>From USA TODAY Weekend Edition/Travel Section: 10 great places to revel in cinematic grandeur
As the Oscars approach (Feb. 27), cinema buffs across the country race to theaters to catch the contenders. But there's more to going to the movies than just the movie, says Ross Melnick, co-author with Andreas Fuchs of Cinema Treasures: A New Look at Classic Movie Theaters (MBI Publishing, $40; cinematreasures.org). "Experience the theater as art," says Melnick, who shares with USA TODAY's Shawn Sell gorgeous historic gems, perfect for viewing today's first-runs. Academy of Music Theatre Northampton, Mass. "Built for $125,000 in 1890, the Academy of Music showed its first motion picture here eight years later. Harry Houdini, Mae West and a host of celebrities appeared on its stage, and scores of others graced its screen. Located in this college town, one of the oldest movie theaters in the country still boasts its original 19th-century balcony, lounge and private boxes." 413-584-8435; academyofmusictheatre.com. Fargo Theatre Fargo, N.D. "The snow outside is white, but the delightful Art Deco/Moderne interior of this theater, featuring multicolored Deco mirrors and mahogany wood accents, shines in the blue-neon splendor of the 1937 remodeling. The region's leading art-house cinema has highlights that include silent-movie nights with the Mighty Wurlitzer organ." 701-239-8385; fargotheatre.org. Galaxy Lafayette Theatre Suffern, N.Y. This theater, "which just celebrated its 80th anniversary restored and renovated, is in many ways better than ever. Operated by Galaxy Theatres with first-run offerings, it gets raves for its Big Screen Classics on Saturday mornings, which include a pre-show Mighty Wurlitzer organ concert � all for a mere $6." 845-369-8234; galaxy-movie-theatre.com/suffern. Grauman's Chinese Theatre Hollywood "As the most famous movie theater in the world, the May 1927 palace received a $7 million renovation in time for its 75th birthday. After enjoying the hands and footprints in the forecourt and watching a blockbuster inside, check out Mann's Chinese 6 multiplex addition next door at Hollywood & Highland." 323-461-3331; manntheatres.com/chinese. Landmark's Mayan Theatre Denver "Before its November 1930 opening as part of the Fox Theatres circuit, this theater was exorcised of evil spirits by members of a local Native American tribe. Although it closed down in 1980, it was reopened as a triplex in 1985 by Landmark Theatres, the nation's largest art-house theater circuit." 303-352-1992; landmarktheatres.com/market/Denver/MayanTheatre.htm. Loews Uptown Theatre Washington, D.C. "Originally opened by Warner Bros. in 1936, the Uptown is one of the oldest (and most lauded) theaters in the 100-year-old Loews Cineplex empire. This John Zink-designed Art Moderne classic, which features a massive screen, has been an event-film mecca for Washington, D.C.-area audiences for decades." 202-966-8805; enjoytheshow.com. Panida Theatre Sandpoint, Idaho "If you feel a cool breeze after sitting down in this Spanish Mission-style auditorium, opened in 1927, it may not be the air conditioning. Rumor has it that original owner F.C. Weskil still walks the aisles. He dedicated his theater 'to the people of the panhandle of Idaho,' and movies and live performances still bring in the crowds." 208-263-9191; panida.org. Clearview Cinemas Ziegfeld Theatre New York City "As multiplexes have conquered Manhattan, this 1,195-red-velvet-seater, opened in 1969, remains the last of its kind in the borough: A single-screen movie house, opulent with crystal chandeliers and gold and marble accents. Named for Broadway showman Florenz Ziegfeld, the theater features displays with programs and photos from his famous Ziegfeld Follies." 212-777-3456; clearviewcinemas.com. Tampa Theatre Tampa "If you've ever wanted to know what it feels like to see a film inside a vintage atmospheric movie palace, this theater is at the top of a short list. Opened in October 1926 by architect John Eberson, it still is delighting local audiences with first-run and classic films, concerts and other live performances." 813-274-8286; tampatheatre.org. Watts Theatre Osage, Iowa " 'Your key to Watts of entertainment, Watts of comfort ...' the opening program promised. After 28 years in the good care of Jim and Millie Watts, it is run today by Robert Williams and his family, who maintain this 1950s showcase. Recently, the son of the man who installed the original neon marquee restored it." 800-509-2887; wattstheatre.com. Direct USA TODAY Link: http://www.usatoday.com/travel/destinations/10great/2005-01-20-movie-theatres_x.htm __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Take Yahoo! Mail with you! Get it on your mobile phone. http://mobile.yahoo.com/maildemo Visit the MoPo Mailing List Web Site at www.filmfan.com ___________________________________________________________________ How to UNSUBSCRIBE from the MoPo Mailing List Send a message addressed to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] In the BODY of your message type: SIGNOFF MOPO-L The author of this message is solely responsible for its content.
