Arts & Entertainment

The Rialto: A Fading Treasure (VIDEO)

A documentary by student filmmaker Miranda Gontz.

While other students were creating documentaries about powder puff football, Miranda Gontz decided to explore the status of the for her multi-media class at the high school.  

"What's happening to the theatre? Why are there no more movies showing on the marquee?" she wondered as she drove by the iconic building.

Yet what began as a homework assignment her sophomore year, has now become an ongoing project inspiring many in the community. Gontz says "The Rialto: A Fading Treasure" has gone through many edits; the most recent was shown Sunday night at . 

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Gontz' passion for old movies stems from her parents, she says. 

"I became obsessed with back and white and also what the movie industry was like in the early 1900s, because it's was so different than what it is today," she explained to the crowd. 

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"Half way through making the documentary, my dad and I were looking online to see what else we could find on the Rialto. We went on EBay and found a bunch of playbills and tickets on sale for 35 bucks from 1928 to 1931."

"That is amazing and surprisingly cheap. If someone in the audience was the previous owner, I love you forever!" she gushed to the audience.

To view the documentary, click on the video to your right. [Editor's Note: We originally posted an older cut of the film. Currently attached to your right is the newest version.]

Check back with Patch for more on what was discussed at the Sunday night. 


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