“The Happiest Millionaire” To Help Sameric/Boyd

posted by Patrick Crowley on October 1, 2004 at 9:31 am

Volunteering to save and restore Philadelphia’s last movie palace, the Friends of the Boyd present the Disney classic “The Happiest Millionaire” at International House (3701 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia) on Friday, October 1.

The 1967 musical comedy is about the comic misadventures of an immigrant butler who takes a job with eccentric Philadelphia millionaire Anthony J. Drexel Biddle. Biddle’s mansion was at 2104 Walnut Street. Starring Fred MacMurray, Greer Garson, Lesley Ann Warren, and Geraldine Page, the film will be shown in a rare 35 MM print straight from the Disney vault. The film had its local premiere at the Boyd (aka Sameric) Theatre in 1967.

$20 “Fan” ticket for 7:30 PM movie + After-Party with lots of festive food, Yards Beer, and 1960’s Swinging Music by DJ Jay Schwartz of Secret Cinema.

$75 “VIP” ticket includes 6:00 PM VIP Reception where special guest Cordelia Frances Biddle reminisces about her Philadelphia family and Philadelphia society. Reception includes Gallo wines from the MacMurray estate in California, and catering by Soup to Nuts. Premium seating at the movie, and after-party are also included. Adults buying $75 tickets may bring their children for $20 each.

If you buy a ticket, then you may “add on” for $15 an exclusive tour of the closed Boyd Theatre (1908 Chestnut Street) for Tuesday, October 5, 6:00 to 7:30 which includes guest speaker Thom Cardwell, Managing Director of Philadelphia Film Festival.

Tickets are available from 5:30 PM on October 1 at International House. The proceeds from this event will ensure an authentic restoration and a film program at the Boyd. The Friends are a vital part of the exciting public-private partnership working to save this 1928 Art Deco masterpiece.

More information is available at http://www.savethesameric.org You may also email

Theaters in this post

• Boyd Theatre