The latest movie theater news and updates

  • October 10, 2005

    Brattle Theatre in Danger of Closing?

    Cambridge, MA — The Brattle Theatre has brought repertory film programming to Cambridge’s Harvard Square for 52 years, but if they don’t raise $400,000 by the end of this year, they may close.

    Here’s a long press release from the Brattle, explaining their predicament:

    Repertory film programming at the Brattle simply cannot survive without significant community support. Our current challenges can only be overcome with the involvement of community members who want to keep the tradition of film programming alive at the Brattle Theatre.

    The Brattle has experienced the same drop in attendance that has been plaguing cinemas over the past several years. Operating costs – including film rental and facilities management – have increased by 30%. Government, corporate, and foundation funding for cultural organizations have diminished. Furthermore, BFF and the Brattle are feeling the pinch of the changes in Harvard Square’s make-up. As Harvard mainstays like Wordsworth Bookstore, Brine’s and HMV close their doors, the Brattle’s surroundings have lost much of their draw as a vibrant, independent destination. Empty storefronts lead to a decrease in foot traffic, which leads to a decrease in ticket sales."

    Just as a ballet company or a museum must be subsidized by donations, so must repertory film programming at the Brattle. By definition, ticket sales are an inconsistent and unreliable source of income. Every other independent repertory cinema in the country relies heavily on public and donation support to solidify their budgets.

  • United Artists Theater in Travis Closing?

    STATEN ISLAND, NY — In last Thursday’s edition, the Staten Island Advance reported that the UA theater in the Travis area was purchased and may be reopened as a gym.

  • October 7, 2005

    Ramova Theatre Stands on Shaky Ground

    CHICAGO, IL — The Ramova Theatre was once one of the jewels of the Bridgeport neighborhood on the South Side and could be demolished by the city, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. Located in the neighborhood where current mayor Richard M. Daley grew up, the Ramova has fallen from grace. Ceiling plaster and debris now blocks the doorways. The deteriorating Ramova Theatre, 3518 S. Halsted, has been shuttered since the mid-1980s.

  • How The West Was Won Coming to the Cinerama Dome

    HOLLYWOOD, CA — “How the West Was Won” in it’s original 3-strip Cinerama format returns to the Cinerama Dome in Hollywood for one week only from October 28 to November 3rd. Tickets are now on sale! Take it from me, if you have not seen this film on the Cinerama screen you have not seen it! See you there!!

  • Hurricane Katrina vs The Silver Screen of Biloxi

    BILOXI, MS — After over twenty four hours of mother natures worst the Silver Screen of Biloxi has suffered more distruction then you possibly ever see on any Hollywood motion picture. Management and employees have survived and are doing ok. But fear not my fellow movie lovers we shall return. If you would like to see what a bad storm can do to at good movie theater check out our before and after pictures on our web site at http://www.silverscreenbiloxi.com/ and let us know what you think.

  • Help finding a theater from the film ‘Village of the Giants’

    Hello,

    I operate a fanpage to the 1965 film ‘Village of the Giants.’ I have been compiling all sorts of trivia and such on this film since February, but there’s one setting that is proving truly enigmatic. During part of the film, there’s an interior of a theater. The imges of the seating and theater deco interior can be found here.

    This was shot somewhere in California, and the tassles over the girl’s head are from something draped over a balcony-like area where the camera is set up. There isn’t that much information to go off of, but I kind of think this could have been a community theater somewhere in LA or Hollywood (the main segments of the film were shot at the WB Ranch and Universal Studios).

    If anyone can help, It’d be greatly appreciated, and I will acknowledge your help on my site.

  • October 6, 2005

    Renovation Begun at Garden Theatre

    WINTER GARDEN, FL — Crews began restoration work October 5 on the 1935 Garden Theatre. The movie house, closed since 1963, will become a performing arts facility and part-time movie house for the community.

    The interior of this house was set in a Spanish garden, with “Romeo and Juliet” balconies, greenery, lots of Spanish tile and a twinkling star ceiling. It was used as a warehouse for over 60 years. Plans are to match the original style as closely as possible, while extending the stage forward to give sufficient space for live performances. It will seat about 300, and the theatre is scheduled to open in late 2006.

  • Regent Theater For Sale

    Newly renovated Regent Theater for sale in Wellington, Kansas. Renovated in 2002. Currently using as Dinner Theater/Resturant. Also has a 3 bedroom apartment in the back. Selling because of poor health. Email for more information.

  • October 5, 2005

    Rivoli Theatre Restoration Benefit - Myrtle Beach, SC

    MYRTLE BEACH, SC — More than 20 local movers and shakers, including Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce President Brad Dean, Myrtle Beach City Manager Tom Leath, and WEZV general manager Matt Sedota, will auction off pastel paintings they created to benefit the Rivoli Theatre restoration project Thursday.

    7 p.m. Thursday, October 6, 2005
    Piane Lakes International Country Club
    5603 Woodside Avenue
    Myrtle Beach, SC

    $75 (includes open bar and hors d'ouvres)
    (843) 267-5845 or (843) 448-4896

    Website here.

  • Famous Players Centre Eaton 6 in Montreal closed

    MONTREAL, QUEBEC — I walked by Eaton Centre Cnemas 6 in downtown Montreal and found a sign “FERME PARAMOUNT OU PARISIAN” on the windows. This Famous Players theatre opened in December 1990. In 1999, this cinema was demoted as a “move-over” house for the Paramount.

    It was sold to Cineplex Entertainment in June 2005 and the last day of business for this cinema was September 29, 2005.