43
Projection room will be open for theatergoers
By D.A. WILKINSON
SALEM
The gentleman in evening clothes adds a little dash to the projection room at the Salem Community Theatre.
Dan Haueter, a member of the theater’s board, said he buffed up the tuxedo-clad mannequin beside one of the projectors before this weekend’s three live performances of the romantic comedy “The Philadelphia Story.”
The original play was turned into a movie in 1939 starring Katharine Hepburn, James Stewart and Cary Grant.
Visitors to the theater this weekend can get into the projection room, which is usually closed to the public.
The State Theatre at 490 E. State St. was a moviehouse that opened Thanksgiving Day in 1922 and showed the film “Smiling Through.” In 1981, the moviehouse became the home of the Salem Community Theatre.
People who have gone to the live shows have passed the projection room hidden behind a metal door. Fabric in the theater now covers the slots for the two projectors.
In the projection room, there are two projectors, a log book from 1930, old scenery and a metal ruler used to measure and cut film.
Films that were shown at the theatre later in its life included “On Golden Pond,” “Grease 2” and “Star Wars.”
There’s one small step to get into the projection room. A sign inside says, “This projector for use with safety film only, not for use with nitrate or other flammable film.” Also inside is a newspaper from 1979.
Haueter, who directed the current play, recalled going to see the movie “The Empire Strikes Back” at the theater.
He said it “is unique to see the way movies used to be shown where you could hear the projector running, and the movie would jump every once in a while.”
Sarah Durham, theater manager, hadn’t seen much of the old projection room, but noted that it had its own restroom, which connected to what is part of the concession area.
The theater is running its 1939 special this weekend for three performances. With the purchase of one ticket for $14, patrons can get the second ticket for the 1939 “Philadelphia Story” Broadway price of $3.
Shows are 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday.