Westmont Theater

I remember once going to the Westmont to see a movie as a kid in 1985 or '86 (don't remember if it was a Budco or AMC then). It was for a rerelease of "Song of the South." Turns out that was the last time Disney allowed it to be seen in this country. Glad I saw it when I could.

I had one of my kids (3 years old) bithday parties there in 2001. It had been turned into a local performing arts theater. One of the theaters was used as the party room and the other was the stage area. They did Anisi and the Moss covered rock.

The theater was not in such great shape but you could sense the history of the place. I can remember seeing at least one movie there as a kid in the late 1980's. I think the theater is closed now. What a shame, it had a real old wold charm.

The address for the Westmont Theatre is 49 Haddon Avenue, Westmont, NJ. 08108.

Apparently some redevelopment plans are afoot here; there's a proposal to build a restaurant that would be connected to the theater in some way. This story from the local daily probably raises more questions than it answers:
http://www.courierpostonline.com/news/southjersey/m121604o.htm

Designer; William Wrifford
Builder; Handel Rovner

The redelopment plans look like the best thing to happen to this theatre in years. The owner of the Trocadero Theatre (a gorgeous 130 year old vaudeville house in Philadelphia) is heading up the redevelopment group. The building is still owned by the township at this point.

There is nothing left inside of the original movie house. With some serious redesign and the removal of a hideous drop ceiling and a huge sheetrock wall spliting the main room there will be a nice stage with a decent capacity for all kinds of events. The current word on the street is it will be focused on Live Music, like the Trocadero. Although I imagine it will also has a weekly movie night like the Trocadero. Seating should but around 600 when the balcony is opened up.

Recent photo at this link:
http://community.webshots.com/photo/80825459aEtwWi

Another one:
http://community.webshots.com/photo/80826149RnlZxM

Micael Orowitz, who would later gain fame as Michael Landon, worked at this theater as a doorman. His father was district manager for the Savar Movie Corp.

TC, his name was Eugene "Uggie" Orowitz Collingswood High class of 54'. No biggie! Just thought you oughtta know. Anyway, growing up in Collingswood the Westmont was probably considered our "local" theater since the Collingswood had allready been closed for a couple years when we moved over from Philly in the summer of 69'. The Westmont reminded me some of The Logan Theater, Broad St N. Philly, in size especially. I remember the Westmont having i guess was a stage below the screen. Is that what that was and did they remove it when they put up the "great wall"? I can remember seeing first run fims at the Westmont in the early to late 70's. Allthough one movie in particuler which probably had the longest line i can remember, especially for the 70's, was THE EXORCIST. I can remember riding by looking out the window of my parents car one Friday night and even the theater itself looked scarey. I ended up seeing that particuler movie over at the Coronet in Audubon i think like a year or so later. What a flick that was when you were a kid! I think everybody i ever spoke to who saw that movie back then had a story about lights flickering when they went home that night.
Tora,Tora,Tora was probably the last decent movie i remember seeing at the Westmont. After that it was The Heretic with who else Linda Blair. One thing that stood out about that movie were the "young men" from Camden who were insistent upon trying to talk to Linda Blair during the movie. Actually, they were telling Her and each other what they would like to do to Her during the movie and it did'nt have to do with "saving her soul". Now,who saw THE RISE AND FALL OF EDIE AMIN at the Westmont? I thought during that movie i should take a page out of the "young men" from Camdens book and just hollar out to the screen "HEY EDIE, WHERE WERE YOU WHEN I WAS HERE WATCHING THE HERATIC"?
The House on Haunted Hill was the last movie i remember seeing at the Westmont. Looking back,I feel when the Eric went up over next to the Acme the Westmont's days seemed numbered as far as a cinema theater BUT look which one's still standing!
I guess Westmont itself just was'nt big enough for two movie theater's and did'nt the Eric have or go to two screens? Anybody?
Dirty Mary Crazy Larry, The Trial of Billy Jack, Smokey and the Bandit,Cheech and Chong's Up in Smoke and the Eric was up in smoke that night. The Kentucky Fried Movie to name a few.
They tore the Eric down and did'nt even rebuild or use the lot for parking. Anbody know what was up with that?
I did however, like when the high school kids from Haddon Township would from time to time climb up the Marquee of the Eric which is still there sitting on Cuthburt Road and change the spelling of some of the title's like the "Beer Hunter" and "Who Rammed Rodger Rabbit".
No doubt The Westmont will be heading in the right direction soon. When or if the politico's of Haddon Twp ever "GET IT TOGETHER" or when the people of Haddon Twp throw them the hell out I'm sure this prodject will move along just fine.

Thanks JBon. Can you add the Eric and the Coronet?

TC, I,m workin on it. The Eric (Westmont) had a very short life span. This was built as a brand new theartre and maybe fifteen yrs (tops)later torn down. The Coronet (Audubon)became CAPA'S a costume outlet. It was real popular around Halloween. I just drove by the sight and it has been torn down and now an Ekerd Drugs resides on the sight.

Residents to hear redevelopment plans for theater
July 2, 2005 •• 434 words •• ID: chr22962973
Planners hoping to renovate, add eatery, 2 stores to Westmont site Courier-Post Staff HADDON TWP. The public will get a chance to learn more about the proposed redevelopment of the Westmont Theater next week. The theater's redeveloper, a group headed by Joanna Pang, director of Asia Bank of Philadelphia, will appear before the township's joint planning and zoning board on Thursday night for the project's site plan application hearing. Pang said she is excited ...

requires paid subscription for full text

TC i can't seem to find out anything about the Eric Westmont. In fact in driving by recently i noticed they did finally remove the marquee that was out by the road side. The lot is still empty in between the CVS and the Dollar store where the theatre once stood I just find it odd that they tore down a new building like that!

By the way TC the Coronet (Audubon NJ) is listed under its original name "The Century"

Hello.

My name is Brent. I'm a senior film student at Rowan Univeristy and I've lived down the street from the Westmont Theater all my life.

I throwing around the idea of shooting a documentary on the Westmont Theater and am wondering as to the support and or historical assistance I might recieve should I take on this task?

I would also appreciate the names of those within the township who I need to speak to in order to get this project off the ground. If you know the individuals at TownHall, would you please share this information with me?

Brent, try "Dennis St.John" 856-854-0926 or 609-685-0978 He will steer You in the right direction.

It looks like the developer has lauched a website. They are looking for pictures and stories from the history of the theatre to incorporate into the new proect. It doesn't look like they have any pictures yet. I am told they are particularly interested in what the interior looked like so they can recreate it.

I almost forgot the website;

www.westmonttheatre.com

Hey Brent!

Email me at Klaatu@email.com about your Westmont Theater film project!

Mark
Haddonfield, NJ

Brent:
You should try and contact the Posell Company (the owners of the Ritz Theatres). The late R.L. Posell bought the Westmont in the mid-80s, after Budco/before AMC.
I grew up just around the corner from the Westmont and have lots of memories. One, in particular, is pretty funny and embarrassing. I'd be glad to share.
Contact me at VoodooReef@verizon.net

Listed as a Milgrim Theatre in the 1991 International Motion Picture Almanac.

Listed as a Budco Theatre in the 1985 International Motion Picture Almanac.

Listed as part of Milgrim Theatres, Inc. in the 1970 FDY & 1976 International Motion Picture Almanac.

Here is another photo:
http://tinyurl.com/kpfox

Does anybody have an update on the plans for the theater?

For now the town has put up a fence under the marquee to protect by-stander's and passer-by's from gettting hit with falling paint chip's. Local gov't is currently in a "text-book" state of disaray. On another note, an independant, local film producer is currently working on a small documentary about the theatre that's due to be completed somtime around Sept. In it, he goes over the history of the theatre and does some candid interview's with people such as Alan-don't ask me about the Orowitz's-Haas and some other's who either worked at the theatre or like myself just have some memorie's of going to the movie's there. And no, I did NOT tell of my experience of seeing that classic epic The "Rise and Fall of Edie Amin" or "The Heratic" and how those "urban young" men just could not help but voice their opinion's of how Linda Blair looked in Her night gown...
I did however get to go inside the theatre. It's been over twenty year's since I've been inside and I gotta tell ya T.G. it felt like I was in there last week. I was able to take a lot of pic's. The place is built like a bank vault. The balconey has been covered since the late 1940's with a drop ceiling and this wall run's down the center put there in a last ditch effort to make it into a "twin". Other then removing the ceiling, tearing down the wall putting new seat's back in and giving it a good cleaning I see no reason to knock this thing down. The choice is to pick it up and move it to Collingswood or get new gov't in place. I do think the angry lesbien (commisioner) could possibly be the one to may-be, just may-be get it going BUT don't hold your breath...

So who owns the theater now? The township? Also, two more things - I would love to see those pictures of yours from inside the theater. And secondly, can you give me the contact info for the director of the Westmont Theater doc? My email is TravisSGreene@gmail.com Thanks JBon.

The Township own's it. They got it just before the realestate boon for like $250,000. It's to long to get into here on this sight BUT based on what's going on with this gov't I would'nt be suprised to see this thing turn into a big name drug store...I'll E you the guy's name doing the doc. Pic's were sent...

How much do you think it would sell for now?

I drive by the westmont all the time wishing that I was rich enough to by it and make it a Performing Arts facility/Movie Theater. I have always dreamed of having a theater rich in history that had ALOT of character as well, and that venue would be perfect. The continuous troubles of the local government has proven that they are complete tools!!!!

A few years back a friend of mine wrote a few letters to Dreamworks Studios, addressed to Steven Speilberg regarding the fate of the old Westmont. He stated that he would like to gain control of the theater and restore it making it a Community Theater venue/ school. Knowing Speilberg's history with the theater he was hoping Speilberg woulkd show some interest in saving it. The Westmont Mayor's office received a few calls from Dreamworks but they never followed them up... They ignored calls from Steven Speilberg!!!! TOOLS!!!!

Travis

TOOLS they are...

Hey Travis - interesting story. I'm shocked and angered that they ignored those calls. If I could, I'd like to contact your friend and talk to him or her about the letters. Thanks Travis.

Pro-preservation editorial from today's Courier-Post:
http://www.courierpostonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060910/OPINION/609100354/1046

Does anyone have any contact info for Joanna Pang?

JBon, what is the old Collingswood theatre used for? I moved out of the area in 1984 and I don't get back there very often. I remember going to the Westmont jacked up on Budweisers and doobies with my frat brothers to see The Exorcist and I would love to see something happen with that magnificent theatre but it would appear from 600 miles away that Haddon Twp is not being properly managed. I guess true movie afficianados would have a better chance of someday seeing the Collingswood Theatre resurrected due in part to the overall superiority of the administration that currently governs that town.
Great stuff on the "young lads from Camden" during the showing of the Linda Blair film. Big surprise there!
Lumpy

Great post Lumpie, from what I'm told Budweiser and doobies may have been the way to go when seeing the Exorcist for the first time. The Collingswood Theatre does have it's own page , You may want to check it out BUT I will tell You, there is NO plans to restore the Collingswood back into a thaetre. Unfortunatly, the current administration was a little late getting in power...Do You remember the Eric that was over at the ACME Plaza?

Hi, I'm new to CT, but I have some interesting news to share. I met Haddon Twp. mayor Bill Park at a street fair last month and talked to him about the Westmont Theater and the two vacant buildings next door to it.

I am a volunteer with Habitat for Humanity in Camden, and we are discussing opening a "ReStore" in the Camden County area (see Habitat's website for more info on this). I thought the Westmont Theater would be a great location for such a venture. Habitat could rehab the building and could keep the structure as much intact as possible. Of course, the seats would need to be removed, but at least this beautiful structure would not be torn down or turned into a drugstore.

Bill told me that Joanna Pang owned the theater, which of course, is not true. The township owns it and is responsible for its maintenance. He said that the Erdman roofing building and brown shingle house are slated for demolition, but he couldn't say when.

Today at a meeting at HFH in Camden, I met the man who put the Joanna Pang deal together. He is a former board member of HFH.

He was at first offended when I mentioned the pipe dream that Joanna has sold the township on, then he admitted that she had a good idea at first but has "disappeared" and that the deal is basically dead. He didn't seem to care, as he probably got his paycheck a long time ago.

I have e-mailed Bill Park several times over the past month, but have not heard anything back. He is getting slammed in editorials in the newspapers for failing to act on the Westmont.

Does anyone have any ideas on how to start a grass-roots campaign to get the township to do something with this property? Perhaps if there was enough negative publicity, the politicians would do something.

That's really interesting Colleen. What's your email?

There is an election coming this May for Haddon Township. The opportunity to replace these "tools" is now! Offer to help a candidate slate who is opposing the current administration. There will be alot of different slates, all efforts should be coordinated behind one slate in order to maximize resources and votes. If there is to be change in Haddon Twp, then complete removal of the current administration is necessary. Backing any of the slates involving a incumbant will not help move this great town forward. I live in Haddon Twp and I stare at the Westmont theater on a daily basis. Instead of the eyesore that currently exists, there is the potential for something great to once again flourish within this building. The township should be looking to seize this opportunity instead of fighting and "taxing" the residents of this town with their own petty indifferences.

Some info in the Courier Post today regarding a parking lot to accomodate business in Westmont, and mention of the Westmont Theater.

http://www.courierpostonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061220/NEWS01/612200376/1006

Hey wmann -
Great post. As I mentioned earlier I no longer live in the area but during a recent visit to South Jersey, I ate lunch with my wife and son at a really neat restuarant that has replaced the infamous Westmont Inn. If that location can be improved, then anything is possible!! Good leadership is the missing ingredient. Good luck!
Yo JBon -
I do remember the Eric. I saw Kramer vs Kramer there with my date, F.U.
HEY, Habitat For Humanity IS a wonderful organization but there are a lot of better uses for that structure. Something cultural, historical, artsy. Camden is loaded with places that could be used for a "HFH ReStore".
Happy New Year!!
Lumpy

I live a stone's throw from the theater. I've been to meetings where Pang attended. She, of course, also owns the Troc in Philly and is looking to open a similar venue in the Westmont. Also in the works are two, count 'em, two, nightclub/"restaurants" in the plan, to be built adjacent to the theater. In all, 4 bars are planned for the site.
Parking is touted as the big issue -- there is none.
However, I think the biggest issue for the neighborhood is that none of the folks that live here want this in our residential neighborhood. No homeowner in their right mind would want 2,000+ partying concert goers, drinking for hours, then drinking some more in the nightclub attached, letting out at 2am, looking for their cars parked on out streets, while peeing on our lawns. What home owner would?
Mayor McCheese has repeatedly stated that this theater would be a low key affair, offering plays for children after Sunday School, but J. Pang herself is quoted in the City Paper, saying "Think Entertainment Complex".
I know I may sound like a stick-in-the-mud, but my own experiences going to Punk Concerts at the places like the Hot Club, way back when, tells me that this sort of Concept does not belong in an old fashioned neighborhood like the one we live in.
I actually used to make fun of our neighboerhood as "Leave it to Beaver"-ville, when I first moved in 20 some years ago, but after raising a Family here, I have actually came embraced the old fashioned feel of the Place. Children, on an evening ride on their scooters would have to negociate their way past drunken smokers hanging out on Haddon Ave. Is this the experience we want to subject them to on their way to get some Water Ice? I don't think so.
And I am not alone in my opinion. Classic Rock DJ Michael Tearson, a neighbor directly on the other side of Haddon Avenue, has spoken out against the use of the Westmont Theater as a Rock Venue at at least one of the public meetings that I have been to. He stated that he moved to Haddon Twp for the school system and the addition of such an 'Entertainment Complex" would be detrimental to the neighborhood.
I am all for the rehabiltation of the Westmont Theater. It's a Great Lady, and it's history should be Honored and Restored. But Mayor Park and J. Pang are trying to put their big, ugly step-sister foot into the dainty glass slipper that is the Historic Westmont Theater. They must be stopped!

I would love to see The Westmont Theater saved, but unfortunately I don’t think the structure is any good at this time. I worked with the Westmont Theater Co. for 6 years and have been in and out of every part of that building. The roof is no good and might be beyond repair, and the structure itself may also be well beyond repair. My dream was to see someone knock everything but the front facade down and build a new supporting structure behind it.

Halc, I live in Oaklyn and I know the old town feel you speak of, I also am annoyed by the "army of blue hairs" that invades the pike every time the Ritz theater has a show, and they rarely drink, smoke and pee on lawns. I work in the arts as well as rock and roll, I watch the destruction that comes out of the Tweeter Center on a nightly basis, and I also see how Camden city is consumed by cars and police, in an effort to safely facilitate each concert. Camden City may not have an old town charm or any charm at all. But as much as they buck the Tweeter Center, it has done great things for Camden, as well as investing millions of dollars into the city. I only wish that they didn’t eliminate the SJPAC program that I until recently worked for.

I digress, it seems to me that the owners of the Troc may not be saving the theater, and you are losing another piece of old town charm, but at least you are getting center that would support performing arts and bring a whole new economy to your town, instead of another "Ultra Mega CVS".

Hopefully as they say it will be a multipurpose performing arts center and not just a rock and roll venue. I think even though it’s in a horrible location, The Scottish Rite in Collingswood is a great example of these efforts. Neither will ever be high art/ theater that is found in Philadelphia, nor The Tweeter Center, but they serve the community well.

Either way it’s more work for me that I don’t have to go over the bridge to get.

I remember the Eric too. When I was a kid we would drive by it every week to my grandmother's house on the White Horse Pike. Reading the marquee, I thought "Terms of Endearment Yentl" was one movie. Later I saw a few movies there like "Gremlins 2" and "Ghostbusters 2" and a couple of others that weren't sequels ("Ferris Bueller" was one). "Ishtar" played on both screens when it opened. Oops! Cruddy twin. It was originally a single screen, is that right?

Anyway, the Westmont played movies no one else did: "The Quiet Earth," "UFOria," "Desert Hearts," "In the Shadow of Kilimanjaro." That was pretty cool.

The Haddon Township Historical Society has a very good page of pictures and memorabilia from the old Westmont Thetare. Here is the link: http://www.haddontwphistoricalsociety.org/hths--photos--westmonttheatre.htm Brent J. Donaway's documentary film The Grand Old Lady about the historic Westmont Theatre is going to have a premiere at the Ritz Thetare in Oaklyn in May. I'll post more info when I have it. The production company is Foot Print Films. There is a myspace page: www.myspace.com/TheWestmontTheatre

The Haddon Township Historical Society has just added a substantial amount of information about the Westmont including Michael Landon's time working as a doorman there, the World Premier of The Exorcist (it was one of 30 thetares nationwide to open the fim in 1973) a sneak preview of Kramer v. Kramer in 1979 that was attended by Dustin Hoffman and the film's director and lots of other details including a relatively comprehensive chain of ownership. The link: http://www.haddontwphistoricalsociety.org/hths--photos--westmonttheatre.htm The historical society has also added as link to a trailer for Brent J. Donaway's The Grand Old Lady a documentary film (footprint films) about the historic Westmont Theatre. Debut date is offiially set for May 6th at the Ritz Thetare (Oaklyn) Haddon Twp. Check out the film's trailer. Great for anyone who remembers the old Westmont.

Brent J. Donaway's documentary about the Westmont Theatre is done and preparing for its May 6, 2007 premiere at the Ritz (Oaklyn)-- the premiere will be done in full golden-era "red-carpet" style with searchlights, tuxeoed ushers, 1930s period candy, etc. For info and ticket info (less than 150 seats left)see www.haddontwphistoricalsociety.org (you can also support the project and get your names listed in the companion book which is being compiled now). The editors of the book are also seeking any anecdotes, stories or memories anyone would be willing to share about The Westmont Theatre--historic, funny, sentimental, whatever. If you wish to contribute or if you worked at the Westmont and have something to share please e-mail info@haddontwphistoricalsociety.org by April 17, 2007. Thanks.

The architect for the Westmont Theater was William Wrifford.

If you did not get a chance to see the SOLD OUT premiere of the documentary -- Brent J. Donaway's The Grand Old Lady about the Westmont Theatre. Here is another chance. Brent J. Donaway's The Grand Old Lady is coming to The Broadway Theatre in Pitman, NJ on Wednesday August 22, 2007 @ 7:30PM. Tickets are $8 each (box office opens at 7PM). Schedule for the evening:(1.)A short Charlie Chaplin film with accompaniment by a member of the South Jersey Theatre Organ Society (The Broadway still houses its ORIGINAL theatre organ) (2.)Theatre history slide show presentation by author Allen Hauss, based on his book South Jersey Movie Palaces (3.)Brent J. Donaway's The Grand Old Lady -- a documentary about the historic Westmont Theatre in Haddon Township, NJ. Famed Movie Theatre Historian, Allen Hauss, has created a comprehensive walk-through history tour of the Broadway starting at 6PM. Tickets are $12 each and include catered food afterwards. SPACE IS LIMITED, so please book early if interested in the tour. Visit the Broadway Theatre Web Site The Broadway Theatre is located in Pitman, NJ (about twenty minutes away from Haddon Township) and is easily accessible from Route 55 (driving directions). If you are interested on how to sign up for the DVD package and/or purchase the Commemorative KEEPSAKE book written on the film, the history of the Westmont Theatre and the town, please visit the Haddon Township Historical Society's Store

Tickets for Wednesday's Tribute to South Jersey Movie Houses are still available, however the 6PM tour is SOLD OUT.

Don't miss what should prove to be a very special event beginning at 7:30pm!!!

i had never herd of this building im an assistant manager at the pitman theater whats the current status could this ever open again

I was a regular customer at the Westmont in the 50's&60's,Audubon HS1955. This site is a real trip down memory lane. Live in Lewes,De. now,The "Grand Old Lady" is being shown this weekend at the Rehoboth Beach Film Festival here.r.joyce

I grew up in Collingswood and remember seeing Disorderlies (featuring the Fat Boys.....not exactly a classic) at the Westmont. I still drive past it frequently and always wonder what's happening. Very glad I found this site! Anybody have any recent info?

photo of exterior, with broken windows & fence around it:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/harpo42/2287306654/in/pool-cinemasignage

Hey Everyone,

The Westmont Theatre Blog site is now online.

Be sure to check it out: read some posts, make some comments, scroll through the photo gallery, brush up on your theatre history, check the status of The Grand Old Lady project or send us an email.

www.westmonttheatre.wordpress.com

Thanks!

Hope somebody can save this treasure.

Wishing success to all those involved in trying to saving the Westmont theatre.

The Rentzler Group presented its proposal to the Haddon Township Mayor and Councilmen Monday, June 23 to an enthusiastic audience. The other two proposals, which would have turned the building into either retail space or condos, were greeted politely. So, now it's up in the air until the powers-that-be vote at some future date.

i would love to see it reopen and split time between classic films and live theater

the broadway in pitman was able to do it but have all but sufficated the films out of the picture

I think the classic film series is the best thing going!

DO YOU HAVE ANY WESTMONT THEATRE PHOTOS/ITEMS -- I am with the Haddon Twp. Historical Society. I have written a small book on the thetare and helped with the documetary. We are actively looking for anything tha can help perserve and reconcontruct the theatre's history. If you have anything related to the Westmont (photos, memorabilia, handbills, ticket stubs, etc) pre-1990s or related to Handel-Rovner, its builders, owners, architect (Wrifford), remodlers (Supowitz, etc) or anyone who worked on or at the theatre --we would be very excited to get a scan or copy or even if you wish to donate images/items. e-mail: info@haddontwphistoricalsociety.org or I can also provide a snail-mail (USPS) address. Copies of any photos or documents of signifiance that we don't already have in our collection, I will send a free autographed book (whiles supplies last) as thanks. Anecdotes or newstories that you think we don't have would be welcome too. Some of our collection is on the web at http://www.haddontwphistoricalsociety.org/hths--photos--westmonttheatre.htm Thanks!

Check this out -- a great blog and information site on a grassroots movement to save The Westmont. This is more than just a decaying boarded up time capsule. Check out the tabs and links and vote.--Turn your sound on for trailers, clips, etc. http://westmonttheatre.wordpress.com/about/
Awesome!

Here is the proposal from the Retzler Group:
http://tinyurl.com/6bdax6

I just don't see this theatre competing against the Scottish Rite (Collingswood) for concerts OR The Ritz for play's.

It should be noted that the Scottish Rite Auditorium, located inside the Collingswood Masonic Temple, is not now, nor was ever intended to be uses as a performing arts spaace. It is adequate for small concerts, but by design cannot show motion pictures in a professional manner, nor can it handle a Broadway touring show as it lacks fly space and sufficient stage footage. The Ritz Theatre is a more intimate space that is being wonderfully utilized for a most successful subsription series of local theater as well as presenting superb special events for children. The goal of "Neighbors Celebrating the Westmont" is to provide ALL of Camden County with a much larger, true "Performing Arts Center" to showcase professional touring theatre, concerts ranging from full opera to small jazz groups, and of course, film of all gauges presented professionally.

they could make a killing it they created a revival house and promoted it as such, getting investors and the historical society on board, being so near philly is can be a prime spot for film on the east coast and great for the community

Please name the revival houses in the United States that make "a killing" for investors.

Howard...."killing," is a difficult word to define... however, many do make a profit, have very supporting audiences, and bring lots of traffic and money to their area/main streets. To name just a few, including some that also share the space for performing arts: Ziegfeld, Paris, Film Forum in NYC, Byrd in Richmond VA, Ohio in Columbus Ohio, The Music Hall in Portsmouth NH, The Bryn Mawr and Ambler in Phila. PA, The Colonial in Phoenixville, the Castro in San Francisco CA, the Uptown in DC, Loews in Jersey City NJ, and hundreds more throughout the country. There is serious interest redeveloping in seeing film presented correctly in proper and often original surroundings and on large screens with proper sound levels. (Very difficult to do in today's multiplexes!)
Alleb F Hauss

I'm considering a "revival house" as full time classic films. Not an arthouse. Not one classic on weekend matinees (Colonial in Phoenixville) or one week day eve show (Ambler). Not one weekend of classics per month (Loews Jersey). None of those have investors, because none make a profit.

Not one or two festivals per year (Ziegfeld) or an occasional classic (Paris, NY).

I wish the Uptown in DC would sure an occasional classic again but it is all mainstream fare now.

The Castro also shows arthouse films, but is somewhat a revival house.

There used to be full time revival houses in all the cities- that's the only way that I know the term. Most of them closed.

If the Westmont is considering film, my guess is it wouldn't only be classics.

Of course, I do hope that film including classics can return as a component of a program to the Westmont. I'm sure the community leaders are wisely planning.

people show up every night cinemark does a classic feature, exhumed films is a draw with there cult and double bills. every month the later shows for my classic series at pitman grows

if people know its out there they are more willing to try somthing new....or in this case old

i have very little budget to promote films it all goes to live theater but i have taken a page from the old fashion carnival barkers i talk with great passion about 35mm film prints and my classic trailers and the shows which i labor over and it rubs off on people

movie houses today are missing that belly full of fire

Mr. Haas,

They may not make a killing, but its worth noting that the Broadway Theatre of Pitman does show classic films every month, such as this month's presentation of Citizen Kane on September 24th.

I'm sure Newt will do a bang up job presenting it in a way that honors classic film presentation

citizen kane was a hit and i hope it gets people excited for oct 22nd when i present BRIDE OF FRANKENSTEIN at 10:30am and 1:30pm
sorry no late show this month movie fans as there are auditions or warm ups or somting having to do with the live plays that night

but its a great show and for just 3 dollars

Here is a 2003 photo:
http://tinyurl.com/dj92yr

Theatre might be added to New Jersey and National Historic Registry

Several years ago the township began a process to put the theatre on the NJ historic registry listing. And although that application was never finalized it did help secure a certificate of eligibility for the Westmont – which is an important step towards getting on the registry.

When the some members of Neighbors Celebrating the Westmon (NCW) [ http://westmonttheatre.wordpress.com/ ] and on Facebook [ http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=63366902867# ]were made aware of this certificate of eligibility they decided to submit a new application package. Over the course of a few months, and with the help from several people (including theatre historians, architects and preservationists), they completed the application package and submitted it to the New Jersey Historic Preservation Office.

In March the application was received, reviewed and is now officially listed on the docket for consideration at the next meeting, which will be held in Trenton on June 23, 2009

Some Recent Stories and Links of Interest Concerning The Westmont

Saving The Westmont (Film Threat Magazine/site) http://www.filmthreat.com/index.php?section=interviews&Id=1230
Additionally this story was picked up by Google News. NCW and Cinema Treasures mentioned in Philadelphia Daily News: http://www.philly.com/dailynews/local/20090509_CURTAINS_.html
Cafe Press Items: tp://www.cafepress.com/WestmontTheatre. Haddon Township Blog Listing: http://haddontwp.wordpress.com/