World Hypnotism Day at Pothole Pictures in Shelburne Falls, MA

On Friday and Saturday January 4^th and 5^th, Pothole Pictures will join with the Western Mass. Chapter of the National Guild of Hypnotists to celebrate World Hypnotism Day (which falls on January 4^th) for a showing of the 1931 black and white John Barrymore classic film SVENGALI accompanied by a discussion led by the Hypnotists Guild about hypnosis fact vs. fiction.

SVENGALI is a harrowing tale of unrequited love as a run-down music teacher in Paris falls in love with a woman who becomes a singing sensation while under his hypnotic spell. Featuring bizarre Parisian sets, memorable visual effects, an enthralling performance by Barrymore, and an unexpected shocker of an ending, this seldom-seen expressionistic masterpiece is THE film which initiated the mythological image of the evil hypnotist in the movies and , indeed, hypnotized audiences into believing many serious misconceptions ever after.

Deborah Yaffee, president of the Wesstern Mass. Chapter, will introduce the film both evenings and Yaffee, and other members of the local guild, will conduct a question and answer session after the film both nights to help folks separate "movie" hypnosis from "real" hypnosis.

As an added bonus, Tom Nicoli, founder of World Hypnotism Day who has taught students and faculty at Harvard Medical School about the mind/body healing connection, will speak at Saturday's show.

A raffle and free-drawing for hypno-gifts from chapter members will also be held.

More information about World Hypnotism Day can be found at www.worldhypnotismday.com.

The discussion and film begins at 7:30 both nights but there will be live music on stage by the classic jazz band The Illiterati starting at 7:00.

Tickets are $6 at the door for adults, $4 for kids under 12, and PotPix advance season tickets are also accepted. For this special show, advance tickets for $4 apiece are available online at www.nghwmass.com or by calling Trish Casimira. Chapter vice-president, at 413-772-0023.

It should be noted that absolutely no barking or clucking will be allowed in the theater for this event.

Pothole Pictures is an all-volunteer-run, non-profit, 420-seat community movie house, with a BIG screen, located at 51 Bridge Street in Shelburne Falls, MA. The theater is fully heated and handicapped accessible.

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