The “Ohio Goes to the Movie” statewide film festival will come to Lakeside’s Orchestra Hall on May 21. (Photo by Sheri Trusty)

BY SHERI TRUSTY

Marblehead native Loretta Nellie Clemons Tupper appears in “The Purple Rose of Cairo,” a Woody Allen film that will be shown in Lakeside on May 21. (Photo by Sheri Trusty)

LAKESIDE – Across Ohio this year, cinema fans can enjoy movies that highlight Ohio’s contributions to the film industry thanks to “Ohio Goes to the Movies,” a statewide film festival held in celebration of America’s 250th anniversary. Among the theaters showing movies with Ohio connections is Orchestra Hall in Lakeside. History and movies buffs can watch “The Purple Rose of Cairo” at Orchestra Hall on May 21 at 7:30 p.m.

The movie highlights Marblehead’s own Loretta Nellie Clemons Tupper.

Tupper was born in Marblehead in 1906 and got her start in vaudeville and radio. She appeared in “Annie Hall” and “The House of God” and was a guest on Sesame Street and the Johnny Carson Show. Tupper is also affectionately remembered as the comedic, underwear-promoting woman in 1980s Fruit of the Loom commercials.

“She’s really such a famous person from our area,” said Lakeside Visual Arts Manager, Kiris Marie Fox, who is heading the Lakeside movie project with Lakeside Director of Education, John Mann. “We want to thank Linda Huber for the research she did on Loretta.”

Fox said Huber did “a lot of digging” to learn more about Tupper.

“Linda is a cochair of the Ottawa County 250 committee, so she really helped guide us,” Mann said.

“The Purple Rose of Cairo” is a Woody Allen film set in 1920s New Jersey. There is no charge to watch the movie, and there are no gate fees because the movie event will be held before the Lakeside Chautauqua season starts. Guests are encouraged to dress in 1920s attire, and they can walk a red carpet and enjoy photos ops and a spot-Loretta-Clemons contest.

“It will be glitzy glammy,” Fox said.

Many Lakeside businesses are extending their hours on May 21, giving theatergoers the chance to shop or enjoy dinner and a movie. Businesses with extended hours are:

• WB Pizza Company: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• Newport Lakeside: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Millie Magoo’s & The Fine Print: 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
• Miss Mercedes: 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
• Marilyn’s: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Bluebird: 4 to 8 p.m.
• Coffee & Cream: will be open in the evening
• Ferguson Gallery: 11 a.m.to 5 p.m.
• Beach Glass Lounge: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

For more information on Lakeside, visit www.lakeside.com. For more information about America-250 events in Ottawa County, visit www.ottawacountyhistory.org.