Gage County Classic Film Institute is organization under the umbrella of the Gage County Historical Society, which runs the Gage County Museum. Community Players and the Beatrice Library are partners. Recent events have been funded by grants from the Havelone Foundation and Gage County Foundation.
- Dedicated to educating the public about Gage County, Nebraska’s connections to movies, TV and stage.
- Holds yearly events related to one or more Gage County celebrities.
- Brings in speakers who discuss these celebrities’ local ties.
- Hosts question and answer sessions.
- Has relevant books available for sale at Gage County Museum.
Follow us on Facebook @GageCountyFilm
Gage County Classic Film Festival presents: Spotlight on Silent Movie Star Harold Lloyd, March 7th-9th
Come learn about the history of silent film star Harold Lloyd with debut showings of Director George Baker.
Friday, March 7th, 2025
6:00 PM meet at the Centenary United Methodist Church for a family friendly evening film screening.
Light snacks will be provided by Colleen's Catering and popcorn by Traubel's.
Saturday, March 8th, 2025
8:00am Meet at the Gage County Historical Society Museum, 101 N. 2nd for refreshments, followed by carpool to Burchard for tour of Harold Lloyd’s Home.
12:00pm Guest and speaker questions and answers session moderated by Omaha film historian Bruce Crawford at Valentino's Primavera Room (701 E. Court Street).
1:30pm Main Event at Community Players. 412 Ella St. Beatrice. Laura Riedesel will discuss Harold Lloyd's history within the community, a film screening will follow.
7:00pm Meet and greet with featured guests followed by the final screening of the night.
Sunday, March 9th, 2025
Afternoon The Welsh Heritage Center open to guests, program TBA
Special Guest: Ben Model, a silent film accompanist.
Special Showing: George Baker Beatrice native, and film director.
All Screenings: To be announced
Tickets:
- Regular price: $20 adult, $5 13-18 years old by X _________ number of tickets
- Gage County Historical Society member price: $15 by X _________ number of tickets
Donations (Tickets good for VIP seating):
- $100-$199 Director level receive 2 tickets plus 1 VIP gift
- $200-$299 Producer level receives 4 tickets plus 2 VIP gifts
- $300+ Oscar level receives 6 tickets plus 3 VIP gifts
Click here to reserve tickets online
Event flyer with schedule and ticket/donor form(PDF)
PAST EVENTS
- Special effects artist John P. Fulton- featured guests: daughter Joanne Fulton Schaefer and great-grandson Nico Fulton Lavachek.
- Actor Robert Taylor 100th, 105th and 110th birthday celebrations featured authors Charles Tranberg and Linda Alexander (110th also featured author Gillian Kelly, as well as Robert Taylor’s son Terry Taylor) (105th was combined with actress Janet Shaw) (100th also featured Robert Taylor’s children Terry Taylor and Tessa Taylor)
- Special effects artist John P. Fulton — featured guests: daughter Joanne Fulton Schaefer and niece Jill McClure
- Robert Taylor in “Quo Vadis”
- Gene Coon (writer and producer for “Star Trek”) — featured guest: writer David Gerrold
- Silent movie mega-star Harold Lloyd — featured guests: author Scott Eyman and silent film accompanist Ben Model
- Spotlight on Maude & Richard Wayne (1920’s sibling silent movie stars) Josephine Huston (1930’s movie and Broadway star) — featured guest: silent film accompanist and historian Ben Model
- Gene Coon(writer and produce for "Star Trek") -featured guest: Andreea Kindyrd- Coon's assistant.
COMMITTEE MEMBERS
- Gail Butler (former Gage County Historical Society board member)
- Cassandra Dean (Gage County Museum Administrator)
- Renee Jones (Gage County Historical Society board member)
- Jeanelle S. Kleveland (Local film historian)
- Chris Moran (former Gage County Historical Society board member)
- Laureen Riedesel (Retired Beatrice Public Library director)
- Tyler Rinee (Community Players managing artistic director)
Past Committee Members
- Sheila Day (Gage County Historical Society board member)
- Vicki Jedlicka (Graphic designer)
- Joanne Neeman (Beatrice Public Library director)
- Jamie Ulmer (Community Players managing artistic director)
For more information, or to become a “supporting cast” donor, contact Sheila Day at 402-540-2579 or gagecountyfilm@yahoo.com.
