Cool News
Quick! A Classic Theater Is Dying - Geeks to the Rescue, even if it is a Baltimore Senator!
Hey folks, Harry here... Film history and truly iconic places are lost to the savage world everyday. I love classic movie theaