The historic Saban Theatre in Beverly Hills was the perfect venue for the 10th Annual LA Jewish Film Festival Gala on April 30 where guest were treated to the premiere of the award-winning documentary “The Outrageous Sophie Tucker.”
This film produced by Susan and Lloyd Ecker, featuring appearances by Tony Bennett, Carol Channing, Michael Feinstein, and Mamie Van Doren – all whom attended the opening night festivities.
Even Sophie Tucker herself (the “Last of the Red Hot Mamas”) was in attendance, in the form of iconic drag impersonator Worthie “Momma” Meacham. Others feasting on fabulous noshes included actresses Radha Mitchell, Beverly Todd, Judy Tenuta, Francine York and the still glamorous beauty France Nuyen, who made us feel “Younger Than Springtime” (as she did in “South Pacific”)!
The Film Festival continues through May 7, and you still have time to purchase tickets to an amazing array of films – for which you don’t have to be Jewish to enjoy and appreciate!
Kudos to Kim Cavallo and Michelle Kaufman, the festival’s co-chairs; Hilary Helstein, festival director; John Fishel, honorary chair; the tireless work of a myriad of volunteers; and the Jewish Journal, who contributed greatly to this celebration of Jewish life and culture. For more information, visit www.lajfilmfest.org.
For another film happening, keep May 19 open for the premiere of “Mansion of Blood” at Grauman’s Egyptian Theatre.
This campy, horror-comedy film stars Oscar nominees Gary Busey, Terry Moore, Star Trek’s Robert Picardo and Tom Tangen, who also produced this hilarious horror film.
In addition, the Southern California Motion Picture Council will bestow Golden Halo Awards to Renee Taylor and Joe Bologna, Marty Ingels, Michelle Tomlinson, and George Barris (creator of Munster Koach and Batmobile).
Some of the celebs expected to attend include Margaret O’Brien, Tippi Hedren (“The Birds), Valerie Harper, Billie Dee Williams, Frances Fisher (“Titanic”), and Linda Blair – star of the greatest horror film of all time, “The Exorcist.”
Hope to see you there!
