Faded Memories: Old Time Movie Theaters

Still, I’m nostalgic for times past when going to the movies was an BIG EVENT even if I’m too young to even remember much of what used to be common practices in movie-going magic. Does anyone remember some of these old-time movie theater customs?

Beautiful theaters

In the old days, theaters often were elaborate architectural masterpieces on the outside–made to resemble a Spanish villa or a Chinese temple. Inside, you could find crystal chandeliers, carved woodwork, and sumptuous fabrics. Today, our 30-screen multiplexes are boxlike structures sadly devoid of anything but advertisements and lights pointing the way to refreshments and restrooms.

The Red Velvet Curtain

When I was very young, we lived about forty miles from the nearest theater. I clearly remember all of us going to see Snow White and in the tiny one-screen building in Mt. Vernon, WA, there was a red velvet curtain. We were on our best behavior because when the lights went dark and that red velvet curtain opened with a flourish, we knew we were in for something special. Now—not now but pre-Covid—those screens have been turned into non-stop billboards, advertising everything from coke and candy and telling us to turn off our cell phones before the house lights dim.

Uniformed Ushers

I remember as a teenager, being shushed by ushers who carried little flashlites and watched for unruly behavior during the film, but they weren’t dressed in those snazzy uniforms. Now, we can go to some theaters where staff will bring us beverages and even full meals during the movie. But that just doesn’t have the same kind of classy appeal.

Double Feature

Sometimes, even a 90 minute film seems long, but maybe a double feature would entice those couples (like my husband and I) who have widely differing tastes in movies to compromise. How about a period drama/action movie pairing? I could may be able to talk my husband into seeing Little Women if he knew John Wick was going to be the follow-up.

Intermission

I’m all for intermission! Time to go to the bathroom, refill the popcorn and drinks, and maybe even say hello to some people you know before settling back into you seat for the rest of the show. Why did this even stop?

Dish night

In the 1930s, it wasn’t a virus keeping movie-goers away from the film houses, it was the Great Depression. A night out was a huge luxury, especially if you had children. One ploy that worked wonders to fill the seats was dish night. A theater owner would make a deal with a china manufacturer, and offer a piece of a place setting with every ticket. Frugal housewives would flock to the theater to complete their settings and see the latest Hollywood flick. It was win-win. Maybe theaters could do something along those lines now? 

Some things, I’m happy not to see make a come-back.

1. Ashtrays: second hand smoke is never ok

2. Newsreels: we see enough news. Movies, for me, are a time to escape from the reality of our 24 hour news cycle.

Have you seen any good movies lately?

If you’re not a fan of movies or theaters, you can always read a good book–maybe one that brings the glamour of old-time Hollywood to you, like In A Far Off Land, my newest release!