Cinema Treasures

Toronto's Carlton Cinemas set to close on December 6

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:59:10 GMT

TORONTO, ONTARIO, CANADA -- The Carlton Cinemas is set to close on December 6 due to decline in business. Opened back in 1981 as part of Garth Drabinsky and Nat Taylor's original Cineplex chain. In recent years, the cinema have been declining in business due to the public's movie going habits. More details in the Globe and Mail.

Will movies at home kill movie theaters?

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:58:37 GMT

Here's a discussion from NPR about new tactics Hollywood is using to bypass theaters and its effects.

As DVD sales decline, Hollywood studios are looking for ways to get movies straight to consumers' living rooms. This has some industry insiders worried that Hollywood is jeopardizing its most valuable asset: the theatrical release date. The movie industry is looking to change the way it distributes content.

Original murals restored, reinstalled at Sioux City's Orpheum

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:50:37 GMT

SIOUX CITY, SD -- Two original murals dating from the Orpheum's opening in 1917 have been restored and now grace again the walls of this theater that was home to vaudeville and movies. Three others are undergoing restoration and will be installed later, although the location of two others is unknown.

The dancing Grecian ladies in the murals at the Orpheum Theater recently became more vivid, even as their history remains a cloudy mystery. After a yearlong, $40,000 restoration project, two murals original to the 1913 building were reinstalled this week, without the almost 100 years of grime. "We are very excited to have these murals back in the building safe, sound and restored," said Russ DeCurtins, the general manager for SMG, the company that has managed the theater for the city since 2003.

The full story is in the Argus Leader.

Edenton's Taylor Twn Cinema in financial jeopardy

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 15:45:58 GMT

EDENTON, NC -- Built in 1925 as the Taylor Theater, the Taylor Twin has hit rough financial waters and is in danger of closing. Some citizens are already rallying to save the South Broad Street landmark.

Another good friend has been Frank Jones, co-owner of the Soda Shoppe. Jones has known Krochmal since he (Jones) managed the McDonald�s franchise here and the two have participated in joint ventures before. Wanting to help his old friend, Jones developed a plan to donate 20 percent of the proceeds from all meals eaten at the Soda Shoppe during specially designated hours on Fridays from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. and on Sundays from noon until 2 p.m. "My brother Steve and I know Bob is struggling, as many of us downtown are in this tough economy, and we wanted to do whatever we could to help him," Jones said.

Read the story in the Daily Advance.

Jackson Heights, Queens, New York Theaters

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 15:38:43 GMT

NEW YORK, NY -- The New York Daily News has printed a story on the closure of two Houses, the Eagle and the Jackson Triplex. Warren G. Harris has kindly provided this link.

What's left of the Eagle Theater's once majestic marquee is rusting. Signs on the Jackson Triplex advertise films the movie house will never show. Both of the small Jackson Heights movie theaters have closed within the last six months due to financial problems. And though many locals mourn the loss of cinemas in the neighborhood, others see it as a golden opportunity.

New independent cinema to open in Stonington

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 15:34:07 GMT

STONINGTON, CT -- William and Casey Cyr Gash are about to open the Mystic Independent Theater. They hope to feature films that did not make the cut at various film festivals as well as live events.

The intimate 46-seat theater, which had been home to the now-defunct Stonington Film Society, has been renovated and will not only show independent films but host music and drama presentations, family celebrations, birthday parties, business meetings and other events. It is all part of the couple's diversified plan to ensure the economic success of the theater, which features tiered seats, a raised stage, adjustable lighting and top-quality video and sound systems.

Happy 50th, "Ben-Hur"

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 16:00:16 GMT

BEN-HUR 50th Anniversary -- The Roadshow Engagements Compiled by Michael Coate Commemorating the golden anniversary of the release of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer's 1959 production of "Ben-Hur: A Tale Of The Christ," I would like to present a list of the award-winning film�s original North American roadshow engagements. The list, created for the sake of nostalgia and historical record, is noteworthy as it represents a breakdown of the first theaters anywhere to have played the film, and, as far as I know, such a list has never before been published. In addition, this (work-in-progress) article is a celebration of the fondly-remembered "Cinema Treasures" in which the film played as much as it is a celebration of the classic film. The bookings are listed chronologically by premiere date. Duration data has been included for selected entries, many of which are/were a record for a given market or theater.

Requesting Intervention on behalf of The SENATOR Theatre

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 15:59:30 GMT

BALTIMORE, MD -- Dear Friends, We are volunteers at The Senator Theatre in Baltimore, Maryland and members of the advocacy group, Friends of The Senator [FOTS]. The Senator was recently acquired through foreclosure by Baltimore City, and the responsibility of determining the future of the irreplaceable historic theatre has been delegated to the Baltimore Development Corporation (BDC), a public/private non-profit that primarily serves as the city's real estate development agency. The BDC issued a Request For Proposal (RFP) to identify a potential buyer or lessee for The Senator Theatre, without prior professional consultation with experts in the field of historic theatre preservation. The RFP submissions are due on Friday November 20th.

