Academy Theatre

Dear Foundation President Ted Watts,

You have denied that your decision to cancel the Michael Moore film is one of censorship. Yet most of your members want to see the film. Perhaps the board's decision is not technically censorship, but your board did fold under initial pressure and seems unwilling to reconsider as pressure amounts on the other side. What is in question is the courage of the board, the biases of those on the board, or possibly both.

As for political agendas--every film has at least an implicit political agenda and many you've shown have explicit political agendas. Showing a film members want to see is not taking a political posture. Canceling a scheduled showing for political reasons (whether internal or national) is a political decision.

Since you have been made uncomfortable about the film, a good solution would be to show the film and then sponsor a well-designed debate between a critic of the film and someone who is willing to defend it. (A well-designed debate could take less then an hour: one person making a five minute point, then a three minute response by the other, a one-minute reply by the first speaker; repeating this three more times, switching persons; concluding with each person offering a five minute conclusion. The first speaker would offer the first conclusion. The extra ten minutes would be absorbed by a moderator, explaining the ground rules, then enforcing them.) The debate could be a bit briefer and could occur 2/3rds of the way through the film after a brief intermission.

Courage is essential to citizens and boards. Letting people inform themselves and then make their own decisions is also essential.

Cordially,

Bart Gruzalski
Professor Emeritus Philosophy
Northeastern University, Boston

That's nice, but what makes you think Ted will see it? Did you ever consider buying a stamp? Or even reading enough of the site to figure out that it has nothing to do with the management of the theater? This looks even dumber than people who want to know showtimes, etc. Anyhow, just reading up on other PA theaters to visit while seeing the last of the Jordan, and I had to respond. Too many people clearly weren't paying attention when they posted.

I see that this theatre history mentions the Blatt Brothers and I was wondering if anyone could help with additional information concerning the Blatt name in connection to other theatres around the country? Thank you.

Does anyone have photos of this theatre?

Does anyone have a photo(s) of this theatre in Meadville PA?

tell me about MEADVILLE PA??????????///

I'm not from Meadville PA, but have visited that community a few times. It's a quaint college town and is located south of Erie PA on I-79.

If anyone is still interested in photos of the Acamedy Theatre I can help. You'll have to wait for the rare sunny day in Meadville for exteriors, though. The marquee was removed during the renovation as it was not original to the building so it doesn't have what you call a movie theatre look. If you want to know more about Meadville I can try and fill in the gaps...

Also, interior shots are available. I can try and show as much detail as possible...

I recently heard that this theatre was for sale on eBay. Can anyone offer more information on this bit of theatre news? Friends of mine who live near Meadville, but not in Meadville told me that in their local paper there was a recent article. Unfortunately, they didn't save the story for me to read.

The theater for sale was the Meadville Cinemas which was the last movie house in the city. The new owner(s) will have a tough go, in my opinion, if they choose the movie approach because of the new Movies At Meadville cineplex just outside of town. They have the multiple screen, Dolby 5.1 surround affair and even do football games complete with tail-gating. The Academy is still in safe hands. I was just there Friday installing a new CD player in the office.

So it is not the Academy that is for sale? Still would like to see some phtotos of this theatre so maybe "Lost Memory" can find some to post!

One photo coming up. :)

This is a photo of the Academy Theater taken by Seth Gaines.

Lost Memory: You are the Photo Wizard! Thanks again!!!!!

Here is the website for the Academy Theater.

This is another photo.

1982 photo of the Academy Theatre.
http://americanclassicimages.com/Default.aspx?tabid=141&txtSearch=CATAdvancedSearch1%2c38%2c3%2c-1&catpagesize=10&ProductID=33073