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The latest movie theater news and updates
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February 1, 2007
Controversial Dreamland renovations prevent summer opening
NANTUCKET, MA — To add condos and dining space, the Dreamland Theatre is embarking on an extensive renovation that might compromise historic elements of the structure.
The historic Dreamland movie theater will have to be dismantled down to its bare timbers in order for its long-delayed renovation and expansion to move forward, architects told the Historic District Commission Tuesday night.
If such a project is approved, there is no way the 175-year-old movie house will be open in time for the summer season, despite a condition of its Planning Board special permit that requires movies to be shown from June 15-Sept. 15 while work is underway, town officials said this week.
“The building is going to be stripped down to its skeleton,” said Timothy Fitzroy, an associate with Brockton, Mass.-based BKA Architects, Inc., which was recently hired by Dreamland owner Haim Zahavi to take over work on the controversial project that also kept the building shuttered and dark last summer.
For more, go to the Inquirer and Mirror.
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Robert Osborne’s Classic Film Festival
ATHENS, GA — Hosted and programmed by Robert Osborne, the four-day festival at Athens' Classic Center Theatre celebrates classic motion pictures through the screening of several newly remastered 35 mm prints of classic Hollywood, independent, and foreign films.
Special guests associated with the films will appear on stage with Mr. Osborne after the screenings to discuss their work with the audience. Tickets are $10 for each film, or $60 for a festival pass.
The 2007 Festival lineup includes Some Like it Hot, Laura, The Man Who Would Be King, Waiting For Guffman, Election, Mad Hot Ballroom, An Affair to Remember, and The Sound of Music.
The festival website is: Osborne Festival 2007.
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January 31, 2007
Richard Crowther, Architect of Cooper/Indian Hills Theatres Has Died at 96
I have recently learned that Richard Crowther, the architect of the Cooper/Indian Hills “hatbox” Cinerama movie theatres, has passed away. This means that the interview I filmed with him for my documentary, “Preserve Me a Seat” was perhaps the last onscreen interview the reclusive architect ever gave in his life. More information about Crowther’s work and life can be found in this link to an article in the Denver Post:
And, if anyone is interested, the complete interview with Richard Crowther can be seen on the dvd of “Preserve Me a Seat,” my documentary about efforts to preserve historic movie theatres, which features both the Cooper and Indian Hills theatres. You can get the dvd here if you’re interested: Apartment 101 Films
I’ll never forget how fascinating Mr. Crowther was to talk to about his theater designs, or how concerned he was about building structures that would not harm the environment. He was truly a visionary.
Jim Fields
Writer/Director, “Preserve Me a Seat” -
Glendale memories
GLENDALE, NY — I grew up in Glendale living in the big apartment house on 69th Street(Fosdick Court) and Myrtle Avenue from 1946 to 1974. I attended P.S. 91 and then went on to Richmond Hill High School. I was just recently visiting Glendale and Ridewood after a 17 year absence. I was surprised to see how the old neighborhood has changed and it seemed so busy and congested from how I remembered it. There seemed to be so many more stores and people but it was enjoyable walking and driving up and down the streets remembering the past fun of growing up in a wonderful community.
As a teenager my friends and I always walked down the avenue to go to the movies and the stores. It was our weekly entertainment. There was the Acme Theatre, the Glenwood, the Ridgewood, where I saw West Side Story, and the RKO Madison Theatres. The latter played host to many Rock & Rolls Shows that Murray the K would bring. At one of the shows he introduced Little Stevie Wonder as a newcomer to the business.
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Theater text message service
We just engineered something that we think cinema owners will love. And it’s FREE! In short you can send a text message to anyone on your list with just the click of a button.
You’ll be able to tell people exactly what’s playing, specials, etc just a couple of hours before a show- they get the text message wherever they are right then and make instant plans to come to your theater! It also serves as an email list for those who don’t have one- send out emails to whoever is on your list.
If you want to know more (including the editors!) please . I can set you up with a username and password. The URL is:Promobird
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January 30, 2007
Canadian chain sells theater naming rights
How would you like it if you walked up to your favorite theater next week to find it named the Washington Mutual 14 or the Best Buy Theatre @ Main Street? Some people in Canada are feeling that right now as Cineplex and Scotiabank form a partnership.
Following the lead of our new opera house and almost every arena in professional sports, Cineplex Entertainment has entered into a five-year deal with Scotiabank to rebrand theatres in Toronto, Montreal, Edmonton, Calgary and Vancouver. Some attendees at last night’s soiree buzzed with concern at a corporate branding trend that continues to encroach upon significant and historic sites, while others pointed out that the former Paramount has always been tied to a brand.
Gone are the familiar Paramount script and bold exterior signage, replaced with temporary signage more appropriate for the boards at a hockey arena. Even the antique bronze railing transplanted from New York’s historic Paramount Theater (shuttered in 1964) has been removed from the area above the escalators. Cineplex currently has a 3-D marquee in the works that is somewhat similar to the recently dismantled one.
For more, go to the Torontoist.
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Cinema Heritage Group newsletter
Dear Cineaste,
In November last year the Cinema Heritage Group (IRE) was formed by a number of cinema enthusiasts. Our main interest lies in cinema buildings, their architecture and the history of cinema-going in Dublin and Ireland.
I have started issuing a small, free e-newsletter (monthly), featuring cinema news incl.:
-developments re. historic cinema buildings and new multiplexes
– related publications, events, exhibitions and tours
– recommended reading and viewing + film news etc.
“The Cinematograph” (featuring colour illustrations; now out in its third issue) is available as a PDF* e-mail attachment (only). -
Forum Theater Los Angeles
I am researching Ted Henkel, who was as I understand it, the Musical Director of the Forum Theater somewhere between 1925-1930ish. I have found a few articles about his work and scores in the LA Times archives, but was wondering if there is any historical resource specifically for the Forum that is available. Perhaps some of you historical experts might be able to give me some ideas or resource paths to follow. I’d sure appreciate any help.
Thanks so much.
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January 29, 2007
Auburn Schine Theater
AUBURN, NY — The Cayuga County Arts Council unveiled the facade at The Auburn Schine Theatre on Friday January 12, 2007. The Auburn Theatre is located at 14 South St, Auburn, NY. The Arts Council owns The Auburn Theatre and continues to work on its renovation and rehabilitation.
The doors and box office have been restored to their original art deco design. The design is a plastic laminate and their colors are very bright and vibrant. The original colors include black, red, white, silver, yellow green, and a rusty terra cotta. The design is accented by ornamental metal work which has been restored to virtually an exact match of the 1939 John Eberson design. The newly refurbished theatre facade will be a bright addition to downtown landscape and will brightly highlight the future possibilities for the theatre restoration.
Following the unveiling, the Cayuga County Arts Council hosted a reception at Westminster Presbyterian Church.
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Fall in Love with an Old Theater Lecture Series
SPOKANE, WA — Painting conservator Jeff Greene of EverGreene Painting Studios discusses his work restoring the decorative surfaces of Spokane’s Fox Theater and other projects around the nation.
Tuesday, February 6, 2007
7:00 pm
Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture
2316 W. First Ave.
Spokane, WAPresented by the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture’s Historic Preservation Committee. For more information, please call (509) 456-3931.