STAUNCH: The Second Annual Grey Gardens Festival

This year Staunch loosely draws upon the world of the Bouvier-Beales – their past, their influences, and the life of one of the people they had a profound effect upon. On Friday we will start with the basics – Grey Gardens itself, and our panel will include executive producer Lucy Donnelly who did extensive research for the HBO narrative film, also titled Grey Gardens. A double feature of films from the ’30′s, the era of Little Edie’s youth, explores the tension between women’s familial allegiances, societal expectations, and their own ambitions- Blonde Venus starring Little Edie’s beloved (and Big Edie’s despised) Marlene Dietrich, and Imitation of Life. Exploring the other side of the Bouvier coin, represented by Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis, Albert Maysles will screen Robert Drew’s Primary, which follows JFK’s first primary election – an early example of the intimate Direct Cinema style that informed Grey Gardens. The festival concludes Sunday with a brunch celebration of sculptor and one-time Grey Gardens handyman, Jerry “The Marble Faun” Torre, and a screening of The Beales of Grey Gardens.

On Display: Sculptures and drawings by Jerry Torre, Grey Gardens photographs and film-stills by Albert Maysles, photographs by Ron Lieberman (who photographed Little Edie for her Reno Sweeney cabaret performance poster) and other artists TBA.

For Sale: Grey Gardens books, posters, DVDs, T-shirts, original Grey Gardens film programs and tote bags, all proceeds going towards the Maysles Institute’s cinema and education programs.
Thanks to all who came last year – the proceeds from ticket sales and merchandise bought us our new theater seats!

Sneak Preview:
The Marble Faun of Grey Gardens
Dir. Jason Hay & Steve Pelizza, work-in-progress, 13 min.
From the filmmakers: “Jerry Torre’s life story unfolds as a classic American tale. A compromising childhood, then a dash for freedom leading him indirectly to Grey Gardens, a formative event in his life. Later awakening to his sexuality in the 1970’s in New York City, going on to travel in Europe and the Middle East under unique circumstances, and sadly falling into some of the darker passions in life. Eventually pulling himself up and dusting himself off, he decides to heed a lifelong call to carve stone and discovers his love for the craft. Jerry Torre’s sculptures help free him, and he fully develops into the beloved individual he is today.”

Followed by a discussion with sculptor Jerry Torre, about his life with the Beales and beyond! Jason Hay and Steve Pelizza will also be on hand to discuss their work-in-progress film, The Marble Faun of Grey Gardens.

Light brunch fare and mimosas available before, during and after the screenings/discussion.

General Musings