The first silent movie ever made in the U.S. was filmed in Milford, Pennsylvania in 1912. It was called “The Informer,” and it starred Mary Pickford, queen of the silent film; the producer was D.W. Griffith. Even in silent black-and-white format, the beauty of the Poconos shined through.
Later, Zane Grey, Lillian Gish, John Barrymore and many others appeared in films made here. The historic Milford Theater still stands from the early 1920s, when it opened as a silent movie theater; some say that it contains state equipment from the 1939 New York World’s Fair, and some say that the ghost of a former producer still lives there.
Today, Milford (and the Milford Theater) is home to the Black Bear Film Festival which has become one of the fastest-growing in Pennsylvania. This annual October festival features classics like “The Red Badge of Courage” along with new, up-and-coming independent films, as well as an environmentally-conscious film and information program and the Salon, a forum featuring short films.
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Things to know:
Region: Pocono
Related Onsite Offerings: Enter the annual "Catch-A-Bear" photo and video contest! Catch a black bear in action on film to win this coveted contest.
Fun facts: Named one of Frommer's "Ten Coolest Small Towns in America."
Average population: 1,104
Photos courtesy of Black Bear Film Festival.
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