Newly Uncovered WWII-Era Scarsdale Film to be Screened

Film reel: After being uncovered, the original film reel that has now been digitized by the Scarsdale Historical Society.Scarsdale Historical Society today announced a film screening for a newly uncovered film that was created by residents in 1946. Scarsdale in World War II chronicles how Scarsdalians united and rallied in support of the war effort in the 1940s, and was produced and screened as part of a fundraising campaign for Jewish refugee children. This will be the first time the movie has been publicly shown in decades, and the public can RSVP now for the event on Tuesday, March 26, 2024 at 7:30 PM at Scarsdale Public Library.

The original 16mm film was found in storage at the Scarsdale Public Library, and all 1,200 feet of film has been digitized and preserved by the Scarsdale Historical Society. This historic treasure presents a stunning, visual testimony of Scarsdale life in the 1940’s. The footage captures Scarsdale’s landmarks as they appeared almost 80 years ago, including the only-known footage of some sites that no longer exist.

The motion picture is associated with many high-profile figures, particularly the president of Twentieth Century Fox, Murray Silverstone of Richbell Close. His wife, Dorothy Silverstone, was one of the leaders of the charitable organization behind the film. It was produced by stage producer Julian Olney and narrated by preeminent American broadcaster Lowell Thomas.

“Digitizing and sharing this film is part of our commitment to preserving and disseminating Scarsdale’s history,” stated Randy Guggenheimer, President of the Scarsdale Historical Society. “Residents of all backgrounds, ages and religions united in the face of war, and this film is a priceless snapshot of Scarsdale’s deep-rooted civic-minded past.”

A cameraman in a Scarsdale Golf Club locker room, capturing residents as they donate blood through the Red Cross Blood Bank. (Credit: Scarsdale Inquirer, May 17, 1946)

Admission to the film is free. The event is co-sponsored by the Scarsdale Historical Society and the Scarsdale Public Library.

The public can register here for the premiere.

Note: The film will be presented as originally created. It contains outdated language which may cause offense.

About the Scarsdale Historical Society
The Scarsdale Historical Society exists to discover, preserve and disseminate historical information, as well as inspire others to learn about and contribute to the history of Scarsdale and the Central Mid-Westchester Region. The Scarsdale Historical Society accepts grant applications for projects that meet its mission, particularly those that will inspire others to learn about the history of Scarsdale and the surrounding communities. Learn more at www.scarsdalehistoricalsociety.org.