MGM‘s Till the Clouds Roll By is the musicalized, and highly fictionalized, life story of beloved composer Jerome Kern, who gave his blessing to the production shortly before his death in 1946. As played by a gray-templed Robert Walker, Kern is a likeable but none too exciting sort who expresses his emotions through his music. Constructed in the form of an extended flashback, the story proper begins at the turn of the century, as Kern tries to peddle his ditties to disinterested Broadway producers. His efforts to interest impresario Charles Frohman (Harry Hayden) go nowhere because Frohman is convinced that the only good music comes from Europe. Obligingly, Kern moves to London, where he meets and falls in love with his future wife Eva (Dorothy Patrick). On the verge of securing work with Frohman, Kern’s hopes are dashed when the producer goes down with the Lusitania in 1915. Fortunately, Kern has developed such powerful U.S. contacts as Victor Herbert (Paul Maxey) and Oscar Hammerstein (Paul Langton), enabling him to find success as the composer of several “intimate” musicals for New York’s Princess Theater. The film ends where it begins, with Kern’s triumph as composer of the Broadway blockbuster Show Boat. Van Heflin weaves in and out of the proceedings as the obligatory best friend/severest critic, a musical arranger named Jim Hessler (purportedly based on longtime Kern associate Paul Sadler). No one in 1946 really cared about the dramatic passages of Till the Clouds Roll By; the film’s biggest drawing card was its lineup of all-star MGM talent, performing Kern’s most famous numbers. Judy Garland (as Marilyn Miller) sings “Look for the Silver Lining”; Dinah Shore performs “The Last Time I Saw Paris” before a back-projected “Gay Paree”; Kathryn Grayson does a Rita Hayworth imitation with “Long Ago and Far Away”; Virginia O’Brien deadpans “A Fine Romance”; Tony Martin warbles “All the Things You Are”; June Allyson and Ray McDonald team up for the title number; and Frank Sinatra, incongruously dressed in white tuxedo, runs through “Ol’ Man River.” In addition, other musical contributions are made by Van Johnson, Angela Lansbury, Cyd Charisse, Gower Champion, and Lucille Bremer (cast as Van Heflin‘s daughter). The film’s high point comes at the very beginning with a Reader’s Digest edition of Show Boat, featuring Lena Horne, as Julie (the role she was born to play, but never did again on screen), delivering a powerhouse rendition of “Can’t Help Lovin’ Dat Man.” Since lapsing into public domain in 1974, Till the Clouds Roll By has, along with Royal Wedding, become the most readily accessible of all MGM musicals. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
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Blood into Wine, the eagerly awaited documentary on Tool/Puscifer front man Maynard James Keenan and his vineyard partner Eric Glomski’s mission to bring notoriety and respect to northern Arizona’s burgeoning wine industry.
From the opening shot to the falling credits, this film demands full control of ones body and emotion. So visually spectacular and physically gripping, this film had me literally convulsing as I attempted to watch what was onscreen. Mel Gibson’s The Passion of the Christ, starring Jim Caviezel, is a retelling of the last hours of Jesus Christ. Believe me when I say that this production is more than a story, more than a movie; this film can only be described as an experience.
By Adam Schellenberg
Join us for our second Dinner and a Movie event. This time around Grandma’s Pancake House will be preparing some great “diner food” for your dining pleasure. Everyone attending is encouraged to come dressed in their 50′s attire. Pull out those leather jackets and poodle skirts. Don’t forget to “Grease” your hair back. Singing along with all of these great songs during the movie is encouraged.
Our first event sold out quickly. The success of the first event and the many inquiries about this movie have prompted us to add additonal table seating. There will be 80 seats available. There are 6 tables of 8 on the Cabaret and 4 more tables of 8 on the stage. Unique seating to say the least. If these seats sell out you can still dine before the movie but it will be in the theatre seats. You are encouraged to buy your tickets early. Get your friends together and plan on coming out for a great evening of fun. If you wish to reserve a table of 8 you need to leave your name with the ticket vendor when you purchase your tickets. All 8 tickets for a table must be purchased at the same time. Menu Hamburgers with all the fixin’s
Hot Dogs
Chips
Cole Slaw
Sundae Bar
Cocktails 6:30
Dinner 7:00
Movie 8:15
Dinner and Movie ticket-$20 Movie only ticket-$10
All tickets include a FREE box of popcorn and soda.
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