Last Updated: 3/31/25

ALL SECRET CINEMA PRESENTATIONS ARE SHOWN IN 16mm (or larger!) FILM ON A GIANT SCREEN (NOT VIDEO...NOT EVER!)

Since 1992, the Secret Cinema has been the Philadelphia area’s premiere floating repertory cinema series, bringing hundreds of unique programs to nightclubs, bars, coffee houses, museums, open fields, colleges, art galleries, bookstores, and sometimes even theaters and film festivals. Drawing on its own large private film archive (as well as other collections), the Secret Cinema attempts to explore the uncharted territory and the genres that fall between the cracks, with programs devoted to educational and industrial films, cult and exploitation features, cartoons, rare television, local history, home movies, erotic films, politically incorrect material, and the odd Hollywood classic. As long as it exists on real celluloid, that is—Secret Cinema screenings never use video/digital projection. While mainly based in Philadelphia, the Secret Cinema has also brought programming to other cities and countries.

Non-Secret Cinema events alert!

Talking Heads outside Plastic Fantastic record store, Bryn Mawr, Pa. © 2025 Jay Schwartz

Secret Cinema founder Jay Schwartz is involved in a couple of NON-Secret Cinema events this week that we should mention here…a gallery exhibition of his photography documenting Philadelphia's early punk/new wave music scene, and a screening of same.

You can read all about the photo show here...

From Philadelphia Seen © 2025 Jay Schwartz

…and the Lightbox Film Center screening here.

From Philadelphia with Love 2025

at Bryn Mawr Film Institute

Bryn Mawr Film Institute
824 W. Lancaster Avenue, Bryn Mawr, PA
610-527-9898

Thursday, April 10, 2025
7:30 pm
Admission: $14.50, $9.00 BMFI members, $12.00 seniors/students, $10.00 children

On Thursday, April 10, the Secret Cinema will return to the Bryn Mawr Film Institute to present another unique program of short films, called From Philadelphia With Love 2025: More Lost Local Films. While most area residents are familiar with Philadelphia films such as Rocky and Trading Places, there is a whole world of locally-made films that's been forgotten -- the ephemeral short films that were primarily made by small independent companies for the non-theatrical market. While most school districts, television stations and traveling salesmen have long ago discarded their 16mm film projectors, we at Secret Cinema have not (hardly!), and are proud to present another look at these celluloid time capsules that would otherwise not be seen again.

The Secret Cinema has been collecting, archiving and screening this fascinating area of local film history for over 25 years now. This newest edition of our Philly film program features all-new selections acquired in the last couple of years, and we are excited to debut them in Bryn Mawr.

There will be one complete show at 7:30 pm. Admission is $14.50, $12.00 seniors/students, $9.00 BMFI members.

Just a few highlights of From Philadelphia with Love 2025… will be:

The Detached Americans (1964, Dir: Dan Matticks) - A fascinating documentary hosted by CBS's Harry Reasoner, and produced right here by WCAU-TV. The film explores what seemed a disturbing new trend of witnesses to crimes not wanting to "get involved." It was clearly inspired by the real-life rape/murder of Kitty Genovese in Queens, New York that year (in which it was widely reported that 38 people watched it happen from their windows but did nothing, though this was later disproved). A similar event is dramatized here, with actors portraying the detached witnesses, while folk songs, Barbie dolls and a dreamlike sequence with mannequins attempt to explain how society got to this point. Art Director John Ferlaine created the popular syndicated kids' show Diver Dan, while cameraman Phil Galligan trained the North Philadelphia gang members who made the National Film Registry short The Jungle. The Detached Americans was televised nationally, and later circulated by an educational film distributor.

The Wildwoods By-The-Sea (early 1960s) - Promotional film made in vivid Kodachrome, highlighting the many activities and attractions to be enjoyed in this storied South Jersey beach town, in the peak years of its carnival-like boardwalk and "Doo Wop" motels. Many long-gone sites are preserved here (the Hunts Pier Flyer and Up'n Atom roller coasters! Casino Arcade! Marine Pier! The Sportland Pier Aqua Circus pool!). Plus the still extant tram car, fishing boats, and the Wildwood Baby Parade.

Betsy and the Commodore (1970s) - A detailed and very interesting look at the planning and construction of two new bridges spanning the Delaware River (the Betsy Ross Bridge and the Commodore Barry Bridge, naturally!). Produced by the Delaware River Port Authority, and narrated by former KYW anchorman Mort Crim.

The Carolyn Fall Fashion Show (1956) - Here's a rare item: a gorgeous color film showcasing the 1956 clothing line of the Carolyn Fashions dress company…all staged at Windswept, the Bryn Mawr mansion of Mr. And Mrs. David H. Clarke. The Main Line couple often hosted charitable galas at their estate, which was later occupied by the president of the Union League, J. Permar Richards. Refined-looking models (one in cat-eye glasses) parade countless colorful outfits, and a few tasteful men's suits from local manufacturer Botany 500 are also seen. Narration was provided by Vyvyan Donner, whose voice had been heard in fashion segments of the Fox Movitone newsreel since the 1930s. This film was seen at special screenings held in department stores and women's clubs around the country.

Plus more!

Maritime Movies at

Independence Seaport Museum

Independence Seaport Museum
211 S. Columbus Boulevard, Philadelphia
215-413-8655

Thursday, April 17, 2025
6:30 pm
Admission: $10.00, free for ISM members

On Thursday, April 17, the Secret Cinema will present its first public program at Philadelphia's Independence Seaport Museum (we did one members-only event there last year). Maritime Movies will include an assortment of short films (vintage school films, comedies, documentaries, and cartoons) dealing with nautical themes: boats, ships, marine life, sailors and the navy. Most of these films will be making their debut Secret Cinema appearance.

There will be one complete show at 6:30 pm. Admission is $10.00, or free to Independence Seaport Museum members.

A few highlights of Maritime Movies are:

Steamboat Willie (1928, Dir: Ub Iwerks) - This Walt Disney cartoon introduced Mickey Mouse to the world, and showed a wilder, more mischievous Mickey than was seen in later depictions. It is famous for being an early "talkie" cartoon (though it was hardly the first, as often claimed). Steamboat Willie later became infamous for the multiple extensions of its copyright. That was finally allowed to expire in 2024.

Two Faces of the Sea (1972, Dir: Lowell Wentworth) - This cinema verité look at the work of commercial fishermen in Port Clyde, Maine presents a visceral look at their challenges. The "two faces" seen are the sea's friendly side, when work goes smoothly -- and what happens when a bad storm blows in.

Life Along the Waterways (1950, Dir: John A. Haeseler) - School film made for young children to teach them about the different kinds of animals found living along brooks, streams and rivers, and the different species' interdependence, all captured in lovely Kodachrome.

Roving the Mediterranean (1934?) - A look at sailors maintaining a Navy cruiser ship, and on shore leave in Gibraltar, Tunisia and Venice. Shot silent (possibly in the 1920s), with a wiseguy narration added. "Life in the Navy is great!" Produced by the Navy Recruiting Service.

Towed in a Hole (1932, Dir: George Marshall) - Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy star as successful fish sellers who set out to "eliminate the middle-man" -- by buying an old wreck of a boat so they can catch the fish themselves. While attempting to repair their craft, things go predictably awry.

…and more!

FUTURE SECRET CINEMA EVENTS (more info soon):