
in the July 9 showing of American Graffiti (PG-13)
Free movies throughout the summer start on July 2 with “Yankee Doodle Dandy”, an Oscar-winning musical comedy for the whole family. Movies start at 7 pm at the Jaffrey Woman’s Club. Popcorn, candy and drinks are available. Doors open at 6:30 and the general public is invited. The second movie of the season is the 1973 color classic "American Graffiti", a PG-13 rated film that speaks to all the complications and comedy of growing up. Free summer movies run weekly through August 14.
Although the theater itself has been closed for thirty-three years, trustees are committed to continuing the Theater’s seasons of movies and of plays and concerts in partnership with other performing artistic organizations. This is possible because of the support of the community in donating their time and resources to see the Theatre reopen. The Park Theatre’s 2009 Season is the result of the collaboration of the theater with the Jaffrey Women’s Club, The Jaffrey Civic Center and numerous performing artists throughout the region. These artists and arts organizations intend to mount their productions in the re-opened Park Theater. Upcoming Partner productions include the Monadnock Performing Arts Academy Annual Recital on June 27 and 28 at 7 pm; Small Pond Production of “The Dinner Party” on July 9 – 11; Monadnock Music’s Beethoven Trail begins in Sullivan at 7:30 pm and Unequaled Music is performed at the Jaffrey Center Meetinghouse on July 12 at 4 pm followed by an auction at the Inn at Jaffrey Center.
For further information contact The Park Theatre at 603-532-7711, email , or visit our home page.
