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Monday, July 4, 2011

This is my hood.

Where's yours?
This is my favourite theatre. It's old. Locally reknown for its popcorn, it brims with the soft residue of laughter and music and tears and holding hands and first kisses and spilled pop. Its first movie was shown on August 6, 1949. Its first wedding happened last year.

This is the view from above, through that hole in the wall where the projector's light spreads out and flickers. This is my son's view. He's a projectionist, a job soon extinct. He threads the film, repairs the blisters, maintains the machine. One of the perks of his job is free movies whether he's working or not. What a sweet bonus to a job that is already such a great community service to the many people here who couldn't live without this theatre.

My first movie at this theatre was Dances with Wolves. Appropriate considering that like Lt. John Dunbar, I had just moved to the middle of nowhere to start what turned out to be my life. Like Dunbar, I had no idea what approached beyond the unfamiliar horizon.

But everything I ever hoped for found me.

We all need a place like that. We really do. Where's yours?

17 comments:

Vinny C said...

I... I don't know! This is unacceptable. I'll have to find me one.

P.S.: For this time of year, with summer blockbusters coming out, your son's got the coolest job.

Pickleope said...

The monkey exhibit at the zoo. Specifically Tamarins or Marmosets. Or put-put-golf courses.
Thanks for sharing the serenity, it really took me back to some happy places thinking about it.

Windsmoke. said...

Its definitely sad theatres like this one close because they have a certain charm, a certain character and if those walls could speak how many stories could be told :-).

Debra She Who Seeks said...

I spent much of my youth in an old repertory theatre watching classic movies and foreign films -- cheap entertainment when you're a student!

michael.offworld said...

Every phase in my life has a theatre. The Gaiety. The Princess. Eaton Centre. There's a great one in Waterton too. Saw Biodome there. I couldn't forget it if I tried. The movie that is. My new favourite is the drive-in at Watrous.

karensomethingorother said...

I was just wondering recently if there are any theatres that still show movies that come out of cans any longer.

Mrs. Tuna said...

Well, since you just commented on my blog, you know Starbucks is my hood.

Alittlesprite said...

Haven't found mine yet.

Kev D. said...

The bookstore.

I'm extremely thankful that the Barnes and Nobles near my house seems to be doing really well and is always busy. I was worried when I saw all of the Borders stores closing that bookstores were on the way out.

Chelle said...

It's my favourite place too, I did a post about this very theatre a while ago!

Munk said...

Love this post!

Mel said...

You have such a lovely way with words. The movie theater is my hiding place/pondering place/escape from reality place. I love it!

Ryan said...

I have no hiding place as yet, with 2 toddlers and a chatterbox of a wife what chance have I got?

Antares Cryptos said...

A small bookstore where the owner has read every single book he recommends.

Bliss.:)

wendy said...

I love that you have found "a place where everything Found YOU"

LOVE the movie Dances with Wolves. I've watched it soooo many times.
AND....Years ago, when in high school, I worked part time as an "usher" in a movie theatre.. YES, that wa when little girls in short uniform dresses, reaking of Tabu perfume, showed you to your seats.
I watched The Good, The Bad and The Ugly. over, and over, and over....and the ORIGINAL Steve McQueen show Thomas Crown Affair.
good memories.

DB Stewart said...

@Vinny Nope. Not acceptable. And yes, my son has a pretty sweet job.
@Pickleope Nice. And I'm glad.
@Windsmoke Agreed.
@DSWS I can relate, except I was at home with my Mom watching old movies on TV.
@Michael Watrous has a drive-in? Awesome.
@karen Now you know.
@MrsT Yes I do.
@sprite You must search and find.
@KevD I was just in my favourite bookstore in Edmonton today: Audrey's.
@Chelle Oh I forgot about that.
@Munk Thanks.
@Mel You are too kind.
@Ryan You need to find your place man.
@AC Sounds perfect. Check out library porn on the mental floss website.
@wendy Female ushers? Awesome.

The Defiant Marshmallow said...

Sublime.

I say it without embarrassment.

My small town is a spacial place. No old theaters, but special. A wonderful park, a slower pace, Amish buggies and horses, and clean air.

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