Rex to show vintage movie filmed in Montana

It's a cause that needs constant assistance, and an investment that pays out in dividends. The historic building that is the Rex Theatre is the only building that serves the original purpose for which it was built, bearing the original name and nearly identical structurally as it was established in 1939.

Over the years, there have been various efforts to raise money to keep the doors open in the movie house-turned-show venue. Owners Doug and Karen Grimm took it on hoping to show movies, but the movie industry turned digital with very expensive equipment upgrades and high licensing fees with which small theaters struggled.

Doug took the lemons and made lemonade, removing rows of seating and building a good-sized stage that has since housed world-renowned performers, high school plays and local musicians.

While the change to live performances came with a new facet of dignity for the venue, it also came with new expenses for lighting, sound, curtains and safety additions that didn't fit within the income limitations of the performance house (as well as heating in the winter). But it has been a labor of love and much of the community loves the Rex Theatre as much as Doug and Karen.

The latest fundraising effort to keep the Rex afloat involves a throwback to the theatre's history and a special showing of a movie that was filmed on location in northwest Montana, released in 1955.

"TimberJack" was shot in the Polson area and other nearby locations in 1954. Buzz around the film was high in the region and big to-do's were made about its showing in local theaters.

Adapted from a story by Great Falls author Dan Chapman, the film brought Montana moviegoers out. The locomotive engine from the movie is on display at Fort Missoula. Upon its general release, Rex Theatre in Thompson Falls held what could be called a movie party. A logging truck packed to the gills and decorated with banners and movie posters was parked in front of the theater, and audiences were excited to find a seat for the show.

Ironically, when Doug was doing some remodeling of the theater, he found nostalgic memorabilia from the time. Now on display in the theater are original posters from "TimberJack" that had been used by the Rex to promote the film. Doug found multiple copies of the posters beneath floorboards he was ripped up. Many were water damaged, but the salvageable ones were hung throughout the building. A black and white photo of the logging truck in front of the theater is featured in the retro-fitted theater lobby.

To celebrate the release of "TimberJack," the history of the Rex Theatre and to help raise money for its continued existence, Thompson Falls High School Alumni are banding together to host a commemorative showing of the film.

"TFHS Alumni Dick Komberec has spearheaded this effort," said alum Ruth Cheney. "Doug and Karen have said there are needed improvements for the theater and we're hoping this effort will help."

A matinee showing of "TimberJack" will take place Thursday, December 28 and an evening show Friday, December 29. Much of the fanfare and details are still in the works, but the event promises to be a special glimpse into the movies of the past and the terrain of Montana in the 1950's. There are only two full-length feature films ever filmed in Missoula/Polson area – neither are available on video anymore - "Timberjack" is one of them. It will be played from original reels used from the movie's release.

For more information about how to fund the Rex Theatre's continued use in the community call Doug Grimm at 827-4720.