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Moolah Temple Cinema Reopens
posted by
Chuck1231
on
December 23, 2004 at 5:27 am
ST. LOUIS, MO — The former Moolah Shriners Temple opened yesterday with an array of entertainment.
The 92 year old landmark structure will house the single screen Cinema, a bowling alley, apartments and offices.
Harman Mosley is taking a real chance on a single screen theater but has been successful both with the Chase Park Plaza Cinemas and the Galleria Cinemas. This will be the third theater in his St. Louis Cinema Chain.
The Moolah Temple has been restored to its original Arabian Nights design and the theater section will even feature a balcony. The opening feature will be “Meet the Fockers.” Harman had bid on “Phantom of the Opera” but was out bid by the Hi-Pointe.
More details are in the full article from the A&E section of the St. Louis Post Dispatch.
Comments (2)
Charles: As you know the Fox in Atlanta was a Shriner’s Temple at one time and has an Arabian Nights interior design! You mention “Phantom” and it would be interesting to know how many cinema members have seen a live “Phantom” performance and where? I saw my live performance at the Kravis Center in West Palm Beach FL in June of 1995. Perhaps someone could start a poll with this question?
The Moolah Theater is a wonderful place to see a movie and I highly recommend it. The first time I went there I was so blown away that I went straight home and wrote a letter to the manager.
First, the restoration of the building itself is amazing. As you enter, there is an inviting little seating area to the left â€" a nice place to relax before and after the movie. To the right is a small, upscale bar complete with plasma screen monitors. Above you in the foyer are large red lampshades suspended from the ceiling – it takes a moment to realize that they resemble huge upside-down Shriner’s hats!
These little treats are just a glimpse of what lies ahead when you enter the theatre. The room is huge, as is the screen. The main floor is filled with comfortable leather couches, loveseats and chairs for seating with a few extra stadium seating chairs in the back.
The balcony is wonderful too, with traditional theater seating which is basically dead center vertically to the screen. It’s hard to decide which are the best seats! When you sit down, LOOK UP! The lighting display on the dome of the ceiling is mesmerizing to watch.
Oh, and then there’s the actual movie. This has got to be everyone’s dream “home theaterâ€! The screen is enormous and the surround sound is set-up flawlessly. I just can’t imagine a better place to see a movie! And when you leave, ushers wait at the doors with mints and candies. Wow.
Two things to know before you go. 1) They have a wonderful air conditioner â€" be prepared to be cool! 2) Parking is in the pay lot behind the theater. DO NOT park on the street as these spots are for residents only. Not to worry, your parking ticket can be validated inside and will get you $2 off the concession stand.