Details:
After a run of over 15 years, the Historical Society of the Upper Mojave Desert will present its final film, the holiday classic starring Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye, on Wednesday, December 17 at 7:15 pm.
A variety of reasons are explained by film curator and host, Nick Rogers. According to Rogers, “Attendance has drastically decreased in the last several years. We used to attract audiences of 25 to 40 patrons per every flex Wednesday presentation, Our lovely facility, the Historic USO Building with its large screen, exciting film programs, 4-channel sound, the recent addition of comfortable cooling and the thrifty Snack Bar have recently attracted very small numbers of movie lovers.(only five valued patrons showed up on the last screening.) Our requested ‘donation, only’ admission has only increased by one dollar in the 15 years of operation.”Continues Rogers, “The decline in attendance came about sharply during the COVID years, as we, with so many other local businesses, were required to remain closed during the long pandemic. During this period, movie watching changed drastically with the introduction of many streaming venues offered to the public. This effect on viewing films in communal settings has been lasting ever since. Theater chains are only recently making profits again.” Rogers further explains that the $50 donations from local businesses for the yearly-required purchase of the pricey film exhibition license have all but dried up during the last year. “Out of some 20 sponsors, only five had responded to my yearly donation drive in 2025,” sighs Rogers, “and one of those has recently gone out of business. The trying current economy completely explains this, and I certainly understand.”
The final reason for the series’ end is personal for Nick Rogers. “My husband and I have purchased our retirement home in Palm Springs, and I will be moving there after the Christmas holiday. Hubby will follow, permanently, in a few years. I will be returning to Ridgecrest off-and on to help ready our Inyokern home for sale.” Continues Rogers, “The intense work to prepare for each Movie Night and the long commute back-and-forth have already taken its toll on my health. So, after many years of lovingly screening classic films for audiences to share in a beautiful communal setting, I must now hang up my director’s cap! I want to thank all my loyal movie lovers who have been so kind and supportive through the many years. As I have always been saying: 'The Movies…Bring Us Together!' And. You have always proven me right!"
Cut, print...That's A Wrap! —
Finish off Classic Movie Night with a bang on Wednesday, December 17. (Photo: AARP)
