The Stanford Theatre

Received the summer film schedule for the Stanford Theatre in the mail yesterday. Usually not keen about anything with "Stanford" in its name, let alone anything located in the heart of University Avenue in Shallow Alto, this old fashioned movie house is one notable exception. Founded back in the 1920's and restored not too long ago by David Packard, Jr. (son of the Hewlett-Packard founder), the theater epitomizes the plush, opulent cinemas that became the cultural centers of most American towns during the glory days of movie watching. Yes, the seats are red mohair, the authentic Wurlitzer plays before every showing, and the heavy curtain rises at the start of the film. Very cool. As a tribute to former President Ronald Reagan, the Stanford Theatre is including screenings of ten of his previous films, including Bedtime for Bonzo, on its summer roster. Personally, I'm looking forward to the screenings of Roman Holiday, Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein, and Jason and the Argonauts. They are also screening Picnic, the William Holden/Kim Novak film from the 1950's, best known for having been used by one clever theater operator to sell more beverages in his concession stand. The phrase "Drink Coke" was spliced into various frames creating a repeated subliminal message. Apparently, sales of soda shot through the roof. Given Packard's affiliations with the theater and his alma mater, I wouldn't be surprised if the same techniques were used for the messages "Buy H-P" or "Go Stanford, Beat Cal".