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Health & Fitness

Honor Actress Marsha Hunt by Hosting A "Marsha Hunt" Film Screening Party

A Fundraising Concept to raise funds needed to finish feature documentary on Marsha Hunt's long and illustrious career as an actress and activist.
I’ve shared previously in my blog that I have been working on a feature documentary on actress- activist's Marsha Hunt's life achievements and career. I am joined by a dedicated and talented crew, including fellow producers Richard Adkins and Joan Cohen, Director of Photography Stephon Litwinczuk and editor Katina Zinner.  We have worked hard to put together a rough cut that we can be proud of. One that we hope to show any “financial angels” who can help us find finishing funds so we can enter our documentary currently titled "Marsha Hunt's Sweet Adversity" in festivals this year.  I've been working on the film for 8 years now.  Marsha’s been very patient with us and we are grateful but the time is NOW to finish the film!  My goal is to premiere the documentary at the Toronto International Film Festival in September.

Marsha has a "milestone' anniversary that I’m pleased to tell you about.  In 2014, she will be celebrating her 80th YEAR in the entertainment industry!.  While 2015 will be the 80th anniversary of her being “discovered” and signing with Paramount Studios, she was a  “John Robert Powers” model in 1934. While we are discussing anniversaries, I should mention that THREE of the studios that Marsha worked for have important anniversaries as well.  Marsha's beloved "Metro" (MGM) turns 90 years old this year, as does Columbia Studios.  Paramount, the studio that she signed with in 1935 turns 102 this year. 

Allow me to share yet ANOTHER anniversary.  Marsha made “None Shall Escape” for Columbia Pictures in 1943.  The film was released on February 3, 1944.  In a few weeks this film will celebrate its 70th anniversary.(Wouldn't it be wonderful if SONY or another film organization sponsored a 70th Anniversary Tribute to honor Marsha and the film?)  Seventy one years ago, while the U.S. was in the midst of WWII, screenwriter Lester Cole wrote this film, accurately predicting that the Allies would win the war and that there would be a world court set up to prosecute those who persecuted Jewish citizens.  This film, rarely seen (it is not out on DVD though I found a copy on the web) is historically significant because it predates “Judgement at Nuremberg” by 17 years. It is also one of the first films to show atrocities towards Jews.  The story is disturbing yet compelling at the same time. The screenplay was nominated for a"Best Story" Oscar in 1945.  It is also Marsha’s favorite of the 62 films she’s been in.  She played the female lead opposite Alexander Knox.

In honor of Marsha’s 80th anniversary in show business as well as the studios milestone birthdays, I hope you will join us in our latest fundraising venture.  I’m inviting all of you in Venice - and all over the world for that matter, to host a “Marsha Hunt” film night.  Here’s how it works. One person serves as a host and invites their friends over to their home to watch his or her favorite Marsha Hunt film.  She made 62 films.  While many are not out on DVD, send me an email and I can help you in most cases find the film you’d like to show.  All you need to do is provide popcorn and drinks, and you have an enjoyable evening.   

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To raise funds for our film, when the host sends out email invites for the evening, they will include a short fundraising trailer that we’ve put together as well as a link to our film’s “Marsha Hunt’s Sweet Adversity” Facebook page and a link to our film website where they can learn how to make a tax deductible donation.   Guests can read this at their leisure, either before they attend the screening or after. The host will also have my address in case someone wants to write out a check that evening.   It is also my hope that some guest attending the party will choose to throw their own “Marsha Hunt” film screening party and invite their friends and before you know it, there WILL be screenings held to honor Marsha ALL over the world!! So please email me and let me know that you’d like to host a party – and DO SHARE this article with Marsha fans everywhere. Let’s get the party started!!  Send me an email at memos57@aol.com telling me that you want to host a party and I will send you information you need to send guests.

Happy 80th Anniversary to Marsha Hunt and Happy 90th to MGM and Columbia Pictures!  And to Paramount Pictures at 102 years, THANK YOU for taking a chance on Marsha Hunt. You made the RIGHT CHOICE!!

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