Ok, maybe we'll have three shows.

Wow!  What a response!
Last week I wrote about finding the movie “Irene” on DVD – the old silent film is historically interesting for Kerrville, since it was the first film shown at the Arcadia back in 1926.
I rambled here last week that I’d like to show the movie at the Arcadia and invited anyone who was interested in watching the film with me to drop me an email (joeherringjr .at. gmail .dot. com) or a postcard (615 Water Street, Kerrville).

Colleen Moore

Honestly, I thought I might find 10 people who’d watch the old film with me.  We 10 would sit in the dark old Arcadia and root for Irene (played by Colleen Moore) as she searched for happiness.   I could see us sitting there in our lawn chairs, munching popcorn, the film flickering as projected on a bed sheet.
Let’s just say a few more than 10 people want to see the film.   Ok, a lot more than 10.  I had to call a friend at the City to see how many people could safely be in the old theater at one time.   We might need to have two shows.   Maybe three.
So, if you missed sending me a message last week, but want to be included in the invitation list, please drop me a line.  There are a few logistical problems to solve, but I’m still hoping to present the movie at the Arcadia soon.
The show will be free, and I think the experience will be fun.  For the first time in 81 years the people of Kerrville will see this old film together in the same theater where it played.
I do have a bonus challenge for my engineering friends: how can we cool down the old theater to a comfortable temperature?   There is no air-conditioning in the old building, and it can be quite warm in there.  Too warm to enjoy the 93 minute movie.
I’ve had two suggestions, both good.  First, we could show the film on a Saturday morning.  The building is coolest then.  Or, we could wait until autumn.
But I’d like to show it at night, with the Arcadia sign flashing in the night sky.   And I’d like to show it right away, while people are talking about the future of the Arcadia.
So – if you have an idea how we can cool the old building down (inexpensively) to show the film, please drop me a line.
* * *
Speaking of old films, I got a great email from Cheryl Johnson, office manager of our local Time-Warner office, this week:
“Time Warner Cable will be hosting "Hollywood in the Hill Country" on Saturday, July 21st.  We will be doing a free showing of the movie "Casablanca".  This will be held at Louise Hays Park - Centennial Stage.  The movie is to begin at sundown so it should be around 8:30PM.  We would love for you and your families to join us!  Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, picnic baskets or coolers.  Sit back and enjoy the movie!”
Now that sounds like fun!   I hope the weather is good for them – this is something I’d like to see done often, and eventually, I’d like to see old movies presented at the Arcadia Theater.
Until next week, all the best.

Joe Herring Jr. is a Kerrville native who likes old movies.