Gage County Classic Film Institute is organization under the umbrella of the Gage County Historical Society, which runs the Gage County Museum. Community Players and the Beatrice Library are partners. Recent events have been funded by grants from the Havelone Foundation and Gage County Foundation.
- Dedicated to educating the public about Gage County, Nebraska’s connections to movies, TV and stage.
- Holds yearly events related to one or more Gage County celebrities.
- Brings in speakers who discuss these celebrities’ local ties.
- Hosts question and answer sessions.
- Has relevant books available for sale at Gage County Museum.
Follow us on Facebook @GageCountyFilm
APRIL 8-10, 2022 FILM EVENT:
John P. Fulton featuring his special effects in Alfred Hitchcock films
Gage County Historical Society's Gage County Classic Film Institute will celebrate the career of Beatrice-born special effects artist John P. Fulton, screening four Alfred Hitchcock films with Fulton’s special effects. John P. Fulton was born on Nov. 4, 1902 in Beatrice. He earned three Oscars for his special effects on “The Ten Commandments,” “Wonder Man,” and “The Bridges at Toko-Ri.” His father, Fitch Fulton (also born in Beatrice), won an Oscar for his special effects work on "Mighty Joe Young." The 2022 film event will present information about both Fultons, but emphasize John P. Fulton’s work on Alfred Hitchcock films.
Event flyer with schedule and ticket/donor form (PDF)
Order tickets online at https://secure.qgiv.com/for/jpffe/event/843204
Special Guests:
Members of John P. Fulton's family
- Daughter Joanne Fulton Schaefer
- Great-grandson Nico Fulton Lavachek
Current Schedule:
FRIDAY, APRIL 8
Gage County Museum, 101 N. 2nd Street • Free
10am–4pm: Opportunity to see Fulton special exhibit (museum regular hours)
Centenary United Methodist Church, 608 Elk Street. Free.
6pm: Reception and meet & greet members of John Fulton’s family
Screening: “Trouble With Harry” (1955)
SATURDAY, APRIL 9
Beatrice Community Players Theatre, 412 Ella St. and Zoom. Ticket required for ages 13 & up.
8:30am: Joanne Fulton Schaefer will speak about John P. Fulton’s life and use of miniatures in his special effects
Screening: “Saboteur” (1942)
Valentino’s Primavera Room, 701 E. Court Street • Lunch is on your own
12pm: Option for Italian buffet. The guests and speakers will do Q & A moderated by Omaha film historian Bruce Crawford
Beatrice Community Players Theatre, 412 Ella Street • Ticket required for ages 13 & up.
1:30pm: Nico Fulton Lavachek (via Zoom) will discuss John P. Fulton’s career. Laureen Riedesel will discuss Fulton's hometown roots.
Screening: “Shadow of a Doubt” (1943) (includes a part by Beatrice-native actress Janet Shaw)
Beatrice Community Players Theatre, 412 Ella Street • Free
7pm: Screening: “Rear Window” (1954)
SUNDAY, APRIL 10
Gage County Museum, 101 N. 2nd Street • Free.
1–2pm: Opportunity to see Fulton special exhibit (museum special opening)
2pm: Car caravan driving tour of Fulton-related locations led by Laureen
Riedesel (meet at museum)
Tickets for Saturday morning and afternoon events: $20 • $15 Gage County Historical Society members • Free for 12 & under
• At the Gage County Museum (credit card, check or cash)
PAST EVENTS
- Actor Robert Taylor 100th, 105th and 110th birthday celebrations featured authors Charles Tranberg and Linda Alexander (110th also featured author Gillian Kelly, as well as Robert Taylor’s son Terry Taylor) (105th was combined with actress Janet Shaw) (100th also featured Robert Taylor’s children Terry Taylor and Tessa Taylor)
- Special effects artist John P. Fulton — featured guests: daughter Joanne Fulton Schaefer and niece Jill McClure
- Robert Taylor in “Quo Vadis”
- Gene Coon (writer and producer for “Star Trek”) — featured guest: writer David Gerrold
- Silent movie mega-star Harold Lloyd — featured guests: author Scott Eyman and silent film accompanist Ben Model
- Spotlight on Maude & Richard Wayne (1920’s sibling silent movie stars) Josephine Huston (1930’s movie and Broadway star) — featured guest: silent film accompanist and historian Ben Model
COMMITTEE MEMBERS
- Gail Butler (former Gage County Historical Society board member)
- Sheila Day (Gage County Historical Society board member)
- Cassandra Dean (Gage County Museum Administrator)
- Vicki Jedlicka (Graphic designer)
- Renee Jones (Gage County Historical Society board member)
- Jeanelle S. Kleveland (Local film historian)
- Chris Moran (former Gage County Historical Society board member)
- Laureen Riedesel (Retired Beatrice Public Library director)
- Joanne Neeman (Beatrice Public Library director)
- Jamie Ulmer (Community Players managing artistic director)
For more information, or to become a “supporting cast” donor, contact Sheila Day at 402-540-2579 or gagecountyfilm@yahoo.com.
