A chance to see classic films on the big screen
Every weekend, the Utah Theatre offers something a little more unique than the average movie date.
Since May, the theater has been showing movies like “Casablanca,” “Singin’ in the Rain” and “Frankenstein” – classics from the days of middle-aged parents and grandparents for $5.
“We wanted to show some good, classic movies,” said Gary Griffin, managing director. “There are many theaters that show new movies and most of them are so crummy you don’t want to see them anyway.”
Every Friday and Saturday, people of all ages can come out, buy some popcorn and a drink and view timeless, digitally re-mastered films in a theater that is timeless itself.
The theater was purchased this spring by the Utah Festival Opera Company when the general director, Michael Ballam saw the building was for sale. Griffin said Ballam called Larry H. Miller, who is a good friend of his, and the next day Miller wrote out a check and the theater was theirs.
The opera company had been looking for another venue it could use during their annual summer opera festival and Ballam has had his eye on the Utah Theatre for years. It was Griffin’s idea to play the classic movies each week and eventually the company hopes to put in a theater organ so silent movies can be played with the instrument in the background.
Live performances are anticipated in the future if the company can expand the stage for plays or musical shows. But for now, classic movies will continue to play.
“Some theaters will play classic movies here and there but I don’t know of any other theater in the state that continually shows old movies every week,” said Griffin, who tries to come every week and watch whatever is playing – especially if it’s John Wayne.
In September, the theater dedicated each weekend to John Wayne movies and Griffin said there will be more of those old Westerns in the future. During October, classic horrors were played and Griffin said he was surprised by how many college students came out to see “Psycho” and the 1931 black-and-white film “Dracula.”
“October was our best month. It was packed,” he said. “We haven’t sold out yet, but we’ve had enough people coming to make it worth our while.”
Folks of all ages have been coming out to see the old films from really young children to grandparents, Griffin said, and they all seem to come out smiling.
Tanya Seamons, a junior majoring in clarinet performance, went to “Dracula” and said she plans to see more movies at the theater.
“I really liked the feel of going there,” she said. “I felt like I was doing something my parents did when they were young.”
Aaron Woodcox said the same, adding that before seeing “Dracula,” old previews were shown for movies coming up. He was able to see the original preview for “Psycho,” as well as a Pink Panther cartoon before the show started.
Going to the Utah Theatre makes a good date, he added, especially if both people like to watch old movies.
Next week “Gone with the Wind” will be playing for Thanksgiving and throughout December, the theater will be showing Christmas movies such as “A Christmas Story,” “Miracle on 34th Street” and “Christmas in Connecticut.”
What makes the shows look really good on screen is the ability to use DVDs with a new projector rather than 35 millimeter film, Griffin said. The quality is superb, he added, and the theater even has a nice surround sound system and rocking seats.
Griffin said he hopes the community and university will get more involved with the theater. Some professors have asked to use the theater to show movies to their students and a youth group wanted to rent out the theater in December to watch “Home Alone.” All people need to do to reserve the theater is contact Griffin, he said.
“Our clientele is growing. Maybe someday we will be able to expand and show classic movies Monday through Saturday, but for now they will just be on the weekends,” Griffin said. “Everyone is welcome to come, get concessions and have a good time.”
-mnewbold@cc.usu.edu