THS Exclusive Preview: “Going Attractions: The Definitive Story of the Movie Palace”

Theatre Historical Society of America is hosting an exclusive preview of Going Attractions: The Definitive Story of the Movie Palace on Wednesday, June 28th at the historic Million Dollar Theatre in Downtown, Los Angeles.

Guests will get an exclusive look at this documentary exploring the beauty and history of historic movie palaces at the legendary Million Dollar Theatre. Event ticket includes a Q&A with the filmmakers following the screening. Concessions will be available.

This special event is open to the public for $25 admission, and is included in your THS Full Conclave Registration. Visit this link to purchase tickets. Media & Sponsorship inquiries please contact: gina.vensel@historictheatres.com.

Interested in joining THS for the entire week of Conclave events? Click here for more information.

Going Attractions: The Story of the American Movie Palace

Photo & Synopsis courtesy of Going Attractions

Director: April Wright | Producer: Rachael Ponn | Genre: Documentary

​The 100 year history of how the American movie experience evolved so quickly from nickelodeons to the studio system and huge movie palaces of the teens and twenties and their eventual decline through present day including current preservation efforts.

Synopsis:

Americans love movies.  What started as individual entertainment in penny arcades moved to a shared experience in nickelodeons.  Next movies evolved from a lower class entertainment to mainstream, large movie palaces were built and the studio system grew in the teens and twenties.  All of the grand movie palaces were built in a very compressed period of time between approximately 1915 with many converting from Vaudeville acts, through the early 30s. The addition of sound spawned the golden age of cinema in the 30’s in these architecturally gorgeous theatres in metropolitan areas which thrived as an escape from the great depression.

After World War II, television became popular and single screen theaters followed on main streets everywhere as a result of suburban sprawl and the baby boom.  This led to a sharp decline in the downtown of American cities.  The classic theatres were too large and expensive to maintain.  By the 70’s they tried to survive with exploitation films.  Often these palaces were split or multiplexed.  But more often, they closed, and were allowed to decay. In a country that is synonymous with the film industry, we have allowed our history to be lost as we’re demolished many of our country’s palaces.  But many individuals have worked tirelessly to preserve, restore and maintain this piece of history so it can be enjoyed by future generations.  However, many still stand in the balance, waiting for the funds to bring these landmarks back to life.

To learn more about Going Attractions, visit this link.