Young reporter got to be there.
Joseph Levine and Sylvia Rosen, with her upside down No. 2 pencil, at the West Springfield premiere of "The Graduate." It frequently happens to me. I see a story on television or in the newspaper, and ding, ding, ding — a memory bell rings, and the door opens to a related scenario stored in my experience bank.
And so it was some weeks ago when I read about a movie premiere to be held in Springfield, well worth noting since such events are rare.
In this case, the producer had in mind to contribute something positive to the image of this place that held happy recollections for him, for which he was grateful.
What that story brought to mind was another premiere, held here a longer while back --in 1968 actually -- that was also a kind of pay-back event, and I was there.
I was writing for a small local paper at the time, and carried a press card that was my ticket to some interesting experiences. When notice came of an area premiere of “The Graduate” starring a young Dustin Hoffman, I was assigned to cover the story.
Preceding the official showing, there was to be a morning screening for press and friends of Joseph E. Levine, president of Embassy Productions, and executive producer of the film, followed by a luncheon/reception.
Levine himself was hosting the affair . He arrived with his family in their chauffeur-driven Rolls Royce.
Now I know that the name Joseph E. Levine doesn’t rate very high on the recognition scale these days, but at that time Levine was at the height of his career — a man of wealth and power — a mogul in Hollywood.
His company had produced a succession of highly successful films. This one would reinforce his reputation as the biggest of the big guns in the industry.
“The Graduate” had already opened in major cities, and had garnered seven Oscar nominations, so this “premiere” was not exactly a red-carpet affair.
But clearly it was a Big Deal for a small community (and for me). The screening was to be at Cinema 1 in West Springfield, chosen because of its proximity to Springfield, which couldn’t offer a suitable venue.
And why Springfield? Because early in his rising career Levine had built and operated the supremely successful Round Hill Drive-In Theatre on Plainfield Street, near Pynchon Park, in Springfield's North End, and in the process made the beginnings of his fortune and befriended a lot of people.
Many of them had turned out for "The Graduate."
At precisely 10 o’clock the theater darkened, and the film began to roll. About two hours later the viewers emerged. Audience response was very clear. They loved the film.
The lobby had been set up as a festive graduation party, favors and centerpieces picking up the theme. Waitresses were dressed in cap-and-gown outfits.
I don’t remember anything about the menu except that the dessert was a slice of the giant “Happy Graduation Day” cake. It felt like a family celebration.
There were the usual remarks by dignitaries, and then a beaming Levine took the podium to voice his appreciation to his friends and to Springfield.
“Springfield’s lucky for me,” he said. And closed with the promise, “I’ll be back.”
I was able to speak with Levine briefly, enough for the little story I would write.
Plus — I could hardly believe it -- I was photographed with him, my notepad and pencil at the ready, prepared to record an interview. The photo shows me smiling my pleasure into the camera. But my excitement is also evident.
If you looked closely you’d see that my well-sharpened No.2 yellow Venus pencil was poised in reverse position. It’s the eraser end that’s pointed down over the page.
Registration is underway for writing classes given by veteran teacher and writer Sylvia Rosen at the Springfield Jewish Community Center.