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The latest movie theater news and updates
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May 31, 2006
Toronto’s Festival Cinema chain is closing
TORONTO, CANADA — On June 30, 2006, Toronto’s Festival Cinemas are closing for good. News broke two weeks ago that the Kingsway, Revue and Royal Cinemas were ceasing operation. I just got word this morning that the Paradise and Fox Cinemas are also closing, unable to go on without the other three in the chain.
The Festival Cinemas were Toronto’s largest repertory cinema group and ran for nearly 30 years in old movie houses across the city no longer in use by the major chains. The Revue dates from 1911, the Fox from a few years later. The Kingsway, Royal and Paradise were all built in the 30’s the height of art deco cinemas.
I’ve been a member since July 1984 and this comes as a huge blow to me. At times I got to over 70 screenings in a year — mostly at the Festival Cinemas.
Naturally the area business communities will take a hit as the patrons who came from all over the city will not be venturing out to those neighbourhoods on a regular basis, browsing through their stores. And the biggest worry is will someone come in a tear them all down?
During the 30 years of the Festival chain’s life, some cinemas have come and gone. The heyday came about six years ago when there were 8 in the chain including the Music Hall (now restored as a live performance venue), the Capitol (gutted to become an event-hosting venue) and the Bloor (which broke from the chain six or so years ago). Other past members included the Brighton and the Roxy.
With the closure that leaves the Bloor, the Mount Pleasant and the Regent as Toronto’s remaining small cinemas.
If anyone has any ideas on how we Torontonians can save at least one or two of them, please let me know!!!
Links:
• Festival Cinemas
• Article in the Toronto Star
• Editorial in Eye MagazineEmail messages of support to:
7 comments -
May 30, 2006
Research on Sydney suburban cinemas
I am currently at Sydney University and am doing a research essay on the role of cinema as entertainment in Western suburban Sydney.
I am hoping that anyone with any memories of going to the cinema between the 30’s – 50’s would be willing to complete a short questionaire. I need to find some ‘oral’ history, but know no one who can help.
Email me (.delete this part put CINEMA in subject) or post a reply if you would be willing to help.
I REALLY appreciate any help.
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May 26, 2006
Update your email address
Greetings, Cinema Treasures fans!
Minor request: if you haven’t updated your email address in a while, can you please do so? We’ve been getting a lot of returned email from comment notifications, so I’d like to make sure we have the correct address for everyone.
Editing your email address is easy. Just login to your Cinema Treasures account, then click on the Profile page link at the top of your screen. Once there, enter the new email address and click ‘Update Profile’. That’s it!
Thanks,
PatrickPS: Worried about privacy? We will never send you spam or sell your email address.
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Replacing the organ at the Palace Theatre
ALBANY, NY — I wrote to the manager of the Palace theatre about its organ which was removed some years ago. I suggested he replace it, and brought up the organ that was mentioned on Cinema Treasures. This is his reply:
Thank you for your message regarding the Theatre’s organ.
Although we do get a few such suggestions throughout the year, at this time there is no active plan to replace the organ at the Palace. Do you know of any community organization who might be interested in developing a grassroots movement to raise the necessary funds to accomplish this? If so, please have a representative contact me here at the Theatre. As a not-for-profit arts organization, we’re open to all sorts of ideas.
Thank you for your interest!
Sincerely,
George P. Kansas
Director of DevelopmentPerhaps there is some Cinema Treasures member that can help this theatre. It is such a shame the organ is gone.
Elliot R. Dorfman
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How to start a discount movie theater?
I want to build and start a “dollar theater” or discount theater in my home town of about 40,000 people. I would appreciated any advice anyone has. Do you think a discount theater has the potential to make a profit?
jen
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May 25, 2006
Rialto Theater is Looking for Your Stories!
ATLANTA, GA — Next year marks the 90th birthday year for the Rialto Theater and 10th anniversary of its rebirth as a performing arts center through Georgia State University.
We are collecting stories from as far back as possible… of first dates in the 1940s, and movie premieres in the 60s, and definitely the Kung-Fu days. These stories will be used throughout the anniversary year. Pictures and any other historical information would be greatly appreciated. Thanks so much!
They can be e-mailed directly to or posted on the Rialto’s page on Cinema Treasures.
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Looking for old theater movie posters
I am looking for people who can help me build my collection of old theater movie posters. I am looking for posters from the 20’s till the 80’s and from various genres and sizes.
If anyone still has old posters that he/she would be willing to sell, then please drop me a line. I am also interested in buying larger groups of posters.
i can be reached at: .
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May 24, 2006
Historic Wellmont Theatre for Sale or Lease!
MONTCLAIR, NJ — The Historic Wellmont Theatre, located in the heart of downtown Montclair, is up for sale or net lease!
The theater was originally built as a live venue in 1922 and turned into New Jersey’s finest movie house shortly thereafter in 1929. It was triplexed in the middle of the century.
The two downstairs theater’s house around 403 seats while the upstairs theater (the original balcony) houses an unbelievable 500 seats. The theater has been updated sporadically, but retains the original grandeur and architectural detail.
If you are interested in leasing or purchasing this theater, please contact us. Terms to be negotiated. Call David Genova @ 973-783-2600 or email @ .
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Help with pro forma on cinema/drafthouse
I’m currently in the infant stages of drafting a pro forma for a cinema drafthouse.
Right now, I am focusing on operating costs, as much of the renovations and fixed assets may be handled through foundation. In a theater that’s roughly 80,000 sq feet, 2 levels, I need to decide what my costs might be – power, water, and how much help will be required to run the beer/wine bar, projection, and restaurant costs- food service (think upscale bar food), cost of food, etc.
What skilled positions will I need? Any help greatly appreciated.
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May 23, 2006
AMC fires (then rehires) veteran ticket-taker with tattoos
BRIDGEWATER, NJ — The Asbury Park Press has published a story about an 80 year old veteran who was fired from his ticketing taking position at the AMC Bridgewater Commons, then rehired when a public outcry errupted:
To William C. Smith, the faded tattoo on each of his forearms are reminders of his World War II service. To AMC Movie Theatres, they were grounds for his termination.
Smith, 80, said two AMC theater managers at Bridgewater Commons mall met with him on April 14 and said they had to fire him because of the tattoos he has had since he was a 17-year-old Marine.
Smith, a ticket taker at the mall’s movie theater for the past 15 years, then contacted Somerville attorney David W. Trombadore, who then called the Courier News. On Tuesday, AMC Theatres offered Smith his job back, along with back pay.