Secret Cinema Films from the Urban Archives: Secrets from Philadelphia’s Past April 16,Paley Library, Lecture Hall Two original 90-minutes programs starting at 4:00 and 6:00 pm We’ve unearthed great tidbits of Philadelphia history from the Urban Archives’ film collections to be shown on screen and to the public for one day only by the Secret Cinema. This program is presented by film curator and collector Jay Schwartz, who has been providing audiences across Philadelphia with glimpses of rare treasures on 16mm film for over 15 years. He has curated programs for Eastern State Penitentiary, the American Philosophical Society, the Franklin Institute and Moore College of Art. Please join us for a special presentation at Temple University Libraries. Highlights include: SSIGNMENT: 1747 RANDOLPH STREET (1966) – A hard-hitting documentary from an ongoing series produced by WFIL-TV, this episode focuses on North Philadelphia’s Ludlow neighborhood — then awash with gangs, graffiti, abandoned homes, and violent crime. While many of these problems may now seem eternal, this close-up view of urban decay not yet taken for granted remains powerful and shocking. THE ELECTRIC FACTORY, NEWS FOOTAGE (1968?) – This reel of silent, outtake footage from a news report provides an invaluable look inside Philadelphia’s legendary psychedelic rock ballroom, then located in a former tire warehouse at 22nd & Arch Streets. On display are lightshows, see-saws and sliding boards, clothing and face paint vendors, and coffin-like “body racks” for patrons in need of relaxation — the one detail of the old club that was faithfully recreated in the much larger concert venue of the same name that opened in the 1990s. The original Electric Factory, which hosted concerts by Jimi Hendrix, The Mothers of Invention, The Who, and many other legends, closed forever in 1970. CONNIE MACK STADIUM CLOSING, NEWS FOOTAGE (1970) – Another reel of outtake footage, showing the final game, fans removing seats, the man who stole home plate, and the final fan-made wreckage of the once proud baseball stadium in the calm of the following day. THE SPIRIT OF PHILADELPHIA: THE UNENDING RENAISSANCE (1966) – “By the end of the second World War, Philadelphia was a sick city.” This documentary takes a hopeful look towards a better future, with looks at the redevelopment of Society Hill, Market East and Penn’s Landing, archival scenes of the building of the Ben Franklin Parkway, and interviews with visionary city planner Ed Bacon. BROAD STREET STATION CLOSING NEWS FOOTAGE (1952) – A nostalgic and sad view of the last train to leave Frank Furness’ grand railroad station, with music played on board by the Philadelphia Orchestra. Plus much. much more.