Thurs, April 16th, 7pm – Six Locked Doors: The Legacy of Cocoanut Grove examines the story behind the deadliest nightclub fire in American history. On November 28, 1942, the Cocoanut Grove nightclub was the swankiest place in Boston, Massachusetts, attracting socialites, athletes, celebrities and World War II army and navy personnel. With double the allowed occupants, locked doors, flammable materials and a host of other deadly conditions, the fire left 492 people dead. Six Locked Doors explores how corruption, greed and a former Jewish, gangster-run speakeasy led to an unimaginable tragedy. The film features interviews with survivors who have never before spoken on camera and showcases an extensive archive collection of photos, and unreleased vintage footage. A tragedy of enormous historical significance, the Cocoanut Grove fire set the standards for modern day fire codes, led to major changes in medicine, and resulted in the first conviction of involuntary manslaughter. The film runs 1 hour, 9 minutes. Producer Michele Shapiro will provide commentary and take questions after the screening.
Michele Shapiro grew up in Wayland. She was previously the head of Public Relations for McLaren Automotive in North America and worked at Conde Nast (Vanity Fair and Glamour). She has raced cars across the Sahara and competed in a trans-continental rally across Asia and Europe. Six Locked Doors is a personal project for her. Her grandfather, Frank Shapiro, not only helped pull people from the burning Cocoanut Grove, he was also appointed as the lawyer for the victims.