CRANFORD, NJ — Cranford residents, and those from neighboring towns, recently gathered to see “To Sir with Love.”
Theater owner Doreen Sayegh said she’s truly thrilled to welcome the Senior Citizen Film Series back to the Cranford Theater.
“There’s something incredibly special about seeing our theater filled with members of our community coming together to enjoy film and meaningful conversation,” said Sayegh. “This program reflects exactly what we strive for – creating experiences that are engaging, accessible and rooted in connection. We are especially grateful to the Union County Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs, a partner of the NJ State Council on the Arts, for their support, as their funding makes it possible for us to continue offering this enriching series to our senior community.”
Introducing the movie to the audience, Sayegh said, “I can’t tell you how happy I am to be back watching movies on the big screen, where they belong!”
Downtown Cranford Director Caren Demyen said there was a couple in the audience who saw “To Sir with Love” on their first date. They are now married 53 years.
Michael Strening, of Union, said he first saw “To Sir with Love” in 1967, when he was in the Army. “It was terrific,” he said.
Bob Tevis, of Cranford, pointed out that, in addition to Lulu, The Mindbenders also provided music in the film.
Deidre Bergin, of Woodbridge, said, “I was born in ’66. I like anything in the 1960s.”
Her sister, Colleen Coleman, of Cranford, said she liked the movie because of Sidney Poitier.
She said, “I just love the feel of it. It was a little gritty but, in the end, they have something to be hopeful for.”
Amelia Kardos, of Cranford, raved about the movie – and the remodeled theater. It was her first time back since they remodeled. “The theater is beautiful,” she said.
Michele Zahka, of Westfield, liked the music, and Poitier. “Sidney is so hot,” she said. “I love the idea of older movies being shown. It was a revolutionary film.”
The 1967 British drama dealt with social and racial issues in a secondary school in the East End of London. The film starred Sidney Poitier and featured singer Lulu making her film debut. James Clavell directed from his own screenplay, which was based on E.R. Braithwaite’s 1959 autobiographical novel of the same name. The film was a box office hit, earning $42.4 million. The title song, “To Sir with Love,” sung by Lulu, peaked at the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart for five weeks in the autumn of 1967 and ultimately was the best-selling single in the United States that year.
Poitier’s portrayal of Mark Thackeray, a charismatic schoolteacher to troubled youth, resulted in him becoming the first Black actor to win a Golden Globe Award.
Visit The Cranford Theater at: https://www.cranfordtheater.com/.
Photos by Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta
