George Manias is a legendary Peorian and a worker who’s toiled in one of the few trades that has been untouched by technology. George shines shoes for a living and on December 6th, 2022, he celebrated his 76th anniversary in the shiny business of shoes.
That date was also the Peoria Premiere of a film documentary about the 91-year-old who runs George’s Shoeshine & Hatters World Headquarters in downtown Peoria. The documentary is titled, “George” and the film was created and directed by Peoria native, Matt Richmond and was to be shown at the Peoria Riverfront Museum.
This was an invitation-only affair and somehow I wrangled my name onto the guest list. Of course I brought the trustworthy MBIP Camera, so let’s go back in time to December 6th and the Peoria Premiere of “George.”
Here we are at one of my favorite destinations in Peoria, The Peoria Riverfront Museum.
Let’s go inside and see what’s happening!
The lobby is looking nice tonight.
Check out the giganzo blue orb suspended from the ceiling and a festive Christmas tree.
Ho, ho and ho!
There’s a framed poster for tonight’s film.
There’s a nice crowd of people here and everyone is anxious to see this documentary about Peroia’s best known shoe-shine man, George.
There’s the President and CEO of the museum, John Morris. John was instrumental in getting this film made and he’s one of the Executive Producer’s of the documentary.
John’s a real nice guy and it’s always a pleasure to see his smiling face!
It was great to see so many people here and thanks to all of them for posing for the MBIP Camera!
Miles of smiles, I love it!
There were tables set up with all kinds of George-related photos and memorabilia.
At the top is a book that was published last year celebrating George’s 75th anniversary as a shoe-shine business owner in Peoria.
There’s a photo of him with writer/journalist, Phil Luciano and below that is an article Phil wrote about George for the PJ Star.
Here’s George with his brother Manny and David Southey showing off his index finger.
Ladies and gentlemen, let me introduce the star of the evening, George Manias!
Speaking of the film, let’s go in to the theatre and get a seat. It’s just about showtime!
Wow, there’s a nice crowd in here!
John Morris gave a nice introductory talk and then it was time for the documentary!
This documentary was both riveting and intensely heartfelt.
So many elements of life were on display in the course of this film: Immigration, family, friends, work and loss were all part of the story and journey that revolves around George and his shoe-shine business.
Even if you’ve never met George, you’ll feel like you have after you watch this moving documentary.
The documentary is showing through December at the museum. Here’s a list of screenings you can still attend.
I highly recommend you take the time to see this film, it’s heartwarming, entertaining and a look at a most unusual life.
You can watch a trailer for the documentary by clicking on the photo above or clicking right here.
After the film, John hosted a Q. and A. with George, his brother Manny, director Matt Richmond and some of the people that appeared in the film.
This was such a wonderful and entertaining evening!
Thanks to John Morris and everyone at the Peoria Riverfront Museum for hosting this event!
And thanks for including me on the guest list, I was honored!
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Matt Richmond: Director Statement
“This film is not only a documentation of George’s life. It’s a fairytale about a man who exists apart from the modern world, toiling ceaselessly, quietly, right under our noses. George’s quiet consistency suggest a great power within him, despite his humble occupation and simple approach to life. It’s the power of things that last.”
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222 SW Washington Street
Peoria
309-686-7000
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George’s Shoeshine & Hatters - World Headquarters
101 SW Adams
Peoria
309-676-0624
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Related Post: The Shining - A Trip To George’s Shoeshine & Hatters World Headquarters.
I’m a special guest on this week’s Couch Pilots Podcast! Just click on the photo above or click here to be taken to this week’s episode! Thanks to the Pilots for having me on, it was a blast!