An All-Philly Movie Event

When it closed in May 2002, the Sam Eric theater (once known as the Boyd) - on Chestnut Street between 19th and 20th - was a pretty scummy place, just a crumbling shadow of its former self. Nevertheless, the citizens of Philly saw not only history but also potential for the future in its old frame, and saved it from demolition. Now the Friends of the Boyd are looking to renovate the place, and what better way to raise funds to resurrect an old Philly movie palace than to hold a screening of a great Philly movie?

So...that's what they're doing! You can join entertainers Chumley & Carlotta in checking out the brutal, sordid, and fantastically cynical Brian De Palma 1981 masterpiece, Blow Out, at the International House this Friday, and the proceeds from your ticket will go to bringing back the Boyd. Blow Out is sort of a reimagining of Michelangelo Antonioni's 1966 Blow-Up, except this time the dangerous political conspiracy is discovered randomly by a B-movie sound man instead of by a photographer. Plus, Blow Out has John Travolta (as the sound man), Nancy Allen, John Lithgow, and Dennis Franz, and it's set in Philadelphia, prominently featuring many familiar landmarks and local celebrities.

If you purchase a $15 Fan ticket to the screening, the fun doesn't stop at the movie; there's also an after-party featuring Yards Beer and other refreshments, with a movie-appropriate '80s soundtrack spun by Chatty Cathy. But if you shell out $50 for the VIP ticket, you can show up before the movie and hob nob with those local celebrities who were in the movie, including Channel 6 Action News' Dave Roberts, actor Tom McCarthy and FM radio personality Michael Tearson. Plus you'll get a buffet dinner with wine, and premium seating. And there's even another, higher level ticket: the Producer, at $100, will get you all that stuff we already mentioned, "plus photo with Chumley & Carlotta, Set of 6 Boyd photo note cards, and Acknowledgment in the Film Program."

Not only is this a really cool event, folks, your attendance will be helping to bring back a fantastic Philadelphia landmark. What could be better? Buy your tickets ahead of time on PayPal, or pick them up at the box office of the International House any time from 5:30PM Friday until the start of the show.

Friends of the Boyd present Blow Out
Friday, 5/12, 7:30PM
International House (3701 Chestnut)
Fan ticket: $15
VIP ticket: $50
Producer ticket: $100

Image Credit: Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, via Friends of the Boyd