Friday, September 30, 2005

Picture This


It's not so much that we felt a compelling urge to see another movie, but we have been very keen to visit the town's theatre. It is somewhat unusual for theatres to continue to exist in small places like ours, especially when they are close to large cities, but Mills has one. It resides in the basement of an old church, under the main floor fitness centre. Of course, we have been intrigued enough to want to pay a visit, especially because, indicated by the sign, it plays current, popular movies.



We descended the short flight of steepish stairs to be greeted right at the bottom by the personable proprietor who was manning the till: an ancient relic perched on a small counter (the cash register I mean). We talked amicably as we forked over our twelve bucks — yup, only six bucks each, four-fifty on cheap Tuesday, less for seniors — and he introduced us his old German Shepherd, Misha, who to our great delight contentedly, sprawled his ample bod over about half of the lobby. Because there's nothing to compare him with in the photo, you'll have to take my word (or not, if you are one of the legions who doubt my credibility) that Misha is the biggest German Shepherd in the history of planet Earth. I wonder if he's always been as uptight as he was when Cuppa took this picture? <grin>


 



We purchased a small bag of popcorn at the tiny concession and proceeded into one of the two the movie rooms (see above photo). Isn't it almost too delightful for words? For whatever reason, concerts I might suppose, there's even an organ. The screen has scratches and electrical wires run visibly along the walls where bare bulbs are interspersed (see light near top left of photo). The seats are not comfy for me, but many aren't compatible with my sorry back, even in the new, plush, and grandiose edifices.


The proprietor walked to the front to introduce the film and to pump the new one, Forty Year Old Virgin, that was playing in the other room. After walking back into the glass-windowed projection room (just like the old days) and starting the film, he walked back out to listen. Not liking what he heard, he advised us that we would stop the film to eliminate the background noise. He did; it worked.


We pronounce the place and the evening delightful. How absolutely wonderful that someone would think to run such an enterprise in such a small town. I imagine that the younger set would think it corny and pine for the glitz of a modern megaplex, but I think, and more importantly, the ever redoubtable Cuppa thinks that, with all apologies to Rocky, this place is the cat's ass.


Oh yes, the movie, Just Like Heaven, was fine too: a light and inoffensive flick that could be seen and appreciated by a gamut of age groups with the possible exception of the pubescent set that would likely prefer more action, violence, and you know what else.


 

13 comments:

Ginger said...

Cool. It reminds me of the little movie theatre in St. Helena, California (wine country) that was remodeled about 8 years ago. Small, intimate, with electric flickering candelabra lights at the front and movies that don't leave your brain cells undisturbed.

Bonita said...

You really are in Heaven! I love makeshift accommodations in little small towns - but, regardless of the little bare lightbulb at the left, any theatre that has white chairs is looking for trouble...

Makes me want to go see the Senior Center over in Augusta, Montana.

methatiam said...

You've reminded me of the two little theaters in the town where I grew up. I think you may have given me my next sting idea.
Thanks.

methatiam said...

POsting idea - darn keyboard!

Gina said...

Misha does indeed look to be the size of a small elephant. I love German Shepherds.

PBS said...

That's so cool, what a great area!

Linda said...

Your description reminds me of the Roxy Theatre in Grimsby, Ontario. 30 or more years ago, they would have an intermission where patrons (the under 12 crowd) would be encouraged to dance up front in exchange for a chocolate bar. Thanks for the memories.

Christi said...

That sounds like so much fun! I wish I could go!

Anonymous said...

This sounds like a delightful experience. What a find! Did you feel you where walking back in time?

I love the photo of Misha!

Lynn said...

A spectacular find. I found myself in small town Iowa back in the fifties as I read it.

karla said...

The puppy in the movie theater is an interesting touch. What a darling. I bet he gets his fair share of buttery popcorn.

It's almost shocking that a quaint little theater like this can manage to stay in busines with the competition of the large movie complexes.

Good for the owner. I think it's fantastic.

Melodee said...

Ah, the cupcake movie! :)

Cool experience.

Lora said...

What a nice thing to have near by. Plus those are better then average movies. Most small theatres seem to play only the big blockbusters. I loved "40 Year Old Virgin"