Dish Giveaway Nights at the Movies

Early Stories of the Crandell Theatre Few people today may remember a time when the Crandell offered more than free popcorn to its members. But Chatham native Mace Sawyer heard all the stories – and still has the sets of dinnerware her grandparents, Edith and George Rochester, received in the 1930s and 40s. “I remember my grandmother saying they got the dishes by going to the movies,” she says. She’s donating them to the Crandell for posterity. Mace and her late husband, Dwight, who owned Chatham Auto Body Repair for years (now owned by their son) always collected objects “that came from Chatham’s history. I’m giving these dishes back so everyone can see them. Otherwise they will be in a cabinet, where no one can. I want to keep the memories of Chatham alive.” Chathamite Dale Shannon recalls that Tony…

more…

From Vacant Lot to a Modern Movie House

Early Stories of the Crandell Theatre “Walter S. Crandell, of New York and Chatham, says that while it is not an absolute certainty he will erect a theater, store, and office building on the vacant lots on the property known as the Crandell homestead on Main Street, it is his intention to do so if possible.” So reported the Chatham Courier on March 19, 1925, the first official mention of the Crandell Theatre to come. The vacant lot was once the home of Crandell’s grandfather Solomon, one of Chatham’s earliest settlers who built the village’s first general store. Silent “photoplays” had been screening in Chatham since 1907. Cady’s Hall, the long brick building on Main Street that now houses Bimi’s and Pookstyle, showed these early moving picture shorts on emerging projectors. Beginning as an opera house and alternately known as…

more…

The Crandell and FilmColumbia: The Renowned Festival’s Backstory

by Peter Biskind A behind-the-scenes look at what has made The Crandell’s FilmColumbia Festival, approaching its 25th anniversary this fall, the toast of the town. Speaking for the Crandell board, I’m happy to assure Chatham’s movie lovers that the renovation slash restoration of the theater is proceeding on schedule, and will be finished in plenty of time for the theater’s 100th anniversary next year. Running a single-screen theater at a time when even the multiplexes are struggling to stay alive is no small thing, but with the help of our loyal audience, we’ve managed to scrape by, furnishing Chathamites with a regular diet of studio and indie hits, despite the fact that the big studios often demand that we run their films for two or three weeks, which is fatal to our box office. We’re particularly proud of our annual…

more…

Live from The Berlinale: Films in Consideration for FilmColumbia25

by Larry Kardish The Berlin International Film Festival, known as the Berlinale, ended on Sunday, February 23, the day Germans went to the polls. I suppose this was appropriate, as the first Berlin Film Festival, which took place in 1951 on the initiative of an American serviceman in Berlin, a city then in ruins and divided into four districts each administered by an Allied occupying force, was established to “showcase” the culture of the “free world.” In short, the Festival began as a political gesture aimed at the civilian population of Berlin, and for the next seventy-four years, through the creation of West Germany and East Germany, and the building and the dismantling of the Berlin Wall, it has remained, more than less, an artistic event inflected by politics. This year, the 75th edition of the Berlinale, now under the…

more…

John T. Lillis Elected President of Crandell Theatre, Inc.

(Chatham, NY — February 20, 2025) — The Crandell Theatre is pleased to announce the election of John T. Lillis (above) as President of Crandell Theatre, Inc. The board has also elected Ghent resident Amy Barr as a Director of the Crandell Theatre. “It is my honor to be given the opportunity to participate in leading the Crandell Theatre forward at this exciting moment in its history,” said Lillis. “The renovation project for the theater, which is nearing its 100th birthday, is proceeding on schedule for a Fall 2025 reopening. Plans are in process to expand the film and non-film programming to provide the community with important entertainment and educational experiences.” Reflecting on the past work of former president Lydia Kukoff, Lillis added, “I am grateful for the many years of strong Crandell leadership by my predecessor, Lydia Kukoff. Her…

more…

The Berkshire Edge: Crandell Theatre Presents FilmColumbia 2024

October 11, 2024, Chatham, N.Y.— From Friday, October 18th to Sunday, October 27th, the Crandell Theatre presents FilmColumbia 2024. FilmColumbia is celebrating its 24th year with the year’s best upcoming American, international, and animated features, documentaries, and shorts. This year’s lineup includes a treasure trove of new films, breakouts, new and seasoned talent, and stellar standouts from the festival circuit that have not yet opened commercially, featuring 50+ exceptional new films and shorts you won’t see in wide release until later this fall and winter. Walton Goggins. Courtesy Crandell Theatre. The annual Kick-Off Party at the home of Crandell benefactor Jack Shear, to be held this year on Sunday, October 20th, will honor Emmy-nominated actor and area resident Walton Goggins, with appetizers and full buffet by Bimi’s Canteen. Tickets are available online. The festival is Friday, October 18th to Sunday, October 27th at the Crandell…

more…

Chronogram: FilmColumbia Is Back For Its 24th Season at the Crandell Theatre in Chatham

By Remy Commisso Known for his action-packed films and morally gray characters, Walton Goggins is a dynamic actor whose supporting roles have earned him Emmy nominations in “Fallout” and “Justified.” With his new movie, The Uninvited, Goggins takes a break from playing compelling anti-heroes as the lead in Nadia Conner’s dramedy. Goggins, who moved to Columbia County during the pandemic, is this year’s honoree at FilmColumbia. At the 24th FilmColumbia, from October 18-27, over 50 pre-release films will be shown at Chatham’s Crandell Theatre. The programming has a wide range of insightful international films as well as domestic. All We Imagine As Light is an Indian film directed by Payal Kapadia about two hospital nurses in Mumbai navigating their love life, one who has a distant husband and the other in a taboo interfaith relationship. Read the Full Article in CHRONOGRAM’s October issue online…

more…

Hudson Valley Magazine: 8 Fabulous Fall Day Trips to Take in the Hudson Valley

By Francesca Furey The best time to be in the Hudson Valley is now! And whether you’re a foodie looking for you next great meal, a family craving adventure, a fall foliage lover, or an art connoisseur—these eight day trips will create unforgettable autumn memories. Arts, Culture & History Northern Columbia County Don’t Miss: A theatrical or musical event at PS21: Center for Contemporary Performance in Chatham. Also, FilmColumbia is showing flicks, advance screenings, and filmmaker-led panels at the historic Crandell Theatre from October 18–27.   Read the article in HUDSON VALLEY MAGAZINE’s October issue online

more…

Chronogram: 6 Films & Movie Events to Catch in October at Hudson Valley Indie Theaters

By Mike Burdge The Halloween season has officially begun, filled with pumpkin carving, pumpkin pies, and, of course, movies with pumpkins in them! No holiday is more associated with movie watching than the spooky season, with new releases in theaters and old favorites being screened for lovers and newcomers alike. The month of October also brings with it a small wave of indie releases from earlier film festivals that have acquired the proper buzz, allowing them limited and wide releases to spread evenly throughout autumn into the winter awards season. Whether it’s a spooky good time or a comfy night out at the movies, there’s no shortage of options. Here are six movie screenings to keep on your radar throughout the month of October at Hudson Valley indie theaters. The Rocky Horror Picture Show There are few films as rewatchable as…

more…