November 04, 2012
Moonrise Kingdom Poster
I had already decided I would venture out to the Whallonsburg Grange tonight to catch the Champlain Valley Film Society's presentation of Wes Anderson's film "Moonrise Kingdom," when by happy coincidence I caught part of an interview with Bob Balaban on public radio.

Not exactly a name that most people recognize, but any fan of the old Seinfeld show would probably be familiar with the actor who played the NBC TV executive who became smitten with Elaine, turned to Green Peace, and was never seen again.

Anyway, Bob Balaban happens to be the on-screen narrator of "Moonrise Kingdom" so I thought it apropos to throw in a few quotes from his radio interview with Bob Edwards.

Balaban was being interviewed about a new children's book he has written but naturally today I was most interested in the segment about "Moonrise Kingdom." He had only good things to say, "I had a feeling when I signed on that this was something special....I was thrilled to be in it....Mostly I had a great time...I had a wonderful costume...crazy red jacket, green beanie...my family said I looked like a garden. " He went on to say that this was one of the few costumes that he would have liked to keep.

I find myself thinking of narrator Balaban 's words as we drive through the dark and winding road to the Grange Hall this evening.

Projectionist in the Balcony at the Grange Hall
The Champlain Valley Film Society (CVFS) has been captivating North Country audiences and guests to the area all year, since 2003 in fact. Most recently, the CVFS included a live evening performance with Ben Modell playing piano to the silent movie, "The Navigator."  Though the Society may still move to another venue on occasion, this year it has officially declared The Whallonsburg Grange its permanent home.

Every time I enter the Grange Hall, I notice some new addition. Tonight it is the warm, red curtains. They add a very homey touch to the already cozy atmosphere.

There are about 30 people here when we arrive. Lots of familiar faces from Westport, Whallonsburg, Wilmington, Essex, and Keene Valley—including the subject of my last blog—Alisa Endsley who survived the storm in NYC and still made it back to the North Country for this weekend.

The numbers are growing as movie time draws near. The organizers keep adding chairs to the ends of rows and finally whole new rows as about 80 folks take seats waiting for the feature to begin.

A crowded hall for
Board member Sue Reaser introduces the evening's film and also reminds the audience about the next two movies in the 2012 season: "Salmon Fishing in the Yemen" and "Monsier Lahzar." She gives a plug to the upcoming Election Night bipartisan dinner to raise money for new chairs for the Grange.

There's popcorn and pop and a great movie to experience. The audience applauds at both beginning and end. I'm as thrilled as Bob Balaban about the movie that has been called everything from "The purest love story in movie history" to "Movie heaven" in the press. It is quirky and endearing, taking us on a journey of misfits, love, loyalty, topped off by a violent storm. The superstar cast includes Bill Murray, Bruce Willis, Frances McDormand, and Edward Norton.

For more information about the Champlain Valley Film Society, click through to the web site. And to see what other events are coming to The Whallonsburg Grange go to: www.thegrangehall.org/

Kathleen Recchia has been enjoying the arts in the Adirondacks for about 20 years—both as observer and participant (acting, directing, and producing). She also enjoys cross-country skiing, swimming, juggling, and hosting visitors to the area at her bed & breakfast in Jay.

Moonrise Kingdom Poster
Projectionist in the Balcony at the Grange Hall
A crowded hall for

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