Richard Gere focuses on community, connections

Actor Richard Gere, who has family roots in Susquehanna County, delivered remarks about community and connectedness prior to a showing of his film, Pretty Woman, on Saturday at the Montrose Area Jr.-Sr. High School. Several other of Gere’s films were shown throughout the weekend at the Montrose Movie Theatre. Proceeds raised from the film festival, hosted by the Montrose Restoration Committee, will be used to restore the theater marquee. STAFF PHOTO/STACI WILSON

Actor Richard Gere focused on community and connections in his remarks before a packed house at the Montrose Area Jr.-Sr. High School prior to a showing of his film, Pretty Woman.
Gere headlined a Montrose Restoration Committee film festival which featured several showings of his movies over the past weekend. Proceeds from the film festival have been earmarked by the MRC to restore the Montrose Movie Theatre’s iconic marquee.
“I came from here,” Gere told the crowd in the high school auditorium, noting familiar faces in the audience.
His father grew up on a farm in Brooklyn Township. The farm is now known as the Beeman Farm, Gere said. “My dad grew up milking cows. Some of the cows there today are genetically from the same herd.”
In speaking about his return to the area, Gere noted, “I feel a sense of connection and continuity. You and I come from the same place.”
That fact, he said, illustrates, “You can achieve your dreams, especially here in America, it is completely possible.”
As an actor, Gere said there is humility in making movies. “There are hundreds of stories in this room,” he said, “None of the stories are separate, they are all connected. We are connected with other people – their lives, wishes and dreams.”
In a world before devices, people looked at, talked and listened to each other, he said. “My dad (now in his 90s) is deeply connected to those around us.”
“Small town people are the future of America,” he said, “They are there for each other, and care fore each other.
The Montrose Movie Theatre, he offered, is a manifestation of that support and caring.
He challenged the audience to think beyond the theater marquee. “My hope is that beyond this experience, this entire community embraces the challenge of the movie theater.”
“Save that sacred sense of community and connectedness,” Gere said.
The Montrose Theatre opened in 1921, and is currently owned by the Montrose Restoration Committee (MRC), a local not-for-profit corporation.
In recent years, the MRC has replaced the theater’s 1920s reel projector with digital equipment and Dolby surround sound. A new roof, as well as new seating, has also been installed in the theater.
Information about the MRC and the theater restoration efforts can be found at www.montroserestorationcommittee.org.