Published: September 05, 2008 11:35 pm            

A night at the movies

ASHLAND — Ashley Judd ushered in a new era for cinematic experiences at the Paramount Arts Center Friday evening during “Opening Night” as she talked about the importance of films and American history.

“All of the major masterpieces of the ’30s and ’40s were shown here,” Judd said as she discussed the arts center’s past and prepared to introduce Frank Capra’s classic film, “It Happened One Night,” projected onto a retractable 21- by 28-foot screen.

Wearing a simple black dress adorned with a dainty golden cross around her neck, Judd asked how many members of the substantial crowd remembered her many relatives in the area. She also admitted to being a bit choked up as she reminisced about times here at her grandmother’s home “listening to the thick Kentucky night serenade us.”

Judd told the audience she recently completed several projects, including an independent film titled “Helen,” and a major movie, “Crossing Over,” with Harrison Ford, Ray Liotta and Sean Penn. Many in the audience giggled as she told them she is preparing for “a big fat silly comedy about the tooth fairy,” with Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.

Citing renovation of the Paramount as a performing arts center and movie house, Judd said films continue to provide an important outlet for people facing tough times. Comparing the conditions of 1931, when the Paramount opened, Judd said the description also fits today’s global circumstances. Movies are important “as a healthy mechanism of escaping the moment,” she said, adding her love of watching the lights dim and becoming engrossed in the images and sounds.

“Other than a book, there’s nothing quite like a movie,” Judd said.

Before introducing the evening’s selection, Judd asked for a show of hands to indicate how many in the audience had not seen “It Happened One Night.” She also noted a scene in the film which shows Clark Gable removing his shirt, which caused skyrocketing sales of the T-shirt he wore on screen despite the nation’s economic woes at the time.

Many in the crowd observed the evening by dressing as characters from the evening’s movie, other films, or in clothing from the era. The evening, divided into three acts, included performances by vocalist Stephen Salyers, as well as appearances by members of Ashland’s Backstage Players. Audience members were greeted by gloved doormen behind velvet ropes at the front door, as well as “Cigarette Girls” inside the theater, reflecting the Paramount’s original staff in 1931.

The $100 per seat event was the first in a series of screenings at the Paramount Arts Center which will include selections from the 2008-09 Southern Circuit Tour of Independent Filmmakers. Tickets for those showings will be $8 and include an opportunity to meet the filmmaker.

The recently-installed movie screen was purchased with the help of a National Scenic Byway Grant through the office of Congressman Hal Rogers.

TIM PRESTON can be reached at tpreston@dailyindependent.com or (606) 326-2651.

        

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