Editor

The adventures of a British nanny, and a tribute to a local Italian choreographer, playwright, actor and restaurateur kick off the first Fullerton Film Festival running August 3 through August 6 in the heart of downtown Fullerton.

Leading off the festival created to support the restoration of the historic Fox Fullerton Theatre will be the beloved, multiple Academy Award winning motion picture “Mary Poppins,” presented at 8 p.m., Thursday, August 3,period.. This screening designed for the entire family will be held outside on the east wall of the Fox Fullerton Theatre. The classic Walt Disney production stars Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke. Admission is free. Families are advised to bring lawn chairs. Seating begins at 7 p.m. The program begins at 8 p.m.

On Friday, August 4, at 8 p.m., the Film Festival moves into high gear with “A Tribute to Steven Peck,” in Plummer Auditorium. A longtime Fullerton resident, Mr. Peck passed away October 9, 2005.

Although Mr. Peck worked in Hollywood for over 3 decades, he will probably be most remembered in Fullerton as the proprietor of Angelo's and Vinci's Ristorante. Once housed on the back stage of the Fox Fullerton Theatre, Angelo's and Vinci's received numerous citations for having the best pizza in Orange County. A noted dancer, choreographer, and actor, Steven Peck operated a dance studio and repertory company in part of the Fox Fullerton Theatre complex before opening Angelo's and Vinci's. (GOOD)

He will be honored by a screening of the 1958 motion picture, “Some Came Running,” a film nominated for 5 Academy Awards in which he stars with Frank Sinatra, Shirley MacLaine and Dean Martin, at 8 p.m., Friday, August 4 in the Plummer Auditorium. Jon Wagner, Executive Director of the Fullerton Historic Theater Foundation stated, “We are thrilled that Cynthia Peck has loaned us many original, rare pieces of memorabilia from the premiere of “Some Came Running” that we’ll display in the Plummer lobby. She’s providing a unique opportunity for the public to see personal photos and hand written notes to Mr. Peck from other celebrity greats like Frank Sinatra. Hollywood premieres were glamorous black tie affairs then .Period. Mr. Peck’s photo album and news clips capture that era perfectly”

The Fullerton Film Festival

The Fullerton Film Festival was established to develop and encourage support of independent film in North Orange County. The Festival will inspire the vision of both new and established filmmakers, presenting stories to both entertain and enlighten audiences, advancing the reputation of Orange County as a vibrant and thriving film community. Developed by the Fullerton Historic Theatre Foundation, The Fullerton Film Festival will be the cultural hub of the local film and arts community. Venues for this year’s four-day event include the Plummer Auditorium, Wilshire Auditorium and Fullerton College. After renovations to the Fox Theatre in Fullerton’s historic downtown district, scheduled for 2010, the Fox will be the Festival’s premier venue. Some films in the Festival may not be suitable for children under 18. Parental guidance is requested. Ticket prices are $6 for most films. An all-access pass may be obtained for $36. For advance online ticket purchases go to www.f3filmfestival.com, or call (800) 838-3006. There is a small handling charge for advance ticket sales.

The Fullerton Historic Theatre Foundation

The Fullerton Historic Theatre Foundation, a community based non profit public benefit corporation was established to meet the challenge of saving The Fox Theatre, built in 1925 and closed in 1987, from demolition and restoring it to be a cultural destination. With the dedicated support of the Fullerton community, the Foundation acquired the property in January 2005 and is now working with architectural firm, Westlake Reed Leskosky, experts in the renovation of historic theatres.