7 for chat • 8 for dinner • 9 for film
Our summer backyard film series is dedicated to happiness. This sometimes means a happy ending, as in Enchanted April‘s improbable comic resolution; but it can also mean the sense of bouyancy that sometimes comes from a well written script, good actors, and sensible editing, as in Quartet. This is a series to which we hope the Dali Lama might want to attend, and if so we are ready with prayer rugs.
The procedure is the same. The season starts when evenings are sufficiently warm to support an outdoor audience. We aim for Friday as first choice, but weather unpredictability means that another day might be better.
The Main Rule: NO RSVPs. If you can or can’t come, please don’t call to tell us about it. We will be busy with preparations.
If you wish to come, bring a “covered dish” (salad, hors-d’oeuvre, or dessert) appropriate to what you might serve 2-4 people, bigger if you are bringing a companion or companions. Come at 7 for conversation, dinner begins at 8. You can skip dinner entirely and come at 9, when it’s dark enough to start the film (which is back-projected toward the west). Generally there are enough chairs but you might pack a portable folding chair “just in case.” If the weather is still chilly, bring an extra wrap or shawl. If you have a special drink preference, or if you wish to supplement our supply, bring a bottle of wine or some beer. We make a large pasta dish, almost always vegetarian, for group consumption.
When you come in, be ready to arrange your hors-d’oeuvre or supplemental dish on the table; don’t count on storage space in the refrigerator. If you have a dessert, there is a table to the side of the main area. Covers and serving utensils are appreciated, although we have a collection. Make sure to take plates and utensils home with you when you leave. After the film we encourage standing around the fire dish and talking about films and other summer evening things.
Elaine sends out announcements of film nights to those on her list and will use the list to announce cancellation in case of bad weather. PARKING is usually permitted in the Lions’ Club lot next door (enter on the side of the arbor), but occasionally we are forced to park on the street (not legal but no prosecutions yet). If you drive over but see no cars by 7:15, the event has been cancelled. Tant pis!
A note about bringing children: Some children might enjoy a film, most will not. More often they need to be entertained, so we generally discourage bringing them along, but exceptions can be delightful. You be the judge.