PORT HENRY, N.Y. --- Long before movies were ever produced in Hollywood, Calif., they were made in the Adirondacks. During the Silent Film era of the early-1900s, films including The Perils of Pauline and Uncle Tom’s Cabin were shot in the region as producers were looking to the Adirondacks as a replacement to the Yukon and Europe. As long as the shots were tight, so that no one could notice Vermont to the east, Lake Champlain was even used once or twice as a replacement to the Atlantic Ocean.
The Moriah Historical Society will celebrate the region’s film history during its first-ever Moriah Film Festival, Friday and Saturday, June 5 and 6. This educational, historical and entertaining two-day event is being presented in cooperation with the Arts Council for the Northern Adirondacks, the Adirondack History Center, the Moriah Chamber of Commerce and Moriah Central School.
“The Festival aims to educate residents and visitors about local film history, and to celebrate by presenting some on of some of the films that were produced in the Village of Port Henry in the early 1900’s at the Arctic City set, dubbed the ‘Hollywood of the Adirondacks,’” said Barbara Brassard, Event Coordinator Moriah Silent Film Festival Committee. “By the 1920s, Port Henry was a major player in the motion picture industry and I think that this has been forgotten. It’s a great opportunity to make people aware of the role this community and region played in that exciting time of film.”
The event begins at 7 p.m. on Friday, June 5, with Premier Night, featuring Once Upon an Opera House, a silent film created this spring by the Moriah Central School eighth-grade class. The evening will also include a showing of a chapter from the 1941 Captain Marvel movies, the forerunner to the Indiana Jones films. Following the films, attendees will have an opportunity to meet the stars of Once Upon an Opera House!
On Saturday, June 6, from 2 - 5p.m., Festival showings will include serial episodes of The Perils of Pauline, and more! In addition, there will be a panel of experts on hand to discuss Arctic City film history and silent films.
Festival events will all be held at, and courtesy of Cheney’s Church Street Restaurant second floor event hall, at 6 Church Street in Port Henry.
Friday night “Dinner and a Movie” specials are being offered by several local eateries, including Boyea’s Grocery and Deli, Grover Hills Deli and Cheney’s Church Street Restaurant. Event tickets will be available at these locations for the dinner specials, and at the door on site for the event. Ticket prices are: $4 Adult/$2 students for Friday’s Premier Night, and $2 donation for Saturday’s events.
For more information visit the website, or contact event coordinator Barb Brassard at barb_12960@yahoo.com or 518.546.8607.
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