Especially if the films are not available on DVD through the commercial market or the "grey" market. While our event is not a film festival per say, the selection of films makes our event qualified as a film festival. MG: We pride ourselves on screening rare films that you won't see anywhere else. Which ones were the hardest to track down? Of course, a sponsor for MANC can also wave our decision in a specific direction.Ĭafé :Your screening schedule includes a plethora of hard-to-see movies (e.g., four Danny Kaye shorts, the Ritz Brothers' Straight, Place and Show) and TV series' episodes (e.g., Casablanca, the Playhouse 90 teleplay of The Days of Wine and Roses). But the decision is based on educated and practical reasons. The age and health condition of the celebrity is another factor. If they are celebrities requested by frequent attendees, we also take that into consideration. If they win over the attendees, we take them into consideration. If they develop bad reputations among attendees at those shows, we look in another direction. Celebrities who attend other events are scrutinized. The rising cost of airfare has not been helping. We have a working budget but we have to be careful not to go into the red. Draw appeal and popularity is one factor. ![]() MG: There are multiple factors that we take into consideration when determining which celebrities attend MANC. And that is a good thing.Ĭafé :Some of our favorite stars will be at this year's MANC. People keep referring to our show as a throwback to the way conventions used to be. This turned out to be a recipe for success because the crowd has consistently grown about 200 to 300 people in attendance every year. So friends of mine and I put together MANC, applying the best of what we observed at other events. ![]() After seeing the handwriting on the wall at a few of these events, I felt it was more important to help carry on the tradition with the best of ideas. Martin Grams: As an attendee and vendor at more than 26 conventions a year, I observed over time what I thought was the best and worst of ideas. Martin Grams, the event coordinator for MANC, was nice enough to talk with us about this month's MANC.Ĭafé :What inspired the very first MANC back in 2006? A highlight of the three-day event is a celebrity auction with all proceeds going to St. However, MANC also features seminars, panel interviews, a banquet, and special screenings of rarely-seen movies and TV series. Like other fan conventions, attendees can get autographed photos from the stars (usually for a price) and buy memorabilia from vendors. This year's impressive line-up of celebrity guests includes: Connie Stevens, Piper Laurie, Angela Cartwright, Veronica Cartwright, George Lazenby, and Lana Wood. Now in its ninth year, the MANC attracts thousands of fans of classic films, television, and radio. Check out the web-site for schedule of events and photos.The Mid-Atlantic Nostalgia Convention-or MANC as its fans call it-will be held September 18-20 in Hunt Valley, Maryland. ![]() Old-Time Radio drama "live" on stage Friday afternoon. If you have a vintage automobile, bring it with you!Ĭharity auction Friday afternoon. Movie stars sign autographs and pose for photos 10 to 5 Thursday and Friday, 10 to 4 Saturdayīuffet Dinner Banquet with stage performances Saturday evening 6:30, tickets are limited.ĭrive-In Movie Theater Friday night (Thursday evening is the rain date). Vendor room 9 to 5 Thursday and Friday and 9 to 4 Saturday Johnny Whitaker (Family Affair and Tom Sawyer)ĭiane Sowle (Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory) Carpenter on McHale's Navy, The Munsters) Patty McCormack (The Bad Seed, The Sopranos, Frost/Nixon)īob Hastings (Lt. Coltrane on Dukes of Hazzard)Ĭeleste Holm (Academy Award Winning Actress) ![]() Lee Meriwether (Catwoman on Batman, Time Tunnel, Barnaby Jones) Three-day event with movie stars signing autographs and posing for photos with fans, vendor room selling antiques and nostalgia collectibles, seminars, 24 hour movie room screening vintage films, and a drive-in outside the hotel Friday night (Thursday night raindate). Remember The Lone Ranger? Sky King? Howdy Doody?
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |