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Other
Clyde Memories Contest entries
None of
this material can be used in whole or in part without permission from the
authors and The Clyde Theatre.
“I have been a “regular” at The Clyde for 30 years,
since I first moved to the island in 1974. Going to the movies has always
been an important part of my life. I grew up in New York City—where everyone goes to the
movies.
When my grandson Aaron Racicot and I went
together—before he could drive, of course—we always agreed that he would sit
in the front “with the guys”, while I sat in the back. When he graduated from
high school and was ready to move to the dorms at the U, I gave him a
painting I had done, just for him, to remind him of the good times at The
Clyde.
Years later, one night I stood up to look at the
rest of the audience to see what friends were there. I said, “Can’t believe
there’s no one here I know.” The man in the row behind me stood up, offered
his hand, and said, “Hello, my name is John Jones, and this is my wife Mary.
Now you know someone.”
I still miss knowing all the
people in the audience, but I also find going to The Clyde is still an
important part of my life. Thanks for your great film selection, and for
bringing back “the winners.” Remember Strictly Ballroom? We were all
dancing as we left.”—Audrey Bishop
***
Giraffe
Project founder Ann Medlock submitted a commentary about The Clyde that aired
on KPLU in 1993:
“There’s
been a lot of press lately about the Information Highway, about how we’re
all going to be able to summon the world onto home computer screens—you’ll be
able to pull in any movie you want, any news, any book, any
work of art. You’ll be able to shop any store in the country. And never leave
your home. Wow.
Does this sound
great or lousy to you? I suspect that your opinion may be directly tied to
what your days are like. To what you actually do and see and hear and smell
and experience, day after day. If that includes a lot of depersonalized and
annoying interactions with the world at large, the idea of retreating to a
nice quiet one-on-one relationship with a home computer could be really
tempting. As a former New Yorker, I get it.
Take movies. I
used to love Manhattan’s
selection of hundreds of films, but year by year it was more and more of a
drag to be a movie buff. Getting across town on time for a showing was hard;
the theatre lines were long; the theatre staffs rude; the prices daunting—
and more and more of the good theatres were being et by megascreens
showing only “major motion pictures.” It was all too depersonalized and
annoying.
But maybe what
we need to do now is not to retreat from all this public incivility into
computerized isolation, but to stand and fight to preserve those public
institutions that make life livable. Like, I suggest that every movie lover
needs a Clyde.
The Clyde is
the only movie in the island community where I now live. It reminds me of a
theatre in my old New York
neighborhood, a theatre that closed years ago. The Clyde has one screen.
Dolby sound. Real popcorn in the lobby. Real neighbors in the seats. The
neighbors who own the place choose to show the very films I want to see. They
publish a schedule of upcoming films every quarter—everybody on the island
has it taped to the refrigerator. If I’m off-island, I will not see a picture
that I know is coming to the Clyde— because it will be so much better there.
Sometimes a
picture gets to our theatre after
the video gets to the grocery store—but people still go to see it at the Clyde.
And that says something about this information highway that’s rolling toward
our doors. Yes, we could hole up at home and watch the video on our home
screens, in our bathrobes, for a little less than a ticket to the Clyde, but we’d rather go to the Clyde. There,
it’s hi Dave, how’s the ankle, it’s knowing the out-of-control laugh in the
back is your favorite bank teller, it’s seeing that the Parsons kid is there
on her own, no longer a PG-thirteener—it’s
personal. The Clyde is a civilized institution, a
maker of community; anybody or anything that threatened the Clyde would have
to reckon with me.
It’s precious
because real life is populated with real fellow humans, walking, talking,
surprising, intriguing fellow humans. Each of us
among them. Out there in the movie houses, in libraries, in the streets, in
the flesh. We’re all mixing it up in communities and neighborhoods large and
small. It’s risky. It’s annoying. It’s unpredictable. It’s glorious.
So do I want to
hole up in my living room, become a node in an electronic pseudo-community,
absorbing impersonal, controlled, pre-packaged, binary simulations of real
experience? Not on your life. Look for me at the Clyde.”—Ann Medlock for KPLU, July 12, 1993
***
This one is a bit of a back-handed
compliment!
“My clearest and favorite memories of The Clyde are
those Friday and Saturday night shows at the time Mike’s Place restaurant was
located right next door on the opposite side of the theater from where it is
today. My husband, son, daughter, and I would strain to hear the first part
of the movie over the deafening crackle of popcorn bags and cellophane candy
wrappers. Then, about 9:00 pm, Mike’s Place employees would close for
business and fire up their exhaust fans for cleanup. As a result, those of us
sitting in The Clyde would be treated to wafts of all-you-can-eat fish and
chips odors drifting in from next door—a truly unique experience! I have
shared this story over the years with friends who visit the island, and our
kids—who are now adults—still recall with fondness and humor how different
going to the show at The Clyde was from the Southern California multiplexes
they were used to. We always looked forward to a night out at The Clyde!”—Mary Collier, CA
***
“I remember a warm July evening a couple of decades
ago, when Sean Connery and Michael Caine starred in
their film about India,
The Man Who Would Be King. It was one of those times when First Street was
quiet because of the 4th of July holiday, and there was only one
other person in the theater. Blocks of summer sun slanted under the marquee
towards the wooden entrance doors. Blake said, of course he was going
to show the picture, and we settled down for our nearly private screening.
Often, when I describe The Clyde to far-off
friends, they say, “Why, that’s just like The Last Picture Show.” And
so it is.”—Virginia Hornor
***
“You have asked Whidbey Island
folks to record their Clyde Memories
for posterity. The two that immediately pop up are 1) “my” seat, and 2) Longtime
Companion comes to The Clyde.
“A phenomenon unique to The Clyde is using the same
seat every time. Mine is one row back of the middle right-hand pillar and
three seats from the wall. Whenever I arrive too late to claim it, someone
else is in my seat!!! The impact on my evening is no less than if I
had crashed my van. Choosing a replacement requires a review of who I am.
Front row seats indicate I am very young at heart. The far back seats look
for gray in my hair. Will I be taking someone else’s favorite seat in a domino
effect? Cross conversations around me will all be different (but actually the
same) whether the last time they talked was one hour or two months ago. Going
to the movies in Oak
Harbor is culture
shock. Everyone sits at least three seats from their neighbor and talks just
to the person they came with—how strange! They don’t read books while they
wait for the movie to begin. They don’t wave from the aisle to greet friends,
family, neighbors. Kids have to sit with
their parents for “safety.” They would never dare to leave a personal item in
a seat when they were not in it.
My other memory is compliments of Reverend Leroy.
He picketed The Clyde for weeks before Longtime Companion was shown [a
movie about the effects of the AIDS crisis on a group of friends]. He
made the front page of the Record and generated many letters to the
editor regarding the impact AIDS has had on society, both straight and gay.
The opening night the ticket line reached the Star Store and headed for the
library. Jim, a hairdresser from Freeland, decided to come in drag.
The costume he chose was a 1940s style suit with a peplum jacket. When the
time came to get ready, he could only find the jacket, which fortunately was
long enough to qualify as a modern mini-skirt. That’s what he went with.
Black stockings, heels, purse, and wig completed the look. He was the envy of
every woman there. He had great legs in those high heels and
stockings. And another very memorable night was had by all.
Thank you, Clyde Theatre, for being there for us.”—Jude Biegert
***
“The Clyde is my favorite place to go for movies on this
island, even though Oak
Harbor is closer for
us. Maybe it's that popcorn that
tastes like the kind you make at home.
Maybe it's because it's a gathering place for the community and you
see so much laughter and joy expressed by kids and adults who happen to meet
up at the Clyde. Maybe it's the
prices, especially for seniors. Maybe
it's because of those movies where the proceeds go to worthy causes or the
Hearts & Hammers program is explained and promoted.
Maybe it's because of the choice of movies--the best of
the best. Maybe it's because of the intimate setting where you can laugh with
a bunch of people who really enjoy humor and get all the jokes.
It's a wonderful place to experience a movie with friends
and I thank the owners for making it an integral part of island living.”—DeDe Campbell
***
"I
had taken my two teenage children to the movie to see Anchorman. Being teenagers, they did
not sit with me, but went down front to sit with their gang of friends.
During the movie, I could distinctly hear my daughter Hayley
talking. I knew she was undoubtedly disturbing other patrons, so whispered to
the person sitting in front of me, who was one of her teachers, to pass along
a message to her to be quiet. That teacher in turn leaned forward and asked
the person in front of her to please pass it along to Hayley
Hanna to be quiet. I was sitting about halfway back, and the message went
from me all the way down to Hayley, and everyone of the people in between knew her! When the last
person gave her the message, I saw her turn around and glare up at me! But it
worked…she was quiet the remainder of the show. It may take 'a village' to
raise a child, but in our community, it sometimes takes a small theater full
of friends, as well! " --Lisa Hanna
A freshman English class at South Whidbey
High School tackled The Clyde
contest. You’ll notice a more youthful perspective in the next seven entries.
Reasons to Love The
Clyde
Waiting suspensefully while the lights flicker, then dim,
Signaling the movie
is about to begin.
Excited to see your
favorite movie has come at last,
Filled with your
favorite all-star cast.
Popcorn hits your
head, and some Skittles fly by,
And someone’s
birthday balloon floats into the sky.
Everyone sings to
you when it’s your special day.
And you even get a free popcorn, you don’t have to pay!
You could have gone
to the cinema to see the movie a month ago,
But not many people
go to The Clyde just for the show.
It’s a great place
to be social, go on a date,
Even if the movie
does come a bit late.
Even though the
movies come so slow,
It’s worth the wait
to be with all the people you know.
---Ariel Schmidtke
***
The Majestic, The
Clyde
South Whidbey is known for many things, of course,
the beautiful town of Langley,
and all-around water view. But one of our most prized possessions is The
Clyde Theatre. The Clyde has been here since, well, it seems like it’s been
here since the dawn of time, just been here since 1937.Have you known any
theater that’s older than that and still standing?
Now I don’t have a humorous or touching story that
has influenced me that I can tell you, but I can tell you what to expect at
The Clyde (in just 400 words!). The Clyde has a special “ahh”
about it. It says home when you need it to or just somewhere to relax and get
out of the house! It only has one movie screen, som
people complain about this minor detail, but I believe that is one of The
Clyde’s many qualities and what makes it unique to South
Whidbey “culture.”
Many other qualities The Clyde possesses are its
prices, and I think everyone will agree with me that general admission of
just $5 is just fine; even thougn we do get our
movies about a month overdue. Concessions are another
things that’s easy on the change pocket.
The Clyde is fun, exciting, the most “ahh”-inspiring place I’ve ever sat and watched a movie
in. If you need a place to go, The Clyde is the place. It’s cheap, and
everyone who’s been to The Clyde always has a great time. So thank you, Clyde
Theatre, for making the best of times—name withheld by request
***
The Clyde!
Two years ago at The Clyde I and a lot of other
actors and actresses performed the play A Christmas Carol! When I have
looked back I realized this was an all-over great experience for me, and
would love to do it again.
I had two different experiences at The Clyde,
backstage and in the sudience. Both of these
experiences were great, but very different. While backstage you’re bustling
about, peeking through the curtains just to see how many people have shown
up. And when you look out at the audience you can’t help but think “thnak goodness, this is not one o those huge theaters
where it could hold 300 people, I wouldn’t be able to act in front of that
many people.” So when I’m acting I’m extrememly
happy The Clyde is small. The opposing view to this is when I’m planning to
go to the movie and they sold out so I can’t get in, then I wish The Clyde
was huge!
As you can probably tell, the experiences that I have
had at The Clyde have been wonderful! (except for not getting into the
theater on account of it being full). Having been both a member of both the
cast and the audience has defined my ideas about The Clyde.—name withheld
by request
***
The Clyde Theatre
The Clyde is superb
So don’t you disturb
It’s the best place
to hang
And chill with your
gang
The Clyde provides
many treats
And lots of sweets
Drinks and popcorn
to take to your seats
You can sit in a
luxury chair
So your bum won’t
swear
There’s a balcony
with a ledge
But no worries, you
don’t have to pledge
You can sit wherever
you want
When the film starts
you feel all groovy
You know you wanted
to see this movie
Later you realize
you want some water
So you search your
pockets and all you find is a quarter
You think, darn
I couldn’t buy
anything in a barn
But oh no, no, no,
you don’t have to pay a fee
Water is free!
When the movie is
over you’re sad to leave
You know it had to
come to an end sometime
But don’t be sad
Be glad
You went to The
Clyde Theatre!
—name withheld by
request
***
Diffidence
My first date was at The Clyde
How funny is that I couldn’t even drive!
On the ride there I was nervous as nervous can be!
I was barely speaking to my chauffeur: daddy.
My dad dropped me off at the corner by Good Cheer.
I still had to walk a little bit in fear.
I lifted up my head and there He was,
Standing there talking to his buds.
His friends left and we waited in line.
I so wanted him to grab my hand!
But the sweet little gentleman He be.
He paid for a ticket for Him and me.
When we got in I picked seats in the back
I was so nervous I sat down in a snap!
We talked for a bit, Him being so confident.
Did he know I was nervous? He didn’t give a hint.
Well, the movie was good and some parts were scary
Halfway through he put his
arm around me!
When it was over we went outside
Then when the time came I left with a sigh
I was quite disappointed in the way I was
I was so shy, why? Just because!
But all in all the night was quite pleasant
Except for the fact of me being so diffident!
--name withheld by request
***
Remembering The
Clyde
$5.00 please. I hand my money to the ticket taker,
and she hands me my ticket. I smell the buttery smell of popcorn and hear everyone
talking about the movie that’s about to start. I take my seat after buying a
bag of popcorn. It wouldn’t be the same going to a movie without movie
popcorn. I start talking to my friend about the movie.
As the lights start to flicker the theater starts
to get quiet because everybody is focusing on the screen. The previews begin
talking about the new movies that will soon be coming to our little island.
This is my favorite part because I love to see what new ideas movie producers
have come up with. Some are pretty stupid and others look cool and fun to
see.
As the movie starts, nothing is going on or moving
except the people on the screen. When something funny happens the audience
starts to laugh, cry, or applaud. During the movie, when something I want to
talk about happens I turn to my side and whisper a little something to my
friend. WOW! Another great movie, just one of the many that come to The
Clyde. When the movie is over I pick up my trash and start to walk out. It
takes a little while ‘cause there are so many people all trying to get out,
not coming back until another cool movie is coming, which will probably be in
a short while.—Caitie Newman
***
We were faintly surprised to see
the writer’s name attached to this “signed confession.” Nice vocabulary, Kaylee, but we’ll be keeping an even closer watch on you
and your friends now!
Friends, a group—
We stroll inside
Look around, where to sit,
In back we hide
From inside this row
We construct a great plan
We know what to do
Candy in hand
Each taking turns
So tricky and sly
We flick little bits
of candy, They fly—
up a few rows
to a lady, so mean
who looks around slow
face tinted a green
a giggle escapes me
I cover my mouth
My buddies less practiced
Just let it out
We wait just a moment
To see what unfolds
Our luck is sufficient
Our aiming skills gold
None seem to know
The culprit is us
Unwise, we act twice
Additional candy—a plus
Taking turns once again
We just cannot stop
Flicking more sugar
And pausing for pop
Around the lady?
The fun did continue
But angry she grew
Thinking: what shall I do
I knew exactly
With few candies more
I took aim and fired
Hit her shoulder, a score!
A mistake I’ll admit
But fun nonetheless
A snarl escapes her
Premonition—a mess
Up the aisle she stomps
To our sitting place
Hissed something fierce
A scary look on her face
Confused, I reply
“What did we do?”
“innocence” my defense
too bad she knew
to the owner she went
anger flew from her lips
next thing we saw
two ladies—hands on their hips
the words that I hear
threaten our seats in the place
one more offense
kicked out of this space
sideways glances we share
we know we have won
no more candy is thrown
but true is our fun.—Kaylee
Baldwin
***
This one was a visual treat with
hand-drawn capitals on an over-sized red background--
The Clyde
Treats—Although the treats are over-priced, they are quite
tasty.
Hospitality—Every time you go to
The Clyde you’re always welcomed by a
friendly smile.
Excitement—Going to The Clyde is
just about the most exciting thing you can do on the South End.
Creative—Like everything in
Langley, The Clyde has an artsy and creative feel to it.
Laughter—You can’t help but every
time that the guy has to tell the front rows to be quiet or to settle down.
Yawn—Most of the midweek movies
make you want to yawn or go to sleep.
Doghouse—The Doghouse is
conveniently located across the street from The Clyde so that parents can
drop the kids off, sit back and have a cold one, and be truly free for two
hours.
Entertainment—Like I said before,
The Clyde Theatre is South Whidbey’s one and
only source of entertainment.—Joey Sousa
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