In Memoriam: Robert Sadlon
He was a driving force behind the restoration and development of The Moviehouse in Millerton, and in revitalizing the town.
Robert Sadlon
It’s not surprising that Cinema Paradiso was Robert Sadlon’s favorite film. Sadlon, who with his wife Carol opened The Moviehouse in Millerton, New York in 1978, lived out his life in a love affair with the movies, as did the young boy in the film.
Sadlon, who died at age 76 in May after a battle with brain cancer, was remembered in a celebration of life last week at The Moviehouse. The overflow crowd filled two of the theaters to hear about the impact that he had not just on the theater but on Millerton itself.
When the couple left the city and moved to Millerton, the town was at a low point. Dairy farming was disappearing, taking with it an economic base and population. Their decision to restore the 1904 Grange Hall (and former porno palace) to an indie and foreign film center was the spark that ignited a town transformation.
A “man with a vision,” Sadlon envisioned creating a community around film and harnessing the creativity of the people in surrounding towns. To that end, the Sadlons gave The Moviehouse a multipurpose function: they added an art gallery and café (at which they offered cappuccinos two years before Starbucks entered the scene) and created the Filmworks Forum, a nonprofit community program that presents documentary films, followed by a discussion with community leaders, filmmakers, producers, screenwriters or actors.
Early on, the couple also restored Simmons’ Way, a country inn across the street (now the Millerton Inn). When Townscape, a volunteer organization focused on community revitalization and beautification, was formed in 2007, Robert became an active participant. With his typical infectious enthusiasm, he planted trees, helped decorate Main Street for the holidays and perhaps most importantly, he and Carol spearheaded the long effort by Townscape to get Millerton’s downtown registered as a Main Street Historic District.
His attention to detail allowed customers to have a superb experience, whether it was simply to attend a film, enjoy an art exhibit or participate in a thoughtful discussion at a Filmworks Forum event.
“Robert had energy, vision, good humor and great style, which he used to tremendous effect,” said Christopher Kennan, a town councilman.
Millerton, it was noted, has become a regional magnet, and it is fitting that Sadlon, a daily fixture in the Village and at The Moviehouse, had a starring role in Millerton’s renaissance.
