Redford Theatre Hosts Special Presentation Of 'White Christmas'
REDFORD (WWJ) - It's a chance to see the classic holiday movie "White Christmas" the way it was meant to be seen -- on an old-fashioned film projector. And as WWJ's Chrystal Knight reports, the best part is that it's all for a good cause.
This weekend, the famous Bing Crosby story will take center stage on the big screen at the Redford Theatre.
"We'd love everyone to come. It's a great place to come with your family and enjoy a night out," said spokesperson Patrick Picking. "It's a happy film, it makes you feel good, it makes you feel sentimental, it has vibrant colors, it has good lyrics and good music."
Picking said getting the old-fashion projector reel was a labor of love, because movies just aren't shown this way anymore.
"These are from 1954, they burn a carbon arc in here," he said. "It's hard to get 35 millimeter prints. As more and more theaters are going digital, prints are going away -- prints that are in good shape, prints that are not scratched."
Picking said it took volunteers six months just to get the film at the theatre.
"We're always looking for volunteers, and we have approximately 24 people working each shift," he said.
But the show isn't all about fun, it's about giving back too. Proceeds from the event will go to the "Stairway to the Stars" campaign, a fundraising effort to renovate the old Redford Theatre.
"At one time in the 1920's when Detroit was bustling and booming and growing, there were over 100 movie theatres here and sadly, now we're down to about two, the Fox and the Redford," Picking said.
Showtimes for "White Christmas" are Dec. 14 at 8 p.m., and Dec. 15 at 2 and 8 p.m.
Tickets are $4 per person, and you can help those less fortunate by bringing canned goods or personal hygiene items to donate to St. Christine's Soup Kitchen and Food Pantry in Detroit. Every donation will earn one raffle ticket toward a special gift basket to be given at each performance.
For more information, visit www.redfordtheatre.com.
