On the Big Screen

The Senator Theater in Baltimore is by far my favorite movie theater (though the AFI in Silver Spring isn't too shabby either). I have seen a couple dozen movies there, and I have loved it each time. Seeing Return of the King was a religious experience. The huge screen, the old timey feel, the delicious popcorn all make going to the movies an event. So, sad new that it is in financial trouble again. This time, though, the city and the owner are coming together on a creative solution: make it into a nonprofit. While this would necessitate that the theater be used for things other than movies by providing "educational and cultural opportunities", I think this is a great move. The Senator is an institution in North Baltimore and is worth saving whatever the cost. Really, making it into a nonprofit might actually make the Senator even more important to its neighborhood. So, good times all around.

This does, however, shine a light on the continuing financial problems the theater has had over the years. It has been bailed out several times, and can just not seem to stay in the black. I have to believe that at least some of this is attributable to poor management decisions (though I have no evidence to back that up) but it is much more about the marginalization of single screen theaters in this country. The Senator simply hasn't kept up with the times, which is laudable to me but devastating to it as a business. No stadium seating, no commercials before the movie starts, no three course meal available at the concession stand. Just popcorn, candy, and a movie. And even though you have to get somewhat lucky and hope someone really tall isn't sitting in the row ahead of you, watching a movie on the big screen just can't be matched by other places. I guess the Senator just isn't for everyone. But, you know what I say to those people? We don't want you here anyway.