BILLY BISHOP / KERRISDALE LEGIONB.C./Yukon No.176
BILLY BISHOP / KERRISDALE LEGION - B.C./Yukon No.176
BILLY BISHOP / KERRISDALE LEGION

Volunteer and Staff Appreciation Event

by Billy Bishop
The Branch Executive hosted a holiday party Monday December 16th, 2024 or all volunteers and staff who have helped our beloved Billy over the past year, generously donating their time and efforts and so helping the Branch improve. We had a great time and are glad you could join us last night! Wishing everyone safe and happy holidays!
Below are some pictures from the event. Click on any image to enlarge the display.
People enjoying each other's company in the Billy Bishop/Kerrisdale Legion Branch lower lounge.
A table with delectable food offerings.
People enjoying each other's company in the Billy Bishop/Kerrisdale Legion Branch lower lounge.

Pumpkin Carving Contest, November 29th, 2024

by Billy Bishop
Great fun was had at the Branch for our Pumpkin Carving Contest held Tuesday November 29th, 2024
We had 21 Carvers. Competition was fierce!Results of the Pumpkin Carving evening is as follows (as voted on by all the entrants and others in the Billy at the time):
    • Biggest – Makaela ($10 Billy Bishop Voucher)
    • Scariest – Sean Tobin ($10 Billy Bishop Voucher)
    • Ugliest – Sean Tobin ($10 Billy Bishop Voucher)
    • Best Overall – a tie between Tynan Rollo and Keith O’Brien ($24.95 Billy Bishop Sat Night Dinner Voucher)
Congratulations to the various winners.
A BIG SHOUT OUT and thanks to Jori for her help in organizing the event.
THANK YOU to all the entrants from the Lounge Committee for coming to the Billy and making it a most enjoyable and fun evening.
We hope to see everyone at next year’s event, if not before, at the Billy
Pumpkin Carving Contest
Pumpkin Carving Contest
Pumpkin Carving Contest
Pumpkin Carving Contest
Pumpkin Carving Contest
Pumpkin Carving Contest
Pumpkin Carving Contest
Pumpkin Carving Contest
Pumpkin Carving Contest
Pumpkin Carving Contest
Pumpkin Carving Contest
Pumpkin Carving Contest
Pumpkin Carving Contest
Pumpkin Carving Contest

Upstairs Hall Refresh – while in Progress

by Billy Bishop
During the 2024 summer season, our Upstairs Hall and adjoining Bar went through an overhaul refresh.  Our Branch is one of few spaces in the neighbourhood with a flexible rental space with tailored packages at affordable rates. 

Our Kitchen and Marketing Chair, Natasha Smiljanic tenaciously spearheaded the project, accessing great discounts and donations on supplies. With the help of a contingent of volunteers in many capacities, making a variety of contributions the upstairs hall was refreshed, upgraded and brightened, making it an inviting prospect for a wide variety of different events.

Below are pictures of the space when almost complete. Click on any image to enlarge the display.
RCL #176 Upstairs Hall set with a variety of table settings.
RCL #176 Upstairs Hall set with a variety of table settings.
RCL #176 Upstairs Hall set with a variety of table settings.
RCL #176 Upstairs Hall set with a variety of table settings.
RCL #176 Upstairs Hall set with a variety of table settings.
The space is now just waiting for some finishing touches to be considered complete – for this phase at least. 
Stay tuned for new marketing materials and photos promoting the space with a campaign worthy of its new look and added functionality.

Grey Cup Weekend Activities at the Branch November 14th

by Billy Bishop
Grey Cup Events November 14th
Pancake Breakfast Set Up
Pancake Breakfast Set Up
Calgary Stampede Planning Committtee Helpers feeding the hungry masses.
Tuffy Nuff's Arrival
Tuffy Nuff
Entertainment at the Pancake Breakfast
Don's White Hat ceremony
Josh's White Hat Ceremony
Our White Hat recipients, Don Hitsman and Josh Muir with Tuffy Nuff and Calgary Stampeders Planning Committee representatives.
Our Branch Champs, Don Hitsman, Josh Muir and President Dan Thomas, oh yeah with THE GREY CUP.
On Thursday, November 14th, in advance of the 111th CFL Grey Cup game played on Sunday November 17th at BC Place Stadium between the Winnipeg Bluebombers and the Toronto Argonauts, Branch 176 Members Don Hitsman and Josh Muir, CD were presented white cowboy hats by the Calgary Grey Cup Committee in recognition of their service in the Canadian Armed Forces.
Josh currently serves as a Branch Director and his military service included two deployments to Canada’s mission in Afghanistan with 1PPCLI as a member of the Seaforth Highlanders of Canada. Don served with the 20th Field Regiment, Royal Canadian Artillery (RCA) in the 1970s and 1980s and also with Canada’s Ceremonial Guard in Ottawa.
Earlier that same day the Branch was honoured to have been selected by the Calgary Grey Cup Committee to host a Grey Cup Week Pancake Breakfast which included an appearance by Tuffy Nuff, the Commitee’s famed horse.
Entertainment for the pancake breakfast included a performance by Pipe Major Dan Bell of the Seaforth Highlanders of Canada Pipes and Drums with High Steppin’ Daddy, the band of the Calgary Grey Cup Committee.
You can check out the article posted by the Royal Canadian Legion News here.

