Monday, December 1, 2014

The Last Picture Show at Wehl Street

It wasn't the Peter Bogdanovitch 1971 great "The Last Picture Show" that the Reels Film Society chose as their November 2014 screening, but the Award winning foreign film "The Great Beauty" from Italy. The Bogdanovitch B&W classic drama may have been appropriate as it was not only the Society's final film for 2014, but our last picture show at the Wehl Street Theatre before the move to the Sir Robert Helpmann in January 2015. Incidentally, "Le Grande Belleza" produced one of the most diverse star box ratings ever with voting discs in each and every category. Across the spectrum there were a spread of votes in each from ones to fives, delivering an overall 3 star rating. Members and their guests turned out in numbers for the Wehl Street wind up with regulars not only from the Mount Gambier district supported by strong showings from Coonawarra, Penola, Millicent and over the border to say farewell to what has been the home to Reels and art house cinema since the inception of the film society. It was also wonderful to welcome back and see familiar faces from the Italo Australian Club. As usual the pre movie drinks and nibbles were enjoyed by all, this time to celebrate the society's history at Wehl Street as well as relive some great cinema moments and mark the beginning of the season of goodwill. Next year our expanded 2015 program will start with the feted "AMOUR" on the 15th January 2015 at the Sir Robert Helpmann Theatre. One extra movie in 2015, but good news the membership subscriptions remain the same ($80). The Committee has delivered their own "Efficiency Dividend" and cut the pension and student rate by $10, down to $60 pa for concession card holders. We have a great program in store for the New Year so avoid the Christmas rush, renew your Reels membership subscriptions now. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all.