New Chattanooga multiplex emphasizes eco-friendliness

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 15:40:18 GMT

CHATTANOOGA, TN -- The new Carmike Majestic 12 near this city's revitalized riverfront, boasts the amenties characteristic of a number new theaters - enhanced food selection, a VP viewing room, and plush seating. In addition, the theater used recycled materials in its construction, and uses electricity from solar panels, and collected rainwater in its plumbing and in landscaping maintenance. This theater is a replacement for the Carmike's Bijou Cinema 7 which has closed.

Carmike Cinemas Inc. and the RiverCity Co. went beyond creature comforts and high-tech gadgetry to build and open a theater that they claim is an environmental first. The Columbus, Ga.-based theater company's Majestic 12 opened last weekend, just a short walk from Chattanooga's redeveloped riverfront and the Bijou 7 it is replacing. U.S. Green Building Council spokeswoman Ashley Katz said Carmike has applied for LEED certification for the 70,000-square-foot building.

Read more in this item from the Associated Press.

Triplex in Le Mars closed, for sale

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 15:45:43 GMT

LE MARS, IA -- The family-owned Royal T III has been closed and is up for sale in this town, about 25 miles northeast of Sioux City. The theater has been operating for over 75 years. The owners want to focus on their other theaters and are working with a local historical preservation group to preserve the building's character.

"There are potential investors looking at taking it over," said Patrick Johnson, who manages the theater with his wife Sara. His father Terry "T.J." Johnson has owned it for the past three decades. "Hopefully it won't be too long," Patrick said. His family decided to sell the Le Mars movie theater a few months ago.

Read more in the Le Mars Daily Sentinel.

Motion Picture Heritage liberates Hollywood Theater

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 15:40:27 GMT

DORMONT, PA -- The Hollywood Theatre. was in danger of being mothballed when local councilman John Maggio had an idea. He reached out to Motion Picture Heritage who had just finished re-fitting a drive-in in Shelbyville, Indiana to come on board to bring the Hollywood back to life. MPH had just done the unthinkable, they had implemented a low cost digital projection system for use in a drive-in, total cost $10,000. The principals of MPH fell in love with the Hollywood, a 400 seat theatre in the green South Hills of Pittsburgh. August 1st, the theatre came to life again featuring over 6 new titles every week.

Boulder to get new art house cinema

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 15:36:58 GMT

BOULDER, CO -- Boulder has been without a dedicated theater specializing in art, foreign, and independent cinema since Landmark closed the Crossroads Cinema there in 2007. Now, thanks to a benefactor's gift, a new art cinema will be created in a former TV studio space at the Dairy Center for the Arts.

Officials with the Dairy Center on Wednesday announced their plans to build a state-of-the-art, single-screen movie theater dedicated to independent and art film in the space that used to house Boulder's cable access studio. They hope to break ground on the project this spring and open in time for the holidays in 2010.

Glenwood Mall 3 Theater will re-open

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 15:45:47 GMT

GLENWOOD SPRINGS, CO -- About 18 months ago, Carmike closed its triplex at the Glenwood Mall and ever since, the center's management has been looking for a new operator. Although some interest was expressed, possible takers wanted to expand the theater's number of screens which would take time; the mall's managers wanted the theater open for the holiday shopping season. They have decided to run it themselves calling it now the Movies at the Mall.

Like Hollywood movie heroes, owners of the Glenwood Springs Mall are bucking the national chains this time and running the theater themselves. If they remodel it, owners figure, they will come. "It was an effort, and it will be an effort that really pays off," said mall general manager Sonia Davis, who headed up the effort to reopen the theater.

Read the whole story in the Aspen Daily.

Moore Family Theaters provide alternative to impersonal theater management

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 15:45:25 GMT

EAST GRAND FORKS, MN -- In "Citizen Kane," the protagonist thinks it would be fun to run a newspaper; over 25 years ago, driving by a for sale theater in Blackduck, Bob and Jan Moore decided it would be fun to bring a cinema back to life and run it. Since then, they have rehabilitated theaters in Fosston and Crookston, and have converted a former crafts store East Grand Forks into a multiplex. But in spite of their successful growth, their approach to running their theaters is anything but corporate.

The movie theater has been so successful that owner Bob Moore plans to add an additional three to four screens within the mall and says he might eventually turn the entire mall into one giant theater after he purchases the mall from the city in the future. "The theater is one of the better uses of that facility," says Jim Richter, executive director of the East Grand Forks Economic Development and Housing Authority, which owns the mall. "These guys had a good background in theaters and entertainment. They did it right. It's been a draw and it's helped bring more focus to our redeveloped downtown."