Executive Election Slate November 24th, 2024

by Billy Bishop

Branch Executive Nominees for 2025

Table Officers
Click on each Title and Name for additional information about the nominee
The positions of Treasurer and Recording Secretary are appointed, not elected.
Dan joined the British Columbia Regiment (Duke of Connaught’s Own) the month after he enrolled at UBC, and served just over 40 years as an Army Reservist. The first half of his career was spent with his home unit, or in staff positions at headquarters in Jericho Garrison. The second half, he served as the Public Affairs Officer for 39 Canadian Brigade Group HQ in Vancouver; with Army Public Affairs and the Vice Chief of the Defence Staff in Ottawa; and his favourite military job of all, embedded for two years in the RCMP-led Vancouver 2010 Integrated Security Unit. Overseas service involved stints in Cyprus and Ukraine. He reluctantly retired from the Canadian Army in 2015.

Dan joined Branch 30, Kerrisdale, several years ago in thanks for its support to 111 (Pegasus) Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron, where his sons have served, and for the Royal Canadian Legion’s ongoing support to Veterans. He has remained active with Branch 176, including filling in as Sergeant-at-Arms. He currently works as a civilian with the Department of National Defence as the Manager of the Stakeholder Engagement Office (Western Canada), nearby at the Major-General B.M. Hoffmeister Building.
Dan recently served as our Executive’s Service Officer while a Director and is honoured to serve as President. He is continuing to focus on relationships with local military Reserve units and community allies.
Personal:
I am fortunate to live and work in this beautiful city, and province. I moved to Canada at the age of 14, to a small town, Guelph, Ontario, and later to Toronto where I lived for 11 years before moving to Vancouver in 2016. I love spending time with friends, cooking, traveling, reading, boating and enjoying the stunning nature around us.

Work experience:
I am an experienced project manager and business analyst, with history of operations management and business development. Since moving to Vancouver, I have been working in Real Estate. While working with Christie’s International Real Estate affiliate, I marketed some of the most unique and extraordinary properties in Vancouver’s West Side, recreational, development land. After, I have joined Oakwyn Realty Ltd. top performing team, where I continue to build my experience with broad spectrum of property and business sales as an independent Real Estate Advisor. I currently continue to help clients sell their current properties and find their dream homes within Greater Vancouver area.

Work with Legion:
During covid I have joined my local Legion branch, Billy Bishop/Kerrisdale No 176, in hopes to apply my acquired skills towards Legion’s daily operations. I currently hold a position as the Executive Director at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 176 Billy Bishop / Kerrisdale, as well as the Chair of the Marketing Department. Since, I enjoyed being involved in operations, special planning and budgeting, while also overseeing the marketing team, and executing all advertising initiatives. For the benefit of Billy Bishop/Kerrisdale Legion longevity, I make all efforts to build strong relationships with local business and community.
In the short time Natasha has held her volunteer positions with the Branch, she has been able to:
• Boost social media presence
• Successfully organize and run funding campaigns
• Produce engaging marketing material, both print and online
• Help organize and assure profitability of events
• Spearhead innovative kitchen offerings and streamline its operation
• Liaise with other committee chairs and executive team to better up current operations and introduce new initiatives
I have been involved with the Legion for almost 25 years and have held a number of positions on the Executive including Branch President, Past President, Director and Secretary.  

For many years, I have also helped with the Poppy Campaign, Membership, branch communications (weekly email blasts/website) and thoroughly enjoy as the Gaming Chair, being a “Meat Draw Maven” – hosting and assisting with the branch’s weekly meat draws.

As a proud daughter of a veteran, it has been my honour to be part of a branch where veteran support and community involvement is paramount. I thank you for your support and look forward to continuing to serve on the Executive.
Current Executive Members seeking
re-election as Directors
I have been involved in volunteer activities for many years. Before the Legion, I was with Scouts Canada. I am also involved in Motor Sports. I am a life member of the Sports Car Club of BC and help out with activities at the race track at Mission BC. I work in the timing and scoring and also the track PA announcer.

I have been with the Legion on and off since the 1990’s. When affiliates were allowed to be on the executive I ran for that office at the Kerrisdale Legion. I was the 2nd Vice President there. I concentrated on being in charge of communications to our members. I held the Office of House and Grounds chair at the Billy Bishop a few years back. This is a tough job for someone taking care of our aging building.

I am the Entertainment Chair at the Billy Bishop Kerrisdale Legion now. I have a keen interest in the Karaoke as well as it brings a wide variety of people to our branch. Read – Young people. I have been involved in the music scene in Vancouver for over 50 years. Church music is where I got my start and I am still there. Karaoke came along 15 years ago.

We need to have a variety of groups come to our branch so our members and guests can enjoy and hopefully buy food and drink so we can support our charities. I am open to hearing about bands and singing groups that we can book.
When I moved into the Kits Point neighborhood 6 years ago, I knew I wanted to get involved with the Billy. I’d been to the branch for social gatherings and liked the atmosphere and the people. I have volunteered on Remembrance Days and met veterans and first responders. Now as a new member of the Executive I hope to apply my 40+ years of business experience to explore more ways the Billy can serve the community as we continue to recover from Covid challenges.
I have been a proud Legion member for almost 20 years and am very passionate for what the Legion stands for.
For 42 years I have worked in Vancouver as a licensed contractor/builder specializing in Heritage Restorations. I am also a Building Maintenance Specialist.
My partner Debbie and I live in Kitsilano and I am the father of 2 sons.
Currently, I am the House & Grounds Chair for the branch and have spearheaded a number of projects including the restoration of the branch’s south wall, putting a plan in place to replace our aging shed, prioritizing building maintenance issues and assisting with regular building maintenance.
As a member of the Kits Point Military History Museum Society, I have assisted in the curation of the upstairs hall displays and was involved with the Defining Moments Afghanistan project. This project involved working with our local Afghanistan veterans in putting together a banner of remembrance.
It is my pleasure and honour to serve on the 176 Executive.
Michael has served on the branch executive for 2 terms and is an instrumental member of the marketing committee ensuring communications are out to our followers in a timely manner. He wears many hats and is always willing to assist. He can sometimes be found hosting the Sunday Meat Draw.
Dave has been a Director of the 176 Branch for 3 years but has been coming to the Legion for many years and is married to Past President Lisa McQuillan.
Dave is a Director at large and helps out where ever help is needed. He has been known to help install a toilet one minute then is taking back numerous bags of bottle/can recycling or helping out with the Sunday Meat Draws the next. He has also, along with Lisa, been helping to keep our website current.
Members seeking terms as Directors
Bill is a long-term Branch member and recently retired from the Vancouver Fire Department after a long and proud tenure.
Don served with the 30th Field Artillery Regiment, Royal Canadian Artillery (RCA) in the 1970s and 1980s and also with Canada’s Ceremonial Guard in Ottawa.

Movie Nights Screening Selections September 2024

by Billy Bishop

Proposed Movies for Branch Screenings
by our patrons’ selection

a retro movie film camera

 
Dear Members and Friends of the Branch,
The Lounge Committee is seeking feedback for our 2nd round of future Branch Movie Nights.

The current Criterion Licence is set to expire at the end of December 2024 and the Branch Executive Board will make a decision whether to renew or not the licence accordingly.
We invite you to complete this short survey, and help us decide which films to show next for the remainder of the year and into 2025, providing the license is renewed.

Please read the synopsis of each of the films below and complete the survey located here.
Thank-you on behalf of the Lounge Committee!

Curated Selections:
  1. A UNITED KINGDOM (2017) Drama; Romance; Biography
    Synopsis: A UNITED KINGDOM tells the inspiring true story of Seretse Khama, the King of Bechuanaland (modern Botswana), and Ruth Williams, the London office worker he married in 1948 in the face of fierce opposition from their families and the British and South African governments. Seretse and Ruth defied family, Apartheid and empire – their love triumphed over every obstacle flung in their path and in so doing they transformed their nation and inspired the world.
    Director: Amma Asante
    Cast: David Oyelowo, Rosamund Pike, Jack Davenport, Tom Felton, Laura Carmichael, Terry Pheto, Jessica Oyelowo, Nicholas Lyndhurst, Arnold Oceng
    Writer: Guy Hibbert

     

  2. TITANIC (1997) Drama; Romance
    Synopsis: The tragic story of star-crossed lovers (Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio), who meet during the Titanic’s doomed maiden voyage, unfolds against a backdrop of the ship’s dramatic four-and-a-half-day journey and her spectacular demise. Director James Cameron employs state-of-the-art visual effects to re-create the horror of the Titanic’s last few hours.
    Director: James Cameron
    Cast: Kate Winslet, Leonardo DiCaprio, Billy Zane, Kathy Bates, Frances Fisher, Gloria Stuart, Bill Paxton, Bernard Hill, David Warner
    Writer: James Cameron

     

  3. THE FULL MONTY (1997) Comedy
    Synopsis: Six unemployed steel workers, inspired by the Chippendale’s dancers, form a male striptease act. The women cheer them on to go for “the full monty” – total nudity.
    Director: Peter Cattaneo
    Cast: Robert Carlyle, Mark Addy, Steve Huison, William Snape, Tom Wilkinson
    Writer: Simon Beaufoy

     

  4. CHINATOWN (1974) Drama; Thriller; Mystery; Crime
    Synopsis: Set in seedy Southern California in the 1930’s Chinatown reverberates with the subtle eroticism of the love affair between Jack Nicholson as the small-time shamus and Faye Dunaway as his big-time client. As with the film noir detective movies it styles itself after, the mood in Chinatown is pervasive, ominous and shadowy. First-class entertainment
    Director: Roman Polanski
    Cast: Jack Nicholson, Faye Dunaway, John Huston, Burt Young
    Writer: Robert Towne

     

  5. SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN (1952) Comedy; Musical; Romance
    Synopsis: In 1927, Don Lockwood and Lina Lamont are a famous on-screen romantic pair. Lina, however, mistakes the on-screen romance for real love. Don has worked hard to get where he is today, with his former partner Cosmo. When Don and Lina’s latest film is transformed into a musical, Don has the perfect voice for the songs. But Lina – well, even with the best efforts of a diction coach, they still decide to dub over her voice. Kathy Selden is brought in, an aspiring actress, and while she is working on the movie, Don falls in love with her. Will Kathy continue to “aspire”, or will she get the break she deserves?
    Director: Gene Kelly, Stanley Donen
    Cast: Gene Kelly, Debbie Reynolds, Donald O’Connor, Jean Hagen, Cyd Charisse, Douglas Fowley, Rita Moreno
    Writer: Betty Comden, Adolph Green

     

  6. 2001, A SPACE ODYSSEY (1968) Drama; Science Fiction
    Synopsis: It’s man vs. machinery in Stanley Kubrick’s startling milestone film. Rarely are such power and beauty expressed in purely cinematic terms. From prehistoric man’s struggle to cope with a hostile environment, to the interplanetary voyage to Jupiter, the film is a eloquent statement on man’s endless quest to master his fate. The Oscar-winning special effects paved the way for the high-tech look of ’80’s science-fiction films.
    Director: Stanley Kubrick
    Cast: Gary Lockwood, Keir Dullea, William Sylvester, Daniel Richter, Leonard Rossiter, Margaret Tyzack
    Writer: Stanley Kubrick (screenplay), Arthur C. Clarke (screenplay)

     

  7. GOODFELLAS (1990) Drama; Crime
    Synopsis: Based on Nicholas Pilegg’s best-selling book “Wiseguys” and spanning thirty years of Mafia life, this is the story of a young boy, who dreams of becoming a member of the wiseguys. After fulfilling that dream and after much terror and murder, he turns against the men who made him.
    Director: Martin Scorsese
    Cast: Robert De Niro, Ray Liotta, Paul Sorvino, Joe Pesci, Lorraine Bracco, Tony Darrow
    Writer: Nicholas Pileggi

     

  8. THE GREAT GATSBY (2012) Drama; Romance
    Synopsis: Nick Carraway, a Midwesterner now living on Long Island, finds himself fascinated by the mysterious past and lavish lifestyle of his neighbor, Jay Gatsby. He is drawn into Gatsby’s circle, becoming a witness to obsession and tragedy.
    Director: Baz Luhrmann
    Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio, Joel Edgerton, Carey Mulligan, Isla Fisher, Gemma Ward, Callan McAuliffe, Amitabh Bachchan, Jason Clarke
    Writer: F. Scott Fitzgerald (novel), Baz Luhrmann (screenplay)

     

  9. THE CIDER HOUSE RULES (1999) Drama; Romance
    Synopsis: Homer Wells is an orphan, but he does not lack a family. Having grown up at St. Cloud’s orphanage under the unconventional but loving tutelage of Dr. Wilbur Larch, Homer never wanted for affection. Now, as Homer approaches manhood, he begins to question his future. Homer yearns to explore the world for himself. Upon meeting a privileged young couple, Homer hitches a ride with them and liberates himself from St. Cloud’s. Suddenly Homer’s choices are limitless. He is introduced to a bigger world full of new sights, adventures and friendships, as well as tragedy, betrayal and danger. The rules that governed his former life seem obsolete. And when Homer falls in love for the first time, his upbringing offers no guidance. As affection turns to ardor, he experiences the highs and lows, as well as the complicated rewards and responsibilities that come with these new emotions. Suddenly, the consequences of making choices become more acute. As the course of his new life unfolds, Homer’s seemingly simple past collides with his more complex present. Yet, Homer comes to realize that his previous life has provided him with the means to make profound decisions that will change the course of his future.
    Director: Lasse Hallstrom
    Cast: Charlize Theron, Delroy Lindo, Erykah Badu, Jane Alexander, Kate Nelligan, Kathy Baker, Michael Caine, Paul Rudd, Tobey Maguire
    Writer: John Irving

     

  10. PULP FICTION (1994) Drama; Action; Thriller; Crime
    Synopsis: Prizefighter Butch Coolidge has decided to stop payment on his deal with the devil. Honey Bunny and Pumpkin are a pair of young lovers and smalltime thieves who decide they need a change in venue. Two career criminals go about their business of shooting up other crooks who are slow on payments to their boss. Quentin Tarantino’s Oscar-winning screenplay is a celebration of pulp culture and its dark underbelly.
    Director: Quentin Tarantino
    Cast: John Travolta, Harvey Keitel, Samuel L. Jackson, Bruce Willis, Uma Thurman
    Writer: Quentin Tarantino, Roger Avary

     

  11. SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER (1977) Drama; Musical; Romance
    Synopsis: A New York disco and a pulsating Bee Gees musical score of hit songs are the backdrop for an electrifying and sensual performance by John Travolta. He’s a Brooklyn paint store clerk who lives only for Saturday night at the local disco, where he can cut loose and release his pent-up energy by dancing. SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER is carefully observed look at the restlessness of the disco culture, and an unparalleled showcase for Travolta’s energetic talent and boundless vitality.
    Director: John Badham
    Cast: John Travolta, Karen Gorney, Donna Pescow
    Writer: Nik Cohn, Norman Wexler

     

  12. GREASE (1978) Comedy; Musical; Romance
    Synopsis: The most popular musical of all time, “Grease” merges the talents of solid gold recording star Olivia Newton-John as good girl Sandy and John Travolta of “Saturday Night Fever” fame as greaser Danny in this nostalgic look at the Fabulous Fifties.
    Director: Randal Kleiser
    Cast: John Travolta, Olivia Newton-John, Stockard Channing, Eve Arden, Sid Caesar
    Writer: Jim Jacobs (musical) and Warren Casey (musical)

     

  13. BEN-HUR (1959) Adventure; Drama; Action; Literary Adaptation
    Synopsis: Judah Ben-Hur lives as a rich Jewish prince and merchant in Jerusalem at the beginning of the 1st century. Together with the new governor his old friend Messala arrives as commanding officer of the Roman legions. At first they are happy to meet after a long time but their different politic views separate them. During the welcome parade a roof tile falls down from Judah’s house and injures the governor. Although Messala knows they are not guilty, he sends Judah to the galleys and throws his mother and sister into prison. But Judah swears to come back and take revenge.
    Director: William Wyler
    Cast: Charlton Heston, Stephen Boyd, Jack Hawkins, Hugh Griffith, Sam Jaffe
    Writer: Lew Wallace (novel), Karl Tunberg (screenplay)

     

  14. HOW GREEN WAS MY VALLEY (1941) Black and White Drama; Romance
    Synopsis: Life is hard in a Welsh mining town and no less so for the Morgan family. Seen through the eyes of the family’s youngest, Huw, we learn of the family’s trials and tribulations. Family patriarch Gwyllim and his older sons work in the mines, dangerous and unhealthy as it is. Gwyllim has greater hopes for younger son how to honor his hard working parents. Huw who has his own ideas on how to honor his father. Daughter Angharad is the most beautiful girl in the valley and is very much in love with Mr. Gruffydd who isn’t sure he can provide her the life she deserves. Times are hard and good men find themselves out of work and exploited by unseen mine owners.
    Director: John Ford
    Cast: Walter Pidgeon, Sara Allgood, Roddy McDowall, Donald Crisp
    Writer: Richard Llewellyn (novel), Philip Dunne

     

  15. THE NIGHT OF THE IGUANA (1964) Drama; Literary Adaptation
    Synopsis: The Rev. T. Lawrence Shannon has been living in Mexico for two years, working as a tourist guide for a cut-rate travel agency. Shannon lost his church and was defrocked after taking liberties with one of his parishioners. He’s now accompanying a group of middle-aged ladies from Texas whose leader, Judith Fellowes, is keeping a close eye on her teenage ward, Charlotte Goodall, who definitely has an interest in the former priest. After Charlotte and Shannon spend the night together, Fellowes is out to have him fired and to keep her from communicating with his employer, Shannon strands them at a remote hotel run by his good friend Maxine Faulk. It’s the arrival of Hannah Jelkes and her elderly grandfather that has the greatest impact however. Her approach to life and love forces Shannon to deal with his demons and re-evaluate his life.
    Director: John Huston
    Cast: Richard Buron, Ava Gardner, Sue Lvon, Deborah Kerr
    Writer: Tennessee Williams (play), Anthony Veiller (screenplay)

     

  16. THE PHILADELPHIA STORY (1940) Black and White Comedy; Romance
    Synopsis: Philadelphia socialites Tracy Lord and C.K. Dexter Haven married impulsively, with their marriage and subsequent divorce being equally passionate. They broke up when Dexter’s drinking became excessive, it a mechanism to cope with Tracy’s unforgiving manner to the imperfect, imperfections which Dexter admits he readily has. Two years after their break-up, Tracy is about to remarry, the ceremony to take place at the Lord mansion. Tracy’s bridegroom is nouveau riche businessman and aspiring politician George Kittredge, who is otherwise a rather ordinary man and who idolizes Tracy. The day before the wedding, three unexpected guests show up at the Lord mansion: Macaulay Connor (Mike to his friends), Elizabeth Imbrie – the two who are friends of Tracy’s absent brother, Junior – and Dexter himself. Dexter, an employee of the tabloid Spy magazine, made a deal with its publisher and editor Sidney Kidd to get a story on Tracy’s wedding…
    Director: George Cukor
    Cast: Cary Grant, Katharine Hepburn, James Stewart, Ruth Hussey, John Howard, Roland Young, John Halliday
    Writer: Donald Ogden Stewart (screenplay), Philip Barry (play)

     

  17. SUMMERTIME (1956) Drama; Romance
    Synopsis: Summertime combines a sensitive performance by Hepburn as a lonely American spinster who meets handsome, but married Brazzi.
    Director: David Lean
    Cast: Katharine Hepburn, Rossano Brazzi
    Writer: H.E. Bates, Arthur Laurents

     

  18. ROMAN HOLIDAY (1953) Comedy; Drama; Romance
    Synopsis: Princess Anne embarks on a highly publicized tour of European capitals. When she and her royal entourage arrive in Rome, she begins to rebel against her restricted, regimented schedule. One night Anne sneaks out of her room, hops into the back of a delivery truck and escapes her luxurious confinement. However, a sedative she was forced to take earlier starts to take effect, and the princess is soon fast asleep on a public bench. She is found by Joe Bradley, an American newspaper reporter stationed in Rome. He takes her back to his apartment. The next morning Joe dashes off to cover the Princess Anne press conference, unaware that she is sleeping on his couch! Once he realizes his good fortune, Joe promises his editor an exclusive interview with the princess
    Director: William Wyler
    Cast: Audrey Hepburn, Gregory Peck, Eddie Albert, Hartley Power,
    Writer: Dalton Trumbo (story) (front Ian McLellan Hunter), Ian McLellan Hunter

     

  19. A TIME TO KILL (1996) Drama; Social Studies
    Synopsis: Joel Schumacher, who directed the filmed adaptation of John Grisham’s “The Client” to critical and popular acclaim, now brings Grisham’s best-selling first novel to the screen with a high profile cast. In front of hundreds of witnesses in a simmering, small Southern town, a distraught man (Samuel L. Jackson) murders the two racist thugs who brutally assaulted his young daughter. An idealistic young lawyer (Matthew McConaughey) and a savvy law student (Sandra Bullock) team together for his seemingly not-able-to-win defense in a trial that sparks a cauldron of conflicting emotions from a kaleidoscope range of southerners — a microcosm of a unique place in the American landscape where time is no longer standing still.
    Director: Joel Schumacher
    Cast: Sandra Bullock, Samuel L. Jackson, Matthew McConaughey, Kevin Spacey, Donald Sutherland
    Writer: John Grisham (novel), Akiva Goldsman (screenplay)

