By Kathie King
Michelle Moenssen, Emily Ewing, Ron Ortiz and Kip Ewing shown in their vintage finery. Photos by Rebecca Savage.More than 400 Art Deco Movie fans gathered on Friday night, February 21, 2003, to help DAADS pay tribute to the ongoing preservation efforts of the Motor City Theatre Organ Society as they celebrated the 75th Anniversary of the Redford Theatre. The Redford was called "America's Most Unique Suburban Playhouse" when it opened its doors on January 27, 1928.
The evening was a great Movie Palace experience for us all, beginning the moment you walked under the huge neon marquee. Faces lit up with delight, oohs, and aahs were heard as some saw the Redford Theatre for the first time. Others with vivid memories returned to revisit the movie palace where they spent many happy hours as a kid in the balcony enjoying the all American childhood ritual of the Saturday Matinee. Many more told us it was "THE" place to go for their Saturday night date, about holding hands, and then walking around the corner past many shop windows to Sander's to enjoy ice cream sundaes. The most amazing were shared memories of receiving gifts of Constance Bennett Cosmetics, and many ladies put together complete sets of china that they collected on free "Dish Night" at the Redford. Joining us Friday night with her family, Mrs. Gertrude Smith was excited to return to see the Redford Theatre where she, while dating her husband, attended opening night at the Redford in 1928. Mrs. Smith brought along, for us all to enjoy, the pink depression glass dresser set she collected piece by piece, by faithfully attending "Dish Night," during the 1930s.
As we took our seats, under the twinkling ceiling lights, the Mighty Barton Theatre Pipe Organ appeared out of nowhere with the very talented Lance Luce at the keyboard, who welcomed and played for us. Together we enjoyed, on the big screen, Paramount 's Glamorous Art Deco Film "Trouble In Paradise," a wonderful romantic comedy from 1932 starring Kay Francis, Herbert Marshall and Miriam Hopkins.
During intermission, DAADS preservation chair, Rebecca Savage presented MCTOS president David Ambory a hand colored screen print of the Redford Theatre, in celebration of the Redford's 75th Anniversary, along with a check from DAADS to help continue their restoration efforts.
Immediately following the film, 279 Theatre Fans joined DAADS with their "Backstage Pass" for some decadent desserts and coffee that were being served on stage, behind the giant movie screen. While backstage, we got to enjoy a very special display from the Redford archives. There were original microphones, signs, posters of past theatre productions and old stage props.
Bob King presents the Redford Theatre's memorabilia display.In addition to the Redford pieces, we were lucky to view a small sampling of Mike Hauser's wonderful Detroit Movie House collection. We also received a very special presentation on the history of the Redford Theatre, including the history of the theatre's "Ghost Light." During the backstage tour, the great MCTOS volunteers pointed out interesting and intriguing details of the theaters pipe organ chamber room, and the projection booth, all working just as they did when they were first designed for the theatre in 1928.
David Ambory shows off DAADS donation of $500 towards the Redford Theatre's restoration fund.One of the many highlights of the evening was seeing all the great vintage outfits. Glamorous is the best possible way to describe all the finery being worn. Winning the gift certificates that were so graciously donated to DAADS was the Redford Theatre It Girl, Michelle Moenssen, winning the $100.00 1st prize gift certificate to "Mother Fletcher's" in Ferndale. A delightful modern Rebecca L'Ecuyer won a $ 50.00 gift certificate to "Paris" in Royal Oak. Adding a bit of dash to the evening, Kip Ewing won a $50.00 gift certificate to "Antiques On Main" in Royal Oak. The handsome and dapper Todd Stores won a $50.00 gift certificate to shop at "Top Hat" in "Antiques on Main" in Royal Oak. But maybe the best prize of all was just being there.
The very fact that this great Movie Palace still exists, is a reminder of the value of preservation. By just being there and enjoying all that the Redford Theatre has to offer, we were able to help with the success of the on-going preservation work.
DAADS wants to extend a very special thank you to our generous donors. When you are shopping for fabulous vintage clothing, please shop with the vintage clothing and antique dealers who support DAADS. When you are considering a very special bakery treat, please visit these wonderful stores ...Herman's Bakery, Holiday Market, Hagelstein's Bakery and Pronto, all in Royal Oak, and Edward's in Northville, Michigan ...I smell chocolate!!!!
DAADS sends special thanks to Skidmore Inc. in Southfield, and board members, Robin and Carl Cohen, Gary Spondike, Rebecca Savage, Jeff Chappell, and the Bon Vivant, Ron Ortiz. At the Redford Theatre, DAADS was very lucky to work with Peggy Grimshaw, David Martin, John Skully and Orin Walther. In addition, DAADS wants to thank the terrific MCTOS tour volunteers and especially Mike Hauser.
The evening was wonderful, the deco movie and the mighty Barton were delightful. DAADS thanks and congratulates the MCTOS for preserving The Redford Theatre heritage in all its forms, and for sharing its history and theatre delights with all of us. It was a great deco night at the movies.
Mark your calendars for next year as we make plans for another great vintage movie night at the Redford Theatre.