Memories of the Forest Theater

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 15:39:48 GMT

WEST HAVEN, CT -- Closed and virtually abandoned for several years, the Forest Theater will probably soon be demolished as the property has been sold to a developer. In a recent article, writer Randall Beach reminisces with the former operator.

I recall the warm presence of Irene and Tony Terrazano, Richard Mallette Jr.�s grandparents, who worked alongside him when he came aboard full-time in the Forest�s final decades. In 1990, Tony Terrazano told me he had begun working there in 1942, three years after it screened its first film, "Honeymoon in Bali." In 1945, Terrazano got a chance to buy the theater. He went for it and spent the rest of his working life there. He died in 1999; Irene died in 2002. Mallette kept the marquee glowing for a time after their deaths. He was assisted by various relatives part-time but he worked seven days a week except for an occasional Wednesday: booking the films, overseeing the projector, selling candy and soda pop and taking the ticket money as well as handling maintenance and repairs. He even opened an ice cream shop next door.

Cinebarre opens in Salem

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 15:45:23 GMT

SALEM, OR -- The former Regal Movieland 7 has been reborn as the Cinebarre. In addition to cocktail service and expanded menu offerings, the theater has a rentable VIP viewing space.

Nearly 400 people attended the theater's grand opening event Thursday night, Karol said. The theater is the former Regal Cinemas' Movieland 7. Cinebarre offers first-run movies and caters to adults -- minors younger than 18 will be seated in the theater only if accompanied by a parent or guardian. Children younger than 6 are only allowed into the theater on its designated "scream day," which is the first showing every Tuesday.

New theater opening in Pittsfield

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 15:40:13 GMT

PITTSFIELD, MA -- The new Beacon Cinema opening on November 20 combines elements of the old and new. Housed within the 91-year-old Kinnell-Kresge building, designers have restored original ceilings and woodwork. The six-screen theater itself is technologically up-to-date with stadium seating and automated digital projection. The theater will serve beer and wine, in addition to typical movie concession fare.

The Eagle got a sneak peak of the state-of-the-art movie theater on Friday afternoon, however, and from the building's original tin ceilings and woodwork to its state-of-the-art Dolby digital sound system, the public is in for an architectural and theatrical experience that's sure to stimulate the senses. The behind-the-scenes look included a tour of the six-screen, 850-seat cinema, which evokes memories of an old neighborhood picture house -- albeit with modern upgrades such as stadium seating, which is designed give moviegoers a comfortable viewing experience, and a bar serving wine and beer.

GreenTree Theaters update

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 15:38:30 GMT

CLARKSVILLE, IN -- The GreenTree Mall in Clarksville Indiana has lost both of its movie theaters to newer stadium facilities in the area. My company FrightNight Productions currently leases the 4 as Psychomania http://www.TheaterofTerror.com, a large haunted house that loosely follows the history of the theater and grounds. As a subsidiary of FNP, I am working on a lease agreement for the 25,000 square ft. GreenTree 10. I plan on using the theater as live performance, studio, independent cinema and audio recording space. I will be putting back in a full concession stand and redoing the lobby. Wish me luck and I will post as soon as I have word

Theater for sale

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 15:30:21 GMT

Theater in Burlington Wisconsin for sale. Four screen profitable. Great location no competition in town. Town size 10,500. Great little investment. Asking $715K. Call (262)853-4338 for details.

Stalled restoration of Saenger Theater in N.O. to lift off in January

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 15:48:01 GMT

NEW ORLEANS, LA -- Advertising for bids to begin restoration work on the Saenger Theater in the Big Easy which was ravaged by Hurricane Katrina's flood waters will begin in January. A recent article indicates that the plans will not simply restore the theater to its pre-Katrina appearance, but will result in the theater's looking more like it did when it opened in 1927 by removing later additions such as the escalator, restoring the auditorium's original color scheme, and using period hardware. The article includes diagrams and a picture of the damaged interior.

Out of the darkness that has prevailed since Hurricane Katrina, the bulbs of the Saenger's giant marquee are expected to blink on to mark the coming return of the landmark playhouse that for years anchored the performing arts district along the city's signature commercial boulevard. The $38.8 million reconstruction of performance, patron and office space through an innovative alliance of the Canal Street Development Corp., an arm of City Hall, and the property's longtime private owner-managers, Saenger Theatre Partnership of Houston, was announced to great fanfare in January. Until now, though, most progress has transpired on architects' drawing boards and in negotiations with financiers.

More at NOLA.com .