     

  20. SUNSET BOULEVARD (1950) Black and White Drama; Literary Adaptation; Romance
    Synopsis: There’s never been another film quite like this eerie Oscar-winning cinema classic. A forgotten queen of silent films lives surrounded by her past in a decaying mansion on Hollywood’s Sunset Boulevard. Enter a cynical young screenwriter, who first exploits her and then becomes trapped by her, as she goes mad.
    Director: Billy Wilder
    Cast: William Holden, Gloria Swanson, Erich von Stroheim, Nancy Olson, Fred Clark, Lloyd Gough, Jack Webb
    Writer: Charles Brackett, Billy Wilder

     

  21. BODY HEAT (1981) Thriller; Crime
    Synopsis: A contemporary mystery involving two lovers, an attorney and the wife of a wealthy man who successfully plans the murder of her husband. This passionate love story ends with a bizarre twist.
    Director: Lawrence Kasden
    Cast: William Hurt, Kathleen Turner, Richard Crenna, Ted Danson, J.A. Preston, Mickey Rourke Kim Zimmer
    Writer: Lawrence Kasden

     

  22. THE FLIGHT OF THE PHOENIX (2004) Adventure; Action; Survival
    Synopsis: An action-adventure in which a group of air crash survivors – cast-offs from society who will never be missed – are stranded in the Mongolian desert with no hope of rescue. As they attempt to build a new plane from the wreckage of the old one, in hopes of flying back to civilization, they experience a rebirth of their own.
    Director: John Moore
    Cast: Dennis Quaid, Giovanni Ribisi, Tyrese, Miranda Otto, Jared Padalecki
    Writer: John Thomas & Jim Thomas, Scott Frank, David Arata, Hilary Seitz, Ron Hutchinson, Edward Burns, based on the novel by Elleston Trevor

     

  23. SAVING PRIVATE RYAN (1998) Drama; War; Literary Adaptation
    Synopsis: In World War II, it is found that 3 soldiers who have been killed are brothers. The mother will be receiving three death notices on the same day. The army discovers that there were actually four brothers. A mission is deployed to find Private James Ryan and send him home.
    Director: Steven Spielberg
    Cast: Tom Hanks, Tom Sizemore, Edward J. Burns, Matt Damon, Jeremy Davies, Vin Diesel, Adam Goldberg, Barry Pepper
    Writer: Robert Rodat

     

  24. THE LONGEST DAY (1962) Black and White Drama; War; Action
    Synopsis: England in June 1944. Unseasonal storms. Allied troops are massed ready for the invasion of France, some already on the boats. The Normandy beaches will be their destination while paratroopers are dropped inland to take key towns and bridges. On the other side of the Channel the Germans still expect the invasion at Calais, and anyway the weather makes them think nothing is likely to be imminent. Eisenhower decides to go. Hitler sleeps on.
    Director: Ken Annakin, Andrew Marton
    Cast: Eddie Albert, Paul Anka, Arletty, Jean-Louis Barrault, Richard Beymer, Hans Christian, Blech, Bourvil, Richard Burton
    Writer: Romain Gary, James Jones

     

  25. TWELVE O’CLOCK HIGH (1949) Black and White Drama; War
    Synopsis: A perceptive, psychological drama that deals with the problems of an Air Force commander who must rebuild a bomber group whose shattered morale threatens the effectiveness of daylight bombing raids. Gregory Peck plays the commander, and Dean Jagger won an Oscar for his supporting role. Exciting air combat footage intensifies the deeply moving drama.
    Director: Henry King
    Cast: Gregory Peck, Hugh Marlowe, Gary Merrill, Millard Mitchell, Dean Jagger, Paul Stewart, Robert Arthur, John Kellogg, Sam Edwards, Russ Conway, Lawrence (Larry) Dobkin
    Writer: Sy Bartlett (also novel), Beirne Lay Jr.

     

  26. DARK PASSAGE (1947) Drama; Thriller; Romance; Crime
    Synopsis: A convict escapes from prison to prove his innocence. From the novel by David Goodis.
    Director: Delmer Daves
    Cast: Humphrey Bogart, Lauren Bacall, Agnes Moorehead, Bruce Bennett, Tom D’Andrea, Housely Stevenson
    Writer: David Goodis (novel), Delmer Daves

Movie Nights Screening Selections May 2024

by Billy Bishop

Proposed Movies for Branch Screenings
by our patrons’ selection

a retro movie film camera

 
Dear Members and Friends of the Branch,
The Lounge Committee is seeking feedback for future Branch Movie Nights. We invite you to complete a short survey, and help us decide which films to show next.
Please read the synopsis of each of the films below and complete the survey located here.
Thank-you on behalf of the Lounge Committee!

