Later This Month: Help Us Celebrate the “Sally of the Sawdust” Centennial

This one goes out to all W.C. Fields fans, silent movie fans, circus fans, and fans of the Borough of Queens and its history! I sure hope that covers everyone! My old friends at the Greater Astoria Historical Society are generously hosting me in a centennial screening/celebration of Fields’ first feature film Sally of the Sawdust (1925) this coming March 26. Sally was based on Fields’ smash hit 1923 Broadway show Poppy, which basically put Fields on the map and was instrumental in forging what would come to be recognized as his popular screen character. It was filmed at Paramount’s studio in Astoria, Queens — that’s the local angle. I’ll talk about the film and the circumstances of its creation, and then we’ll show it! Also copies of my book Chain of Fools will be on hand for your purchasing convenience.

Here are the details:

WHEN: Wednesday, March 26, 2025, 6:30pm (sharp)

WHERE: Grove34 (a.k.a. G34), 31-83 34th St, Astoria, NY 11106

ADMISSION: $5, free to members of the Greater Astoria Historical Society

Tickets and directions here.

Hope to see you there!