Photo by Gene Sturlin, courtesy of the WYO Theater
The Classic Western Film Series is in full swing at the WYO Theater. Board of Directors Chair Gene Sturlin said he was both surprised and felt blessed to see so many parents attend the debut film, The Apple Dumpling Gang, with their children.
While appearing on Sheridan Meida’s Public Pulse, Sturlin told listeners that the attendance of families with children at the opening film, has inspired him and WYO Theater Executive Director Erin Butler to consider a new tradition for the annual Classic Western Film Series.
G. Sturlin
To ensure the safety of audience members, the WYO Theater has adapted seating arrangements to meet social distance requirements, limiting the amount of tickets sold for each film.
For 10 years the WYO Theater has featured the Classic Western Film Series. Each film will feature a guest host, prize giveaways and free popcorn.
The film series was started in 2010 by board chair, Gene Sturlin while he was a board member. Each film is now introduced by Sturlin and a guest host who touches on highlights, lowlights and funny anecdotes from the film.
This year’s lineup includes The Apple Dumpling Gang, Disney’s version of a Western comedy, starring Don Knotts and Tim Conway on Jan. 10. A coming-of-age Western, The Culpepper Cattle Co. with Gary Grimes and Bo Hopkins will be shown on Jan. 17. Hondo, starring John Wayne, Geraldine Page and Ward Bond will be featured on Jan. 24. The final film, Canadian Pacific, this years’ rousing locomotor with Randolph Scott and Jane Wyatt, will be shown on Jan. 31. All films are at 2 p.m., Sundays in January.