110833841
To the Editor:
One of the best kept secrets, it seems, in the heart of East Passyunk Crossing is the weekly invitation to attend free Italian cinema at the headquarters of the Sicilian Association of Philadelphia at 1614 E. Passyunk Ave. The initials on the awning, A.R.S., stand for Associazione Regionale Siciliana, but one does not have to be Sicilian or join the club to take part in this treat. It is open to the public.
The movies, which last about two-and-a-half hours, have English subtitles (some of which may or may not match exactly what is being said). They are all filmed either in Sicily or the mainland and tell stories that pertain sometimes to historic events or customs .
The first film, “The Escort,” which launched the series on Jan. 28, was introduced by attorney and Daily News columnist Christine Flowers, and tells a fictional story based on a real case where police had to guard, with their lives, judges who were being hunted by the Mafia. The audience did not number more than 15 people.
In the second week’s offering, the story pit two brothers against each other during the Vietnam War era. One is communist and the other fascist. It is outstretched arm versus clenched fist. Lots of fighting and kissing, yelling and screaming, which one brother, ahem, tries to drown out with a radio. Smaller audience this time.
The third movie featured a wannabe farmer whose life ambition is to own one of those magnificent and famous blood orange farms in Sicily, where the fruit is so valuable it can be used as currency. Stealing blood oranges, as he often does, could result in a bloody nose or a stay in jail. How he achieves his dream is the gist of the story.
The audience was even smaller.
These immensely entertaining movies are presented 6 p.m Wednesdays and repeated on Sunday at 3:30 p.m. for a total of 10 weeks. There is no charge for admission.
Please consider this an invitation.
Gloria C. Endres
South Philadelphia
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