by Rebecca Binno

If you're like me, you were first interested in art deco through old Hollywood movies. The Detroit Area Art Deco Society found out about a rare opportunity to see a 1927 silent movie the way it was meant to be shown—with live accompaniment on a theater organ. The movie "Wings" is being shown by the Stagecrafters, a nonprofit theater group that has lovingly restored and renovated the historic Baldwin Theater in Royal Oak.

"Wings" stars the glamorous silent film actress Clara Bow (the "It" Girl) and Charles "Buddy" Rogers. Got your trivia hat on? "Wings" was the first Academy Award winner for best picture—that was back in 1927. The movie has some of the most innovative pretalkie special effects in movie making. Best known for the amazing air footage of flight sequences, it is a movie-going experience that is best viewed from a historic theater seat. It is an original action adventure film about two World War I pilots in love with the same woman.

Professional theater organist John Lauter will play the Baldwin Theater's restored 1926 "Mighty Wurlitzer" theater pipe organ for both performances. See you there!

Showtimes:
Saturday, April 15th at 8:00 pm
Sunday, April 16th at 2:00 pm
The Baldwin Theater is located at 415 S. Lafayette in downtown Royal Oak.
All tickets are $8.00.
Call (248) 541-6430 Monday through Friday 10:00 am-4:00 pm for phone orders, or go to www.stagecrafters.org

Parking: Municipal metered parking lots are located just west of the theater at 5th Street and Lafayette, and on Lafayette 1 1/2 blocks south of 11 Mile Road. Parking in Royal Oak is 50 cents per hour until 9:00 pm, Monday through Saturday. All parking in Royal Oak is free on Sunday.
There is a chance that tickets may be sold at the door if seats are available.

Copyright © 2000 Detroit Area Art Deco Society. All rights reserved.