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"Voices from the Basement" A film about the original Filene's Automatic Bargain Basement
told by the people who worked and shopped there
(Boston) More than three hundred invited guests crowded into the Omni Parker House Rooftop Ballroom tonight to view "Voices from the Basement," the latest work of local filmmaker Michael Bavaro and Executive Producer Dr. Susan Edbril. Edbril began this project as a tribute to her grandmother, a 35-year employee of the original Filene’s Basement in Downtown Boston. Popcorn in hand, Bostonian shoppers traveled down memory lane during the 45-minute documentary. “Voices from the Basement” is a journey back to a time when the American Dream was available to everyone who walked through the doors of "The Basement."
Estelle Parsons, straight off her striking performance in "August: Osage County" at the Colonial Theatre, was the evening's guest of honor. She arrived with her daughter and several members of the cast, and was honored by the film's producers before the screening, with an original Estelle Parsons celebrity card encased in glass. The Academy Award-winning actress and original member of NBC’s “Today” show in 1952 reveals in the film that much of her wardrobe for the “Today” show was purchased at the renowned Filene’s Basement.
Longtime Basement employees, members of the Downtown Crossing Association, as well as celebrities featured in the film walked the red carpet before a new interactive backdrop display created by TouchMe Marketing. The innovative Interactive Touch Screen reacted to passersby for a life-sized interactive experience. The giant screen displayed images which moved, changed color and interacted closely with guests, in a presentation of a modern advertising style that provided a stark contrast to original Basement promotions of years gone by.
The event was packed with celebrity Bostonians and longtime Filene’s Basement employees who enjoyed a reception sponsored by the Omni Parker Hotel. A display of many artifacts and souvenirs of the Basement, provided an authentic backdrop of nostalgia.
The history of Filenes’s Basement is captured through newsreels, archival footage, vintage photographs and audio recordings. Its founding brothers Edward and Lincoln Filene, were two of the great retail pioneers who helped shape many of the social and economic paradigms that made America great.
Among nostalgic stories of bygone automatic markdowns and bargain prices, notable shoppers sharing their own stories in the film include CBS news legend Mike Wallace, Rep. Barney Frank, Governor Michael Dukakis and “the most celebrated Basement shopper,” Mayor Thomas M. Menino.
The film concludes with comments made by Boston developer John B. Hynes III and new Filene’s Basement owner Marcy Syms, sharing their thoughts about the future of the famed landmark.
Susan D. Edbril, PhD, is a clinical psychologist who began this project to honor the memory of her grandmother Beatrice Ward. Bea worked in The Basement for more than 39 years and told stories of the loyalty and dedication shown by employees to the Filene’s company. Employees were family to one another, and shared a special bond. All customers were treated with respect, and everyone was treated equally, regardless of class or status.
Michael Bavaro is a Massachusetts native and has produced television and film content for Disney, NBC, CBS and other clients throughout his 20-year career. He recently produced a documentary film about Boston’s beloved TV cowboy Rex Trailer. The filmed aired on WBZ-TV and is now part of the permanent collection at the Museum of Television & Radio in New York.
A silent auction held during the reception raised money for the Corwin-Russell School in Sudbury. The independent school enrolls high-potential students with varied learning styles, exceptional creativity, untapped interests, talents, and strengths.
There are plans in the works to show the film in a downtown theatre and on a local television station.
