“I’ve been a fan of silent movies since before I ever saw one.” Those are the words of well-known local entertainer, Nate Butler. One of his many passions, Nate began reading about classic cinema when he was a kid. His fascination with old movies and their history began when he got his first library card at the age of seven, and he’s been soaking up information like a sponge – and generously sharing it – ever since.
If you were asked to name something you’d find in the Central San Joaquin Valley, historic movie theaters probably wouldn’t be the first thing that would come to mind, but from Merced to Visalia and Hanford, there are at least eight. They were all built between the mid-1920s and late 1940s and function primarily as entertainment venues today.
KRL has always enjoyed shining the spotlight on local creators—whether they are singers, musicians, dancers, filmmakers, artists, writers, or actors. This week we are chatting with local actor Chris Giese who has been seen on the stage with Reedley’s River City Theatre Co. many times, as well as at Hobb’s Grove every Halloween, and in several indie movies. Born in Dinuba, Chris now lives in Fresno.
This year, we can expect to be graced with some great films. Anything from an adventurous comedy to an action-packed superhero movie - there's something for everyone! Check out this list of the upcoming adventure films.
Riddle Me Dead is the fifth and newest Crossword Mysteries entry on Hallmark's Movies and Mysteries channel starring Lacey Chabert as crossword puzzle editor Tess Harper and Brennan Elliott as New York Detective Logan O'Connor. Tess has been hired to read clues on a well know game show, but when the host is found murdered Tess joins Logan in investigating the crime.
Abby McCree got bamboozled into being on another committee. This time she’s helping with the summer outdoor movies. The two people in charge have been called out of town and Abby’s on the hook for the last one of the season, an animated children’s film.
As we near the finale of the best month of the year, a lot of us can’t help but feel a little deflated. Things are a lot…different this year, and tragically, Halloween will not be untouched by the chaos going on around us. Some of us might not feel comfortable going out, or we’re just looking for a new project, so it’s time to get creative at home. Propmaker Kimberly Houston from Reedley knows how to do exactly that. Kim creates props for theatre companies, horror movies, and anyone and everyone looking for props.
In June, 32 years ago in 1988, a film was released to the world, one that starred two comedic giants in the prime of their careers. You had Dan Aykroyd, former Saturday Night Live alum, who was fresh off the success of Trading Spaces (1983) and Ghostbusters (1984). Then there was John Candy, who was featured in a string of ‘80s classics like Splash (1984), Brewster’s Millions (1985), Spaceballs (1987), and Planes, Trains, and Automobiles (1987). That film was The Great Outdoors.
Film productions are known for its size and scale of people working together. Have you seen the end credits to a film? You just see hundreds and sometimes even thousands of names scroll up the screen, people representing different departments to make one complete project. You got the director, writer(s), producers, make-up department, casting director(s), production designer, cinematographer, composer, visual effects, special effects, and the list goes on.
At the suggestion of a close friend, Nora Paige accepted a fascinating position as manager of the Palace Theater, a San Francisco vintage movie house showing classic films. Her film star husband took up with his sexy leading lady leaving her vulnerable to the overzealous paparazzi, so a refuge away from Hollywood was a blessing.
