1929 Oscars — local screenings

This is the first in an occasional series of posts saluting Academy award winning films and the Glens Falls area theaters where they were screened.

“This picture has been creating a sensation and playing to capacity crowds all over the country, and is considered one of the best pictures of the year,” The Post-Star reported on May 8, 1928, of the movie “7th Heaven,” opening for a three-day run at Empire Theatre on South Street in Glens Falls.

Theater goers that wanted to compliment the film’s leading lady directly could write to actress Janet Gaynor in care of Fox Studios in Hollywood, The Post-Star reported on May 12.

Lux Toilet Soap, in case you were wondering, was the actress’s favorite soap, if a June 13, 1929 Post-Star advertisement can be believed.

“There’s a caressing quality to Lux Toilet Soap that I have never found except in costly French soaps,” Gaynor was quoted in the advertisement. “My skin feels soft and smooth.”

Praise for the film was not just marketing.

“7th Heaven” won three Academy awards in 1929, the first year of the awards:

• Frank Burzage for Best Director of a dramatic film
• Gaynor for Best Actress
• Benjamin Glazer for Best Writing, adaptation

“7th Heaven” also showed in January 1928 at The Rialto Theatre in Glens Falls, in February 1928 at The Strand Theater in Hudson Falls, and in April 1928 at The Bradley Theater in Fort Edward.

Lewis Milestone won Best Director of a comedy film for “Two Arabian Nights,” which showed in July 1928 at The Rialto and in October at The Strand.

“Wings,” which opened Sept. 10, 1928 at The Empire, won three Oscars:

• Best Picture
• Engineering Effects
• Outstanding Picture

Emil Jennings won Best Actor for “The Last Command,” which opened Jan. 21, 1929 at The State Theater in Glens Falls.

Ben Hecht won Best Writing of an original script for “Underworld,” which showed in January 1929 at The State, February 1929 at The Strand, and May 1934 at The Paramount Theater in Glens Falls.

Other 1929 Academy Award winner are as follows:

• Best Art Direction, William Cameron Menzies for “The Dove”
• Best Cinematography and Best Unique and Artistic Picture — “Sunrise”