The magic lantern is an intriguing device that has captivated audiences for centuries. One notable location where this device has left its mark is Bridfton, a small town in Maine, United States. The magic lantern, also known as a slide projector, was an early form of image projection that utilized a light source and a series of glass slides to project images onto a screen. This device was invented in the 17th century and quickly gained popularity as a form of entertainment. In Bridfton, the magic lantern found a home in the local theater, where it became a staple of the community. The theater would host magic lantern shows, where audiences would gather to watch captivating images come to life on the big screen.
Everything is completely see-through. Tony and Tia always have to succeed, even as it seems like they will be ruined forever. It’s a children’s fiction book as far as I am concerned, and that makes it all the more likely that everyone will escape without a scratch.
I only picked up this novel because its listing in my digital borrowing app from my local library said it was a blindingly brilliant piece of sci-fi. Library Journal Fantasy, science fiction, mystery, adventure the story is all of these, with enough suspense and thrills to keep young readers glued to its pages from first to last.
The theater would host magic lantern shows, where audiences would gather to watch captivating images come to life on the big screen. These shows featured a variety of slides depicting scenes from nature, historical events, and even fantastical creatures. The magic lantern shows in Bridfton became a beloved pastime for both locals and visitors alike.
Lights, Camera, Novel: Alexander Key’s Escape to Witch Mountain.
If you’re in the right age bracket, you might remember Escape to Witch Mountain from your childhood. Which format and version you recall depends on your generation. Novelist Alexander Key first wrote the book in 1967. Key began his career as a well-known illustrator who eventually transitioned into writing. His writing can be described as science fiction for kids. Key was born in Maryland and spent many years in Florida before moving to the mountains of North Carolina with his wife and son. A fan page on Key says that he and his family made the move after they “decided Florida was growing too fast.” Much of Key’s work is currently out-of-print. Escape to Witch Mountain is one of Key’s best known titles. The book tells the story of orphans Tony and Tia who possess supernatural gifts and are on the hunt to figure out their origins before the evil Lucas Deranian reaches them first.
In 1975, Disney released a film adaptation of the novel directed by John Hough, which, at the time, became one of their most popular live-action movies. The movie follows the basic plot from beginning to end with some noticeable modifications. First, the setting was relocated from the East coast to the West coast, where the movie was filmed. In the novel, Father O’Day helps the children on their quest and protects them from Deranian. In the movie, O’Day plays the same role, but his character is a widower named Jason O’Day. Deranian is the central villain in the novel, whereas in the movie he becomes ancillary to his mastermind boss, Aristotle Bolt. The child actors who play Tony and Tia aren’t perfect physical matches for their book counterparts who are supposed to look unearthly with their olive-skin and light hair. Instead, they look like wholesome child actors.
The movie’s portrayal is much lighter and more innocent: Miss. Grindley is kinder and Truck, a bully at the orphanage, is much less threatening. Yet the most surprising change is Tia speaking. Muteness is a major feature of her character. In the novel, Tia is seen as an oddity because she does not speak out loud. Instead, she carries a pad and pen around to communicate with other people. She is able to converse with her brother telepathically.
Disney created a sequel called Return from Witch Mountain in 1978, also directed by John Hough. The same child actors, Ike (now known as Iake) Eisenmann and Kim Richards, reprized their roles as slightly older Tony and Tia. Bette Davis and Christopher Lee starred as the movie’s villains who hoped to manipulate the siblings’ powers. Four years later, Disney released yet another sequel, Beyond Witch Mountain with a new director. By this time, the original Tony and Tia has grown out of the roles and were recast. The plot appears to pick up from after the original 1975 Escape from Witch Mountain adaptation and it ignores the story-line from the 1978 Return from Witch Mountain. This second sequel was created as a pilot for a possible TV series. But since no networks expressed interest, no other episodes were filmed.
Over a decade later, in 1995, Disney remade Escape to Witch Mountain as a made-for-TV movie. The movie shared some elements with Key’s story, like orphaned siblings with powers (renamed Danny and Anna). Most of the TV movie departed from the original plot though, for instance Danny and Anna are initially separated. Finally, in 2009 Disney produced its latest rendition, called Race to Witch Mountain with Dwayne Johnson, AnnaSophia Robb and Carla Gugino. Like the 1995 adaptation, Race only shares some passing similarities to Key’s novel and the 1975 film. Adolescent Tony and Tia were remodeled as teenaged Seth and Sara. As the years passed, it seems that each revision departed further from the original, maybe as a means to refresh and modernize the story, while still maintaining essential characters and motivations.
Escape to Witch Mountain and its many adaptations are nostalgic classics. Alexander Key’s novel is available through the UNC-Chapel Hill Library catalog and has been previously blogged on here. The film and TV adaptations are not available through the UNC-Chapel Hill Library catalog. If you’re local to the area, Escape to Witch Mountain (1975) and Race to Witch Mountain (2009) are available at the Chapel Hill and the Durham Public Libraries and could make an interesting back-to-back screening of two adaptations thirty-four years apart.
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Families would gather in the theater, eagerly awaiting the start of the show. The magic lantern would be set up, and as soon as the lights were dimmed, the room would be filled with anticipation. The magic lantern projectionist would work behind the scenes, carefully loading each glass slide into the device, and adjusting the focus and intensity of the light. As the show began, the audience would be transported to different worlds and times, captivated by the vivid images and accompanying narratives. The magic lantern shows in Bridfton were not just a source of entertainment; they also served as educational experiences. Many shows included slides that taught viewers about scientific discoveries, historical figures, and far-off places. Children and adults alike would leave the theater feeling inspired and enlightened. As technology progressed, the magic lantern was eventually replaced by more advanced forms of projection, such as film and digital projectors. However, the legacy of the magic lantern lives on in Bridfton. The theater that once hosted the magic lantern shows is now a historical landmark, serving as a reminder of the town's rich cultural history. In conclusion, the magic lantern had a significant impact on the town of Bridfton, Maine. The magic lantern shows brought joy, wonder, and education to the community, leaving a lasting impression on all who attended. The mesmerizing images projected by this device continue to enchant audiences to this day, making the magic lantern a fascinating part of Bridfton's heritage..
Reviews for "The Magic of Light and Shadow: Magic Lanterns in Bridfton, ME"
1. John - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with my experience at the Magic Lantern Bridesmaid. The movie selection was limited and outdated, and the theater itself was run down and in need of some serious renovation. The seating was uncomfortable and the sound quality was terrible. I wouldn't recommend this theater to anyone looking for a quality movie-going experience.
2. Sarah - 1 star - I had such high hopes for the Magic Lantern Bridgeton but was sorely let down. The tickets were overpriced for the poor quality of the theater. The seats were old and uncomfortable, and the sound was muffled and difficult to hear. It felt like being transported back in time to an outdated and neglected movie theater. Save your money and go elsewhere for a better movie-watching experience.
3. David - 2 stars - The Magic Lantern Bridgeton was a huge disappointment. The movie selection was limited, and the theater itself seemed outdated and in need of renovation. The seats were uncomfortable and the sound quality was subpar. Overall, it was not a pleasant experience and I would not recommend this theater to others. There are much better options available in the area.
4. Emily - 2 stars - I did not enjoy my experience at the Magic Lantern Bridgeton. The theater was old and run down, and the movie selection was not very appealing. The seats were uncomfortable and the overall atmosphere of the theater was lackluster. I would not choose to go back to this theater in the future. There are definitely better options in the area for movie lovers.