Wally's article
Once inside the theater, there were bags of popcorn and small sized soft drinks available for the taking and video from a local TV station covering the scene outside was projected on the screen. Andy and I sat together and we sat right in front of Floyd Little and his family. At about 7:30 PM, Dr. Gross greeted the crowd (by the way, his name is spelled wrong in the movie credits, much to the delight of the local news media) and then introduced Gary Fleder, the movie's director. Fleder then introduced about ten cast members who were in attendance for the premiere. I was also impressed to see that all the leading executives from NBC Universal, including Chairman Jeff Zucker, were also at the premiere.
The lights went down and the movie played. It is an excellently crafted motion picture. The crowd cheered liberally throughout the movie. The biggest cheers came when Ernie Davis first walked on the campus. Through the magic of the movies, he walks past Hendricks Chapel, takes a turn and walks into Archbold Stadium. Great football sequences. The folks at West Virginia will hate us even more after seeing this movie.
As the movie ended and the cheers subsided, we made our way out of the theater. I saw Floyd Little just sitting in his seat, his eyes red, just stunned. It must be something to see your earlier self on the big screen. The after party was at the War Memorial. The base of the hockey rink had Astroturf and was completed decorated with food buffets and bars. The crowd was greeted by the SU Marching Band. The place looked great.
The best part of the event was the people watching. All of the stars of the film (except Dennis Quad) were there and they were happily signing autographs and posing for pictures. Jim Brown, Floyd Little, Don McPherson too. I spent a good 10 minutes just watching a famous SU alum known for his sportscasting and "Olympic" like career first having a quiet time with a lovely woman and then was approached by an older lady who asked for a photo and then wouldn't leave. Soon others gathered much to the inconvenience of our famous alum who finally fled.
OAR staff was there in force. Tim helped manage the orange carpet and nearly everyone else was working inside the War Memorial event.
Here is a link to the Post Standard's coverage of the event:
http://blog.syracuse.com/entertainment/2008/09/photos_video_and_more_on_the_e.html
SU Photographer Steve Sartori likely took hundreds of photos which should be up on his website in the next day or so (especially to see the inside of the War Memorial):
http://photo.syr.edu/Catalog.htm
Rainy today in Syracuse for the Penn State game later this afternoon. Homecoming+Reunion next weekend and the SAAA Board/Club Presidents Meeting/Coming Back Together the weekend after that.
Go Orange!!!
Wally
Date last changed: September 15, 2008