The Alchemist, January 12th, 2010, Vol. 3, No. 106
Vol. 3, No. 106
Classic Mondays at the Majestic
Don’t tell Turner Classic Movies but Mondays, yes Mondays, are now the designated nights for classics. Starting with “Gone With the Wind” and ending March 1 with “Platoon,” Corvallis’s Majestic Theatre is showing an Academy Award winning movie most every week.
Progressing by decade, next up is “Casablanca,” a 1943 film with Humphrey Bogart, Ingrid Bergman, and a host of Oscars. Rather than waste time and space by detailing a fantastic, classic film that has been reviewed hundreds of times already, this reporter advises simply: trust the reputation. Or, trust the Majestic Theatre.
“We’re hoping people can come in and enjoy seeing quality entertainment for an inexpensive price,” said Nancy Glines, Development Director at the Majestic, “We were trying to think of something to let people know we’re still here.”
Fresh off a four-month closure for remodeling, the staff at the Majestic is looking to remind people there is good entertainment to be had.
“We were looking for a way to bring more people into the theater and bring them in on nights that are traditionally dark,” Glines added.
Starting with this run of award-winning movies the Majestic will continue Monday movies with collections of different genres; possibilities include film noir, classic westerns, and even films made in Oregon. There may also be a night of episodes from the original Star Trek series.
“Anything from the 90’s on is so readily available that we may not show any,” Glines specified about the selection process, and also specified, “We don’t want to be competition with the Darkside.”
Paul Turner, owner of the Darkside Cinema, declined to comment.
There are two things to keep in mind about Monday movies: first, the screen is big and the sound may be loud, but these films are playing off a DVD, not reels. The difference may be negligible to most, especially with older films, and it brings up an important possibility, extras.
“Do people really just want to see the movie or are they interested in more?” Glines asked.
When you stop in, be sure to let her know your opinion.
“If it keeps going we might bring in local folks to talk about the films we are showing,” Glines added.
With a five dollar price tag, little competition, and an affordable concession stand stocked with everything from candy to beer and wine, it’s likely these Monday movies may be around for some time, though they may not feel like the genuine movie experience quite yet.
“We haven’t figured out how to get a popcorn stand running yet,” Glines explained.
The second thing to keep in mind: contracts for showing these movies are very limiting on advertising. You aren’t likely to see posters around town that say what movie is up next. You can always check the website at www.majestic.org, or do like many people have already and just stop in. Quality films like “In The Heat of the Night” and “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” are still to come.
Run times will vary, but the doors will always open at 6:15 PM on Mondays, and the show will start at 7 PM. The cost is just $5 a person, but with a 300 person capacity you don’t have to get there first unless you want your favorite seat. And, unless it’s Star Trek night, you don’t need to worry about putting on a costume either.
~Robin Canfield
Writer and Photographer
