Our Host

Debbie Reynolds, celebrated star of Singin’ in the Rain and Best Actress Oscar-nominee for The Unsinkable Molly Brown, has agreed to host the 2007 sequel series of Matinee at the Bijou. The ageless screen legend brings her considerable charm and talents to each of the series’ episodes. Each 2-hour matinee opens with a montage creatively edited to an original theme song performed by Ms. Reynolds. This leads into a customized episode billboard in which Reynolds describes that episode’s cartoon, short subject, action-packed serial chapter and entertaining feature presentation, shown as originally presented in the 1930s, ‘40s and ‘50s.

Bijou Bob is thrilled and honored that the great Debbie Reynolds has accepted our invitation to host the return of Matinee at the Bijou. She is joining a distinguished roster of PBS celebrity host icons and week after week will be introducing the content of each episode. Ms. Reynolds’ natural wit and personality will set just the right mood for the film fare that follows.

Ms. Reynolds has done it all in the wide world of Hollywood entertainment. During the mid-fifties our host-to-be was one of Hollywood's most sought after female stars. More recently, on TV, she appeared in the continuing role as Grace’s mom on Will & Grace. Along the way she won an Oscar nomination for her title roll in THE UNSINKABLE MOLLY BROWN (1964), and a Golden Globe nomination for her performance in Albert Brooks' MOTHER (1996). In addition she has been a perennial headliner on the Las Vegas casino-circuit.

Even the very young will remember her as the voice of "Lulu Pickles" in the animated film RUGRATS IN PARIS: THE MOVIE. In 1988, she published her autobiography: "Debbie: My life" – a fascinating book about a fascinating life well lived. Ms Reynolds has never stopped entertaining America, and coming in 2007, she will be welcomed once again into America’s homes and hearts as the star of Matinee at the Bijou.

We’ll have much more to say down the road about Debbie Reynolds’ role in the return of Matinee at the Bijou to PBS. We’ll also be letting you in on how the new opening sequence is coming together. Our star host will perform her episode intros and the closing sequence from within an absolutely eye-popping set – especially as experienced in the magic of High Definition. A vintage marquee and an ornate box office completes the image. Add the voice of Debbie Reynolds singing our all-new theme song – and all you’ll need to bring along is your crew and lots of popcorn.