In catching up on my blog posts, I am finally getting around to mentioning about attending the World Premiere of a documentary movie that was held on June 7, 2014 at the historic Columbus Theater in Providence, RI. The documentary was filmed by Jeff Toste and tells the story of “The Oldest Operating Diner on Wheels” – Haven Brothers Diner of Providence! I had known about the making of this movie as I had been contacted by Jeff to be interviewed approximately 2 years or so ago. In fact I did have 2 small appearances within the film and I have to say I was pleased with how I came across! Jeff did an extremely great job in putting together hundreds of interviews to create this highly informative and entertaining film! I was honored to have a small part in it, thanks Jeff! The next 2 photos were shot the day that Jeff interviewed me back in the spring of 2012. The diner had just pulled in to start the daily shift from 5:00 PM til the early morning.
Haven Brothers Diner, Providence, RI. Circa 2012 photo by Larry Cultrera
Haven Brothers Diner, Providence, RI. Circa 2012 photo by Larry Cultrera
The sign showing the reserved spot the diner has next door to City Hall in
Providence. Circa 2012 photo by Larry Cultrera
Denise and I drove down to Providence on June 7th and had lunch at the newly restored West Side Diner not too far from the Columbus Theater. When we got to the theater in the early evening we saw old friends Paula Walsh (and her husband Ed) as well as her partner in crime, Denise Bass. I also finally met Chris Martin who is a Facebook friend and long-time acquaintance. He was also one of the people interviewed in the movie. The next few shots show Haven Brothers Diner parked right out in front of the the Theater on the evening of the Premiere!
Haven Brothers Diner outside of the Columbus Theater, Providence, RI.
Before the World Premiere of the movie, June 7, 2014 photo by Larry Cultrera
Haven Brothers Diner outside of the Columbus Theater, Providence, RI.
Before the World Premiere of the movie, June 7, 2014 photo by Larry Cultrera
Haven Brothers Diner outside of the Columbus Theater, Providence, RI.
After the World Premiere of the movie, June 7, 2014 photo by Larry Cultrera
Haven Brothers Diner outside of the Columbus Theater, Providence, RI.
After the World Premiere of the movie, June 7, 2014 photo by Larry Cultrera
Haven Brothers Diner outside of the Columbus Theater, Providence, RI.
After the World Premiere of the movie, June 7, 2014 photo by Larry Cultrera
Jeff Toste makes his directorial debut with this movie which is described as a “Feature length documentary” featuring an all Rhode Island music sampler soundtrack…
Haven Brothers: Legacy of the American Diner tells the story of Haven Bros. Diner, the oldest operating diner on wheels. The original “fast food,” the original food truck, this late night lunch cart has diligently served patrons for over 120 years. Located in the birthplace of the American diner, Providence, RI, the documentary centers around the fact that Haven Bros. was almost lost to the modernizing of Providence. The diner was moved from its reserved parking spot next to Providence City Hall, and this was considered blasphemy to its loyal followers.
In the words of lifelong Providence resident and founder of artists’ collaborative AS220, Umberto Crenca, “It’s not just the physical reality of it being here, but the conceptual reality of it being not here. What would be missed?”
Lovers, haters, historians, public officials, college students, and many colorful characters share the history and heartburn of the oldest diner
on wheels. (courtesy http://havenbrothersmovie.com/ ). The Haven Brothers Movie has been recently selected to take part in the Rhode Island International Film Fest and in fact it has won an award! See this link… http://www.providencejournal.com/features/entertainment/movies-tv/20140812-r.i.-international-film-fest-awards-prizes.ece
I highly recommend if you have a chance to see this movie, do it!
