Fine Films of Pawling

Nothing is more optimistic than diamonds in sunlight*, darling, unless you’re looking at Paul Newman’s beautiful blue eyes at Fine Films of Pawling’s 50 year tribute to his career. Joy like this can be achieved merely by attendance at  the Pawling Recreation Center each Monday evening, for any variety of month-long movie themes.

Fine Films of Pawling began in 1994 in essentially a basement, an attempt to recoup the cost of a big screen TV. A suggested contribution of $2 bought you a day-old McKinney and Doyle (which, if you’re in the know, is better than a fresh any other pastry), a bowl of popcorn and a folding chair.

Priceless, was the presentation by Forbes Linkhorn. I believe Forbes would scale a mountain on New Year’s Day to acquire one of his Fine Films. A “fine film” can be obscure or mainstream, classic or postmodern. Its inception is only necessary to the chosen monthly theme, such as the recent Paul Newman Tribute.

The folding chair scenario has evolved into a cozy room lined in sofas. Discussion amounts to a small scale film school class for attendees. I’ve personally acquired vast base knowledge of great films ranging from Harold and Maude to Eat Drink Man Woman, to classic black and whites from the twenties.

The humble film club is not so much Rec Hall basement as gold mine to film enthusiasts, because with luck you will share the audience with Pawling residents related to film stars as well as McCarthy-era blackballed writers. Stay after for the discussion and receive firsthand accounts, because this stealth historical presence is Pawling.  Rub the coal and see the diamond. According to Harold and Maude–you’ll always have great stories to tell in the locker room.

*quoted, source unknown.