Gentry Cinema For Sale - motivated seller

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 15:40:42 GMT

CHECOTAH, OK -- The owner will soon be moving out of state and is ready to consider all reasonable offers. The asking price is $285,000. Located in Checotah, Oklahoma, this theater closed in 1996. It was re-opened in Dec. 2008 after twinning and renovation. All new: facade and building exterior, windows and doors, plumbing, restrooms, electrical system, heat and air system and ductwork, fire sprinkler system, insulation in attic and walls, marquee, draperies, screens, sound. Replaced and upgraded projectors and added platters. Installed like-new seats. New concession counter with enough equipment for a small restaurant. Tables and seating for 20 in concession area. Currently have food license. Serving some hot food. Could serve more. Showing first run films. Located in market area of 20,000 people. Competition is over 20 miles away. Owner is undercapitalized after remodel. $285,000 includes land, building, equipment, and business.

Wenatchee area theater and drive-in properties for sale

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 15:34:54 GMT

WENATCHEE, WA -- Sun Basin Theaters is putting two of its current properties up for sale: the five-screen Columbia Cinemas in East Wenatchee and the Vue Dale Drive-In in South Wenatchee. The owner hopes to use the proceeds to finance a new multiplex and any purchaser will not be able to use the properties for motion picture exhibition.

The sales could help finance renovation of the old Kmart building in Olds Station into a theater and retail complex, said Sun Basin general manager Bryan Cook. The theater company acquired a purchase option on the Kmart property in June, said Cook, and continues in discussions with the property's owner toward completing the purchase. The building and a portion of the surrounding acreage is owned by the state. "If all goes well, we should have traction in the deal by the end of November," he said. The Liberty Cinemas in downtown Wenatchee won�t be affected by the sale of the other two properties, Cook said. "Over the last few years, we�ve made a lot of improvements at the Liberty and definitely plan to keep it going."

More detail in the Wenatchee World.

"The Art of the Movie Theater" photo exhibition at the National Heritage Museum

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 15:50:54 GMT

LEXINGTON, MA -- A free exhibition of the work of photographer Stefanie Klavens entitled "The Art of the Movie Theater" will be on display at the National Heritage Museum in Lexington from now until May 16, 2010. Klavens sees the theaters she has photographed as important monuments to popular culture, and is especially impressed with neon, Art Deco, and theaters with an Egyptian or Middle Eastern theme in both large and small towns.

In taking the photos, she found a place in time when theaters often reflected the splendor of opera houses, with gilded statues and pillars. In the early 1920s, a craze of all things Egyptian and Middle Eastern led to a flowering of theaters decorated as Pharaonic fantasies, inspired by Howard Carter�s excavation of King Tutankhamen's tomb. "There are only six Egyptian style theaters left in the country," Klavens said. In later decades, neon signs created a fantasia of light and color to grace many theater exteriors.

More information can be found in the Metro West Daily News and at the museum's website.

Memories of the downtown theaters of St. Paul

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 15:45:57 GMT

ST. PAUL, MN -- In a recent article in the Pioneer Press, writer Tom Webb, former movie critic Bill Diehl, and others recall the movie theaters of downtown St. Paul. The article focuses on the Paramount, Orpheum, Strand, Tower, Riviera, World, and Lyceum, Now only the World (now the Fitzgerald) and the Orpheum are still with us, the latter currently vacant and decaying. The article includes a slide show with pictures of each theater.

Today, in an era of suburban multiplexes, video rentals and movie channels, the movie theater business model is radically different. Yet, to those who loved downtown's Technicolor era, the memories are like something from the movies. 'Wabasha and Seventh was the busiest corner in St. Paul in those days,' said Rod Ripley, a retiree who remembers the heyday of the '40s and '50s. 'All the streetcars met there for transfers and would line up there after midnight to leave on the hour.'

Read the whole article at TwinCities.com.

Nationwide Historic Theatre silent film & concert performances by Dennis James

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 15:35:52 GMT

DENNIS JAMES - 2009/2010 TOUR PERFORMANCES SCHEDULE Performance Booking Contact: SILENT FILM CONCERTS- PO Box 2072, Tacoma, WA 98401 / 253-376-7447 / muscur@gmail.com November 13, Blue Mouse Theatre, Tacoma, Washington 86th Anniversary screening: original opening night film THE GREEN GODDESS November 15, Palace Theatre, Marion, Ohio Yannitell Memorial silent film series: Buster Keaton in THE CAMERAMAN November 28, National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C. Annual silent film series: King Vidor's THE CROWD December 5, Recital Hall, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina Annual silent film program: Protazanov's AELITA, QUEEN OF MARS with the Filmharmonia Duo (Mark Goldstein, electronics) December 12, Castro Theatre, San Francisco, California Silent film festival: Buster Keaton in THE GOAT plus SHERLOCK, JR. and Lon Chaney in WEST OF ZANZIBAR 2010