Friday, May 7, 2:00 PM, Charles Theatre 2

Director: William Whiteford

Cast: Gilbert Sandler, Melba Sussman

Country: U.S.
Year: 2004
Running Time: 30 minutes
Format: Beta SP

In February of 2004 with much fanfare, the newly renovated Hippodrome reopened; ninety years after the theater had its first debut as a vaudeville house in 1914. Over the years the venerable landmark has hosted all kinds of entertainment - big bands, acrobats, elephants, Hollywood movies, and before its demise in the late 1980s X rated films.

Academy Award winning filmmaker, William Whiteford, traces the long and storied history of the Hippodrome with this new work in progress documentary. With archival footage and interviews with Baltimoreans, we can relive the past glory, and by following the renovation process we can witness present glory. The Hippodrome is a Baltimore treasure and this documentary is sure to honor its place in the city.

-- Dan Krovich

William Whiteford along with his producing partner Susan Hadary base their Video Press Production Company at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. They have made scores of films documenting people struggling with various medical challenges such as Alzheimer's, cerebral palsy, and schizophrenia. The have won multiple regional Emmys, Golden Eagle Awards, and a CableAce Award for Bong and Donnell, which was also nominated for 2 national Emmys. Their Oscar-winning documentary, King Gimp was Opening Night at the 2000 Maryland Film Festival and Love, Josh played at the 2002 festival. Bill, a native of Baltimore, holds a degree in filmmaking from the University of Maryland.