Roxy Theater

December 21, 2012 Washington Post article about the closure of Takoma Park video store owned by Annie and Barry Solan states the two met in 1975 at the State which Barry described as a “raggedy old vaudeville theater.” The article states that in 1979, Barry became a co-owner of the State where he screened films such as “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” and “Our Hitler” an 8 hour movie. After they married in 1981, he bought other theaters including Philadelphia’s Roxy before entering the video business.

Great news about the Roxy. It’s going to be the new home of the Philadelphia Film Society. One of the screens will be digital and the other remaining 35mm so they’ll be able to show the classics. It will be seen in the model of The Film Forum in NYC.

Here’s the article from Philly.com

http://www.philly.com/philly/entertainment/20121009_Roxy_Theater_set_to_reopen_as_new_home_of_Philadelphia_Film_Society.html

November is the closing day. I love this this theatre and will miss it. But how long can you deal with a leaky ceiling and musty smell. I believe this space will go retail. The rents on that block will rise, but a cinema was the perfect fit.

Well ALps Disney Warner Universal and another studio have signed a deal with Kodak to process 35mm films through 2015. This may save some of the smaller theaters like this one.

Here’s a link to a 2006 interview with Roxy operator Bernard Nearey: http://www.philadelphiaweekly.com/arts-and-culture/the_candyman-38421379.html

I wonder how the Roxy will fare when all films will only be availible on digital format? I hope they will work this out, I’d hate to lose this theatre.

I used to go to the Roxy back in the 90’s when it showed foreign and indy films. It was the only place outside of NYC you could see these types of films….at the time I could live with the super narrow alley-like auditoriums and tiny screens (in fairness the projection was always good, the staff very nice and they had a great snackbar). These days, I’m not gonna go downtown to see the same movie I can see on a big screen with good sound near home. If they brought back the unique indies and foreign films I might go back. It’s too bad there is such a shortage of screens in downtown Philly.

Ken mc, the block is GREAT!!!!! Outside of the Roxy, which is still a swell experience, there is a cool record/cd store, Fat Jacks comic crypt, a theater (plays)a top notch comedy club where the greats perform Paul Mooney Robert Kline, and a lot of first class resturants. Fell free to come and visit.

Set of photos of the Roxy, including exterior, lobby, auditorium:
View link

I get so tired of all this bashing of the Roxy Theater. I, for one, am very happy it is there. Yes, it is small and the sound could be better, but I would not trade the experience of welcome enjoyment, as I call it. From the beautiful lady that sells and tears your ticket, to the fresh popcorn with real butter, at fair prices, the cool choice of music that is played, and the cleanliness. Most of all the owner is there to personally greet you. Even though he holds a full time job as an attorney, he stands by his theater. I wish though, that they would have film programing similar to that of the Film Forum in New York. Philly moviegoers are not as adventurous as they clain to be, I still have to travel to NYC to see films that never see the light of day here. I also love the bare brick walls in the lounge and the cleanest bathrooms of any cinema, although idiots are begining to tag them with graffiti. I will support this cinema as long as it remains open, as I will support independent record and bookstores. In the past TLA would program festivals there. We should not allow this cinema to die, the last first run movie theater in Center City. Thank you Mr. Nearey, and keep fighting the good fight, I believe you will wear Mark Cuban and Landmark down.

This is a photo of the Roxy Theater.