“I think the character of the summer visitors which are coming here is deteriorating…The traffic and the cars are getting so thick, they can hardly stack any more in here.”
Every so often, Leavitt Theatre in downtown Ogunquit will air a film always certain to bring out a wide swath of local residents, both old and new, to their historic movie house for an evening of warm nostalgia and laughter.
Originally aired nationally on PBS in 1975 (through WNET New York) and now digitally remastered, “The Marginal Way” is a portrait of Ogunquit, Maine told through the lives of its residents and tourists in the summer of 1973.
About “The Marginal Way“ Film
“The Marginal Way” is a vivid snapshot of a vibrant community during an era of change.
“The Marginal Way, once an old Native American trail, is now a famous south coastal Maine attraction. Like the trail, the film roams through Ogunquit Village, following the artists, fishermen, hippies, hermits, and the pensioners who call this place home. The film crisscrosses through the lives of everyone, from the towns’ natives, to its’ “hippie newcomers”, to the 14,000+ tourists that visit each summer. In a series of unique and tender portraits, The Marginal Way captures the evocative mood of this seemingly timeless coastal community adapting to natural and societal changes.”
Filmmaker Bill Benenson saw the importance of the Native American trail snaking along the coastline of Ogunquit and how the various facets of the colorful community coexisting near this famed scenic walkway was evolving over time. Preserving both the environment and the culture is a theme that interests Benenson (Director/Producer).
Click Play Below To View The Trailer For The Film: “The Marginal Way”
Rent Or Purchase The Film: “The Marginal Way”
Would you like to see more of the happenings in Ogunquit, Maine back in the early 1970’s?
If you’re sitting at home, waiting out the COVID-19 stay-at-home orders (and are tired of putting together HUGE puzzles depicting Ogunquit, Maine scenery to pass the time) — the filmmaker of “The Marginal Way” has made the film available for streaming rent/purchase – and via DVD.
Additional Information
Benenson is best known for his award-winning documentary “Dirt! The Movie“, in addition to his recent The Hadza: Last of the First. He also served in the Peace Corps in Brazil; plus he is a passionate environmentalist and supporter of The Nature Conservancy, The Natural Resources Defense Council, Conservation International, Bioneers, Rainforest Action Network, Defenders of Wildlife, and the Union of Concerned Scientists.
Disclaimer: This information was deemed reliable (at time of publication) – but it is not guaranteed – hours of operation, offerings, availability, prices, details, and etc. are subject to change or withdrawal at any time and for any reason. All data should be independently verified.
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