Last Thursday, the Harbor Theater was one of a handful of Maine movie houses to screen “Downton Abbey, the Movie.” Board directors Helen and Ham Meserve weren’t satisfied with just showing the much anticipated movie. No, they decided a costume contest would make the evening interesting. And why not add a champagne and hors d’oeurves reception by Eventide Specialties? 

Over 40 audience members dressed for the occasion as various members of the Crawley family residing in Grantham Manor – Earl of Grantham Robert and Countess of Crawley Lady Cora, their daughters –ladies Mary and Edith; Dowager Countess Violet Crawley, head cook Mrs. Patmore; Crawley cousin Lady Rose; Isobel Crawley ... Carson – of course! And there were a few obscure characters, guests at one of the balls at the Manor, a hunter (great fun); and Scotland Yard’s Detective Vyner. Who? I know. I couldn’t recall him either. Fortunately, he was wearing an “info tag” – what I call a cross between a name tag and detailed character description – that, naturally, had to be read aloud. There were, as I recall, three or four contestants wearing these tags.

Everyone got into the contestants’ efforts that led to many, many outstanding costumes ... Judges Annette Stormont, Patricia Renfro and Connie Jones had three difficult decisions to make and here they are:  Most Elegant, Linda and Tom Patrick as Earl and Countess Crawley. They really were sensational! Most Authentic, Ann Barker as Mrs. Patmore. Ann was so into character (she had jumped, no, not literally, behind the service tables to help out the Eventide crew: Kim Martin (also dressed as Mrs. Patmore), M.J. Hodder and P.J. Strohman-Cann)! And now we come to the Most Outrageous Award ... given to Rusty Court, as a guest, Lord Bunbottom, I think it was ...

The costume contest was a raging success. No doubt about that. And the film? Thoroughly enjoyed by all! There’s nothing like being part of a large group (in this case a full house) reacting together to scenes from the film you’re watching. Lots of laughter, and one or two group sharp intakes of breath ... the night was magic from beginning to end.