The Colonial Theatre honors veterans and active military personnel with a rare screening of Bright Victory (1951), about a wounded WWII soldier’s recovery in a military hospital.

Many scenes were filmed in Phoenixville and Kimberton. These local connections, along with a brief history of the hospital, will be discussed by historian Ryan Conroy immediately following the 2 PM screening.

The Colonial will provide free popcorn for veterans and active military personnel and, as always, their tickets are offered at a reduced rate ($8). Join them as they celebrate those who have served, and those who serve today.

Released in 1951, the movie is based on the 1945 novel Lights Out, which is about a WWII soldier who is wounded in battle and lands in a military hospital, which is based around the Valley Forge General Hospital in Phoenixville. He is blinded by his wounds and becomes friends with another soldier who is African American. Sgt. Nevins doesn’t realize his friend’s race and tends to use casual racism in front of him but gradually learns a lesson in equality.

Conroy is a local historian who has worked with multiple local non-profit organizations and businesses in providing historical research and lectures specializing in Phoenixville and other local historical subjects. He has authored articles for magazines, websites, blogs, and documentaries on the Nat Geo channel.

He serves as President of the Spring-Ford Area Historical Society, is a Councilman for Royersford Borough, and is past President of the Historical Society of the Phoenixville Area. He has a local history show online for Voxipop called Timeless Tales where he shared quick tidbits on Phoenixville area history. Conroy enjoys sharing his love of history and knowledge of some of his favorite subjects such as local history, photography, immigration, and military history.

Learn more at the Colonial Theatre.