One of the truly fortunate things I got to experience as a child was seeing 2 movies in the mid-1960s (and one live event, the 1968 Indy 500 which was broadcast live to select theatres) at the Fox prior to its refurbishment. I’m sure that seeing a movie in an old-time movie palace helped make me a lifelong movie fan. Makes me sad that this experience is just gone for Gen X, Z, etc.
Yes, it is sad that newer generations only get to see movies in those bland multiplexes these days. However, I live on the West Coast most of the year and the Chinese Theatre still gives you a movie palace experience complete with a grand curtain and beautiful presentation. Across the street on Hollywood Blvd., the El Capitan Theatre has a very elaborate pre show and organ concert before the movie. That theatre is operated by Disney and it has been beautifully restored. So there are still a few theaters that offer a luxurious environment. If the movie is not so good, at least you can admire the architecture and decor!
I also used to see movies, as well as work for the company that operated most of the main movie palaces in town, at the Fox on a regular basis. I remember one evening when the theatre was at complete capacity for an evening performance of a Jimmy Stewart movie, “Flight of the Phoenix”. It’s quite an experience seeing a movie with an audience the size of a substantial village!
One of the truly fortunate things I got to experience as a child was seeing 2 movies in the mid-1960s (and one live event, the 1968 Indy 500 which was broadcast live to select theatres) at the Fox prior to its refurbishment. I’m sure that seeing a movie in an old-time movie palace helped make me a lifelong movie fan. Makes me sad that this experience is just gone for Gen X, Z, etc.
Wow, what a great memory!
Yes, it is sad that newer generations only get to see movies in those bland multiplexes these days. However, I live on the West Coast most of the year and the Chinese Theatre still gives you a movie palace experience complete with a grand curtain and beautiful presentation. Across the street on Hollywood Blvd., the El Capitan Theatre has a very elaborate pre show and organ concert before the movie. That theatre is operated by Disney and it has been beautifully restored. So there are still a few theaters that offer a luxurious environment. If the movie is not so good, at least you can admire the architecture and decor!
I also used to see movies, as well as work for the company that operated most of the main movie palaces in town, at the Fox on a regular basis. I remember one evening when the theatre was at complete capacity for an evening performance of a Jimmy Stewart movie, “Flight of the Phoenix”. It’s quite an experience seeing a movie with an audience the size of a substantial village!