It was an experience that just isn’t as ubiquitous as it used to be, my night at the movies. Went to the Stanford Theatre in Palo Alto this evening for a showing of Born Yesterday, that glorious movie starring Judy Holliday and William Holden.
They don’t make movies like this anymore, and they don’t make theatres like this anymore. I’m gushing a bit, but this was my first time watching an old(ish) movie in an old theatre, and I finally understood the “magic of the movies.”
I love Born Yesterday, but all these years I’d been watching it on television. Watching it on a movie screen from the balcony — my first comment was “hey! It’s in high definition!” — was even better than the best hi-def set. Black and white took on a whole new clarity, and the movie was made to be watched in a theatre like this, framed elegantly by the architecture. But that wasn’t the only fantastic thing about it all — no, the most amazing thing was watching this film with its rapid-fire dialogue and sometimes very subtle humor, with an audience. All those people laughing, clapping, rapt with attention to the intelligence of an era of film now gone, it was enrapturing.
And after the movie? An organ recital on the mighty Wurlitzer!
Multiplexes suck.
Isn’t it great? My first time there was a few years ago to see Vertigo.
I wish I’d been there…. with a perpetually ringing cell phone!
Bwahahahahahahahah!!!!!!!
I’m gushing a bit, but this was my first time watching an old(ish) movie in an old theatre, and I finally understood the “magic of the movies.”
Well I’m glad you got to experience it, because its about as related to what we now call “going to the movies” as a hot dog from a street vendor is related to French Cuisine.
I wasn’t aware that there were still any of the old Theaters left, its nice to know there are still some around. I can’t tell you how many school days I skipped only to spend the day watching movies. Back then you could stay in you seat and watch it again, if you wanted, listening to the mighty Wurlitzer between the shows.