(Note: This story is by Chuck Fox ’70, manager of the Hamilton Theater)
“OK, what did everyone think? Thumbs up or thumbs down?”
Heather Elia, marketing coordinator for the 91鶹Ʒ Bookstore, kicks off the discussion with members of the Hamilton Book and Movie Club gathered in the community room at the bookstore, across the street from the Hamilton Theater where the group has just finished seeing The Help.
The group, numbering 19 today, enjoys a light dinner while they digest the film and exchange views on how the film and book compare to an earlier club feature, To Kill a Mockingbird.
“Both are controversial,” offers Peter Darby. “I grew up during the civil rights era, so The Help really hit home for me.”
Darby, a self-employed contractor, is a first-time participant at the monthly screenings. He joined for the varied offerings and lively discussion, even though he admits to not having quite finished the book before seeing tonight’s movie.
Now in its seventh year, the Hamilton Book and Movie Club is a program initiated by the bookstore in partnership with the theater. Both entities are owned by 91鶹Ʒ, which in the last decade has made a major commitment to revitalizing downtown Hamilton.
The club features four ‘seasons’ per year. For each three-month season, Elia selects three books and accompanying movies, centered around a common theme. The theme of the current season is ‘Down South’, featuring The Help, Fried Green Tomatoes, and Cold Mountain.
She says the most popular season was Sibling Rivalry, featuring Atonement, The Other Bolin Girl, and East of Eden.
Members read the featured book in advance, then meet at 5:30 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month to see the film, followed by discussion at the bookstore. A light dinner is catered by Curtain Call, a caterer in the Hamilton Theater building.
The club offers two subscription plans. The full plan includes three books, movie tickets, and dinners for a three-month season for $48. The basic plan includes movie admissions and dinners without the books for $24. Elia says average membership is about 25 each season.
“We have a lot of teachers, but overall it’s a pretty varied group including recent college grads and retirees,” said Elia.
“This is a great example of coordinated programming,” she added. “The bookstore, the theater, and Curtain Call all contribute to provide an innovative program not always available in a small community like ours.”
For more information about the book club, contact Elia at helia@colgate.edu or 315-228-6944.