Summer’s Highlight – Capitolfest 19

Finding time to blog has been difficult lately but I could not skip posting something on the nineteenth Capitolfest taking place in Rome, New York next week.

I celebrate this fantastic festival, which is a film fan’s dream, because everyone who loves movies should attend. For three entire days you can step back in time, bask in the movies and forget about the troubles of the world. Capitolfest features most films in 35mm, includes several extremely rare talking films, as well as some equally rare silent accompanied by premiere talents on the Capitol’s stunning 1928 original Möller theater organ. The entire experience, which will take place from August 12 through the 14, is exceptional.

Each Capitolfest designates a featured star. This year it is Robert Armstrong best known for his role in Merian C. Cooper & Ernest B. Schoedsack’s King Kong (1933), the only feature scheduled at this year’s Capitolfest that I have seen with the exception of Arthur Greville Collins’ Nobody’s Fool (1936) and a couple of short subjects. Attendees at this festival, most hardcore classic movie fans, marvel at what the Capitolfest staff manages to screen. It is a step back in time to watch movies as they were originally seen. The entire three-day event is done with extraordinary care and dedication. Add to that, Capitolfest is one of, if not the, most affordable classic movie weekends you can find.

Upon reviewing this year’s Capitolfest schedule, it looks like the following films are right up my alley.

Ex-Bad Boy (1931), directed by Vin Moore with Robert Armstrong and Jean Arthur.

Seed (1931), directed by John Stahl with John Boles, Lois Wilson, Genevieve Tobin, Bette Davis, Raymond Hackett, and ZaSu Pitts

Celebrity (1928), directed by Tay Garnett with Lina Basquette, Robert Armstrong, Clyde Cook, and Dot Farley

Glamour (1934), directed by William Wyler with Constance Cummings and Paul Lukas

Moonlight and Pretzels (1933), directed by Karl Freund with Leo Carrillo, Mary Brian and a host of others in what promises to be an enjoyable musical

I Love That Man (1933), directed by Harry Joe Brown with Edmund Lowe, Nancy Carroll, and Robert Armstrong

I should add that although I always have a few I believe I will like going in, I have never left Capitolfest without new favorites, movies I had never even heard of in some cases. I expect this year will be no different.

There is still time for you to purchase Capitolfest tickets and make plans to visit Rome. You will get to know other like-minded movie fans in a laid-back, supremely enjoyable environment.

Oh, and did I mention to Capitol Theatre? It is a movie palace from days gone by. The 1,788-seat 1928 palace has been meticulously restored to its old glory with year-specific décor. It is glorious. You can even visit the upper part of the theatre and see seats with hat holders. Anyway, I hope to see you in Rome.

For updates during Capitolfest, follow me on social media @CitizenScreen on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. You can also search Capitolfest on this blog for reactions to previous year’s festivals. I have never been disappointed. Capitolfest has become the highlight of my summer.