A line formed early when the "doors" opened Wednesday, May 28th for the screening of Princess Bride at the first "Movies on the Plaza" of the season. The Central West End Association (one of the sponsors), represented by staff member Tom Topping, left, board member Dixie Buford, middle, and president Amy Mittelstadt, right, volunteered to help at the check-in table, while Frances Thompson, the organizer of the event, coordinated set-up details with the production crew.
If you didn't realize that the 1987 movie Princess Bride is a cult favorite, ask around. I overheard a father say to his daughter as they walked up to get a trivia contest sheet, shown below, "Yes, but you've seen this a hundred times and you're only 10!"
Sponsors donated fabulous prizes to winners of the trivia contest. AG Jeans provided a $150 gift certificate to the first place winner, and Stella Artois, which gives a beer to any attendee over age 21, contributed beer glasses and bottles of the beer to another winner. Two lucky attendees found $50 AG gift certificates in goody bags that were handed out to moviegoers.
Looking down on the action from Mandarin Lounge.
Before the start of the movie, Frances Thompson, above, reviewed answers to the trivia contest and announced the winners.
Sponsors include Bissinger's chocolates.
While the movie was rolling some in the audience recited actors' lines out loud, that's how popular Princess Bride is.
Equally popular is Bridget Jones's Diary scheduled for this Wednesday – same time (7ish), same place (Maryland Place Fountain), and same pre-show activities (trivia contest, beer and popcorn). The movie begins at dusk. It's free and it's magical.
Personally, I cannot wait for A Fish Called Wanda this year and will be there with bells on yelling my fav lines with a partner in crime (one who taught me to appreciate a British/American rivalry before I married a Brit). Wicked good choices this year Frances!