Celebrating Buffalo's "Natural" History
The Law Firm of Herschel Gelber and the Riviera Theatre present the films "The Natural" and "Tiny Magic."

North Tonawanda, New York

Thursday – July 20th at 7:30pm - The Law Firm of Herschel Gelber and the historic Riviera Theatre are proud to present a very special “double feature” as part of this summer’s Filmed In WNY Movie Series. This week’s film - “The Natural” (PG) – starring Robert Redford was filmed in Buffalo in 1983 and premiered to critical acclaim in 1984. Based on the novel by Bernard Malamud and directed by Barry Levinson, the classic film about a middle-aged batter named Roy Hobbs who, with the aid of a baseball bat cut from a lightening-struck tree, takes a losing baseball team to the top on the league. Filmmakers scouted the country for a stadium to use in game scenes and Buffalo’s War Memorial Stadium, built in 1937, provided the perfect backdrop and the “pre WWII feel” they were looking for. The cinematography (by Oscar Nominee, Caleb Deschanel), much of which showcases the unique architecture and flavor of Western New York, is considered by critics to be among the most beautiful of any film of it’s era. Whether you’re a movie buff, or a Western New Yorker who had the chance to be a part of the making of “ The Natural”, you won’t want to miss the rare opportunity to see this American classic in the restored splendor of the Riviera Theatre.

Preceding “The Natural”, director and Buffalo native John Takacs will be on stage to discuss and present his acclaimed 2003 featurette “Tiny Magic” (G). A haunting and beautiful film in it’s own right, it has been a selection of both The Rochester International Film Festival and the Taos Talking Picture Festival.

Buffalo Attorney Herschel Gelber, as the sponsor for The Filmed In WNY Movie Series has committed to make quality family entertainment and activities affordable for local residents all summer. By donating hundreds of tickets for each film, along with Bison’s baseball tickets to local youth and charitable groups, and sponsoring giveaways on television and radio throughout July and August, Gelber is helping to make the unique cultural and community experiences of WNY available to all.