Over its 97-year history, Tampa Theatre has starred in the love stories of many Bay-area romantics: from first dates under the starry sky to stolen kisses in the balcony; from “meet cutes” under the historic marquee to Hollywood-dream proposals on the stage. If Tampa’s majestic movie palace is part of your love story – or if you would like it to be – you are invited to spend a romantic evening under the stars with Valentine’s Vows and a classic romantic comedy at Tampa Theatre on Wednesday, February 14!

At 7:00pm: The Right Reverend John Bell (also known as Tampa Theatre President & CEO John Bell, armed with an internet-official certificate of ordination) will invite married couples to participate in an en masse renewal of their wedding vows – written especially for an audience well-versed in romantic movie quotes – and a champagne toast to “happily ever after.” And should there be anyone ready to walk down the aisle (both literally and figuratively) that night, just bring your marriage license, and the Rev. Bell will perform the legal ceremony!

At 7:30pm: Released in 1924, Girl Shy stars silent cinema legend Harold Lloyd as an aspiring author who struggles with stuttering shyness around women. Drawing from his vivid imagination, he writes a how-to manual for other bashful bachelors called “The Secret of Making Love” (scenes from which are portrayed as hilarious fantasy sequences in the film.) With high hopes of a publishing deal, he hops a trail to Los Angeles where he meets the charming – and otherwise engaged – Mary and falls head over heels. But will the “advice” in his book really work?

Filled with slapstick humor, clever visual gags, and Lloyd’s signature stunts, Girl Shy remains a rom-com for the ages. Even a century later, Lloyd’s portrayal of a shy individual navigating the complexities of romance rings true, and the universal themes of social anxieties and the pursuit of love continue to resonate across the generations.

Nationally renowned organist Steven Ball will accompany the film with an original score performed LIVE on Tampa Theatre’s Mighty Wurlitzer Theatre Organ.

If you would like to participate in the vows ceremony:

1. Purchase your film tickets by clicking the show time or visiting our Box Office. Tickets are required for entry, and the vows ceremony is included at no additional charge.
2. Tell us who you are so we can include you in the program! To register for the vows ceremony, please contact Jill Witecki at jill@tampatheatre.org or (813) 274-8287.