Portsmouth Rotary Log for August 17, 2017
By Dick Seery
Photos by Tube Loch
Alright you JEOPARDY! fans, identify this mystery person ….
A not-so-typical Hollywood producer who lived in Newington on the Piscataqua River. Though far from Hollywood, he produced movies based on true stories in actual locations. He did so while often using local people in the cast. Aside from three spy films, his movies and short films typically dealt with controversial subjects. Stories that ran the gamut from labor relations to racism. These pioneering efforts gave him the sobriquet "father of the docu-drama."
He filmed his first news reel when he was 12 years old. Later, he established his reputation producing The March of Time newsreels in the 1930’s and 40’s. His pre-World War II documentaries elucidated the dangers posed by Hitler. They caused some to label him Red. [1]
Need a hint ?
The March of Time organization, sponsored by Time, Inc., produced feature films for theatrical release. It created documentary series for early television, too. In fact, its first TV series, Crusade in Europe (1949), received a Peabody Award. “Crusade” also won one of the first Emmy Awards.
More hints…He was a pioneer (1953) in the production of wide-screen pre-“Cinerama” type films. The technique involved using three mounted cameras. The films captured the wide “breath” of his subject on a curved, wrap-around movie screen.
More noticeably, he co-directed and produced films like The Ramparts, We Watch, Animal Farm and Man on a String. Others included Show Business at War, We are the Marines, Norway in Revolt and Whistle at Eaton Falls. Lloyd Bridges and Earnest Borgnine, starred in that one, remember them? Inside Nazi Germany was another of his huge movies.
Give up JEOPARDY! Fans?
You are correct to identify Louis de Rochemont II (1899-1978).
Rotarian Barbara Miller introduced our story telling speaker, Sue Polidura.
Born in Puerto Rico and retired US Air Force, Sue is a self-professed political activist and historian. She entertained everyone with prolific and, at times, humorous stories. She remembers Louis de Rochemont as a Rotarian who advocated why Portsmouth needed a traffic circle. The same one that now exits US Rte. 95—but while it was still in the planning stage.
Another (losing) protest targeted locating PEASE Air Force Base in Newington. The U.S. Government took the farm land by eminent domain any way.
De Rochmont’s had solid connections to the Intelligence community (CIA.) He also “professionally collaborated” with the FBI’s J. Edgar Hoover. Those contacts allowed him to gather true information for spy stories.
For curious reasons, many his films can be viewed today on the Internet. Try U-TUBE.
Announcements.
John Rice informed Rotarians about the committal service for Rev. Gordon Allen on Sunday, August 27th at St. John’s Church 101 Chapel Street. The simple ceremony immediately follows the regular 8 a.m. service at about 9 a.m.
Frank Firicamo, co-chair of the Communications Committee, gracefully thanked co-chair, Susan Gold, for her tremendous leadership. Unfortunately for us, Susan’s business has grown and she can no longer devote precious time. Please contact Frank if you wish to be on the Committee.
Lou Gagnon has organized a Gundalow Cruise for Monday, August 28th – 5-7 PM.
E-mail him for details at gagnonjr@gmail.com
President Ben Wheeler reintroduced Allison Graybill as a Portsmouth Rotarian after involvement with theYork and Hampton clubs. Ben and Allison work together (at an un-mentioned Bank.)
50/50 Winner –
Tom Decker received $53, winning the raffle for the umpteenth time. The bonus is $175 and there was no match.
Visiting Guests/Rotarian Hosts
Bernard Doherty / Gene Doherty
Pack Knowles / Steve Bennet
Natalie Petersen / James Petersen
Respectfully submitted, Dick Seery