Curated Selections:
  1. The Man Who Would Be King (1975) Adventure
    Synopsis: Two British adventurers take over primitive Kafiristan as “Godlike” rulers. They meet a tragic end through their desire for a native girl. An epic of splendor, spectacle, and high adventure. Based on Rudyard Kipling’s short story and packed with spectacle, humour, excitement and bold twists of fate.
    Director: John Huston
    Cast: Sean Connery, Michael Caine, Christopher Plummer
  2. The Long, Long Trailer (1954) Comedy Romance
    Synopsis: Nicky and Tacy are going to be married. Nicky wants to save up money for a house, but Tacy dreams of starting off with their own home on wheels—a trailer. After the two are hitched, they hitch up their trailer and begin their honeymoon. The humor comes from several disastrous adventures the couple has while traveling including Tacy’s awkward attempt to cook dinner in a moving trailer, and a cliffhanging ride through the mountains that nearly destroys their marriage.
    Director: Vincente Minnelli
    Cast: Lucille Ball, Desi Arnaz, Marjorie Main, Kenan Wynn, Moroni Olsen
  3. The Man Who Never Was (1955) Drama Espionage
    Synopsis: Based on the book of a first hand account by Lt. Cmdr Ewen Montagu that chronicles ‘Operation Mincemeat’ in 1943, British Naval Intelligence devises a ruse to decoy German forces from the Allied invasion of Sicily by creating a false identity of ‘Major Martin’.
    Director: Ronald Neame
    Cast: Clifton Webb, Stephen Boyd, Robert Flemyng, Gloria Grahame, Josephine Griffin

  4. The Man from Snowy River (1983) Drama; Western; Romance;
    Synopsis: Shot in Australia’s breathtaking high country, this film chronicles a boy’s difficult passage into manhood. Burlinson stars as an orphan who returns to the mountains to conquer the wild horses.
    Director: George Miller
    Cast: Kirk Douglas, Tom Burlinson, Sigrid Thornton

     

  5. Zulu (1964) Drama; War
    Synopsis: Two Lieutenants, find that their 140-man contingent in Natal has been isolated by the destruction of the main British Army column and that 4,000 Zulu warriors will descend on them in hours. Each has a different military background in tactics and they are immediately in conflict on how to prepare for the attack. Nearly a third of the men are in the infirmary, as the Welsh company tries to somehow survive with no help in sight. Based on a true story.
    Director: Cy Endfield
    Cast: Stanley Baker, Jack Hawkins, Michael Caine

     

  6. Rat Race (2001) Comedy; Ask a Stupid Question
    Synopsis: Director Jerry (“Airplane!”) Zucker marks his return to comedy with this ensemble film about easy money, greed, manipulation and bad driving. The story tells of a Las Vegas casino tycoon who pits 6 ordinary people against each other in a wild dash for two million dollars jammed into a locker hundreds of miles away.
    Director: Jerry Zucker
    Cast: Rowan Atkinson, Dean Cain, Lanai Chapman, John Cleese, Whoopi Goldberg, Cuba Gooding Jr.

     

  7. Cleopatra (1963) Drama; Romance; Biography  – BE FOREWARNED, IT’S FOUR HRS.!
    Synopsis: In 48 B.C., Caesar pursues Pompey from Pharsalia to Egypt. Ptolemy, now supreme ruler after deposing his older sister, Cleopatra, attempts to gain favor with Caesar by presenting the conquerer with the head of Pompey, borne by his governors, Pothinos and Achillas. To win Caesar’s support from her brother, Cleopatra hides herself in a rug, which Apollodorus, her servant, presents to Caesar. The Roman is immediately infatuated; banishing Ptolemy, he declares Cleopatra Egypt’s sole ruler and takes her as his mistress. A son, Caesarion, is born of their union. Caesar, however, must return to Italy. Although he is briefly reunited with Cleopatra during a magnificent reception for the queen in Rome, Caesar is assassinated shortly thereafter, and Cleopatra returns to Egypt. When Mark Antony, Caesar’s protégé, beholds Cleopatra aboard her elaborate barge at Tarsus some years later, he is smitten and becomes both her lover and military ally. Their liaison notwithstanding, Antony, to consolidate his position in Rome, marries Octavia, sister of the ambitious Octavian. The marriage satisfies no one. Cleopatra is infuriated, and Antony, tiring of his Roman wife, returns to Egypt. There he flaunts his liaison by marrying Cleopatra in a public ceremony. Sensing Antony’s weakness, Octavian attacks and defeats his forces at Actium. Alarmed, Cleopatra withdraws her fleet and seeks refuge in her tomb.
    Director: Joseph Mankiewicz
    Cast: Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton, Rex Harrison, Roddy McDowall, Pamela Brown

     

  8. The Four Feathers (2002) Adventure; Drama; Literary Adaptation
    Synopsis: Set in 1898 Sudan, this fifth film to be adapted from the A.E.W. Mason novel follows a British officer who resigns his post right before his regiment ships out to battle the rebels. Perceiving his resignation as cowardice, his friends and fiancee give him four white feathers, the symbol of cowardice, but little do they know he’s actually going undercover and plans to redeem his honor.
    Director: Shekhar Kapur
    Cast: Heath Ledger, Wes Bentley, Kate Hudson, Djimon Hounsou, Michael Sheen, Alek Wek, Kris Marshall

     

  9. Invictus (2009) Drama; Biography
    Synopsis: The film tells the inspiring true story of how Nelson Mandela joined forces with the captain of South Africa’s rugby team to help unite their country. Newly elected President Mandela knows his nation remains racially and economically divided in the wake of apartheid. Believing he can bring his people together through the universal language of sport, Mandela rallies South Africa’s rugby team as they make their historic run to the 1995 Rugby World Cup Championship match.
    Director: Clint Eastwood
    Cast: Matt Damon, Morgan Freeman, Scott Eastwood, Langley Kirkwood, Robert Hobbs, Tony Kgoroge, Grant Roberts, Bonnie Henna, Patrick Holland

     

  10. The Americanization of Emily (1964) Comedy; Drama; War
    Synopsis: On the eve of the Normandy invasion, a young British war widow falls in love with an American officer. From the novel by William Bradford.
    Director: Arthur Hiller
    Cast: Julie Andrews, James Garner, Melvyn Douglas, James Coburn, Liz Fraser, Joyce Grenfell

     

  11. The Godfather Trilogy (1972/1974/1990) Drama; Thriller; Literary Adaptation; Crime; 
    Synopsis: The definitive, Oscar-winning record-breaking, trend-setting crime film. A serious, epic vision of an Italian-American family features Marlon Brando as the utterly amazing Corleaone patriarch. An acknowledged cinematic masterpiece.
    Director: Francis Ford Coppola
    Cast: Marlon Brando, James Caan, Al Pacino, Robert Duvall, Diane Keaton
    Writer: Mario Puzo

     

  12. Maltese Falcon (1941) Mystery
    Synopsis: Director Sam Spade’s thrilling chase for the fabulous Falcon. Bogart is Dashell Hammet’s “hero” Sam Spade, Astor his client, Lorre the evasive Joel Cairo, Greenstreet the Fat Man, and Cook the neurotic Gunsel Wilmer.
    Director: John Huston
    Cast: Humphrey Bogart, Mary Astor, Peter Lorre, Elisha Cook

     

  13. Postman Always Rings Twice (1946) Crime
    Synopsis: Nick Smith, the middle-aged proprietor of a roadside restaurant, hires drifter Frank Chambers as a handyman. Frank eventually begins an affair with Nick’s beautiful wife Cora, who talks Frank into helping her kill Nick, by “accident.” But the best laid plans……
    Director: Garnett T.
    Cast: Lana Turner, John Garfield, Cecil Kellaway, Hume Cronyn, Leon Ames, Audrey Totter, Alan Reed

     

  14. Strangers on a Train (1951) Drama; Thriller
    Synopsis: Aboard a Washington to New York train, two strangers meet and two murders are plotted…however, only one is executed.
    Director: Alfred Hitchcock
    Cast: Farley Granger, Robert Walker

     

  15. Sabrina (1954) Comedy; Romance
    Synopsis: Sabrina is the young daughter of the Larrabee family’s chauffeur who has been in love with David Larrabee for all her life. David is very spoiled and crazy for women, and has been totally ignoring Sabrina for years. When Sabrina goes to Paris for a few years, she returns a very attractive and sophisticated woman, and David is quickly drawn to her. David’s brother Linus sees this and fears that David’s imminent wedding with a very rich woman may be endangered. If the wedding is canceled, so will a great corporate deal with the bride’s family. So, Linus tries to keep Sabrina off his brother, and the best way to do so is by charming her himself.
    Director: Billy Wilder
    Cast: Humphrey Bogart, Audrey Hepburn, William Holden

     

  16. The Shining (1980) Horror; Thriller; Literary Adaptation
    Synopsis: An unemployed teacher, Jack Torrance accepts a position as a caretaker in a hotel which is isolated in the mountains and deserted during the winter months. He moves in with his wife Wendy and young son Danny. He looks forward to taking the opportunity to write a book. Danny, gifted with clairvoyance, soon becomes the object of strange manifestations and Jack himself undergoes an unusual psychological transformation. This state leads him to want to murder his son. His wife attempts to stop him, all the while a raging snow storm is blocking all viable routes, rendering escape almost impossible.
    Director: Stanley Kubrick
    Cast: Jack Nicholson, Shelly Duvall, Danny Lloyd, Scatman Crothers, Barry Nelson, Philip Stone

     

  17. The Third Man (1949) Black & White Thriller; Mystery
    Synopsis: An out of work pulp fiction novelist, Holly Martins, arrives in a post war Vienna divided into sectors by the victorious allies, and where a shortage of supplies has lead to a flourishing black market. He arrives at the invitation of an ex-school friend, Harry Lime, who has offered him a job, only to discover that Lime has recently died in a peculiar traffic accident. From talking to Lime’s friends and associates Martins soon notices that some of the stories are inconsistent, and determines to discover what really happened to Harry Lime.
    Director: Carol Reed
    Cast: Joseph Cotten, Alida Valli, Orson Welles, Trevor Howard, Bernard Lee, Ernest Deutsch 

Birthday Club Guidelines

by Billy Bishop

BIRTHDAY CLUB GUIDELINES
1.   Must be a current branch member or party is being organized by a current branch member.

2.  Party must be coordinated in advance with our GM Peter Jensen.
     Contact info 604-738-4142 billybishoplegion@gmail.com. Minimum 7 days notice is required.
    • Peter will be the liaison for any “extras”.
      Extras include space availability (upstairs/downstairs), table set up for extra food, branch catering, or any other specialty items or costs that would be required.

3.  Branch will supply the cake, candles, paper plates, forks, napkins, & simple birthday
     decorations (tablecloth, HB banner) at no cost provided a dozen (12) or more
     members/guests are guaranteed.
    • *If five (5) or less members/guests come – cake, etc will still be available but there will be a $35 charge for the cake & party supplies.

4.  A Complimentary Birthday libation will also be available for the birthday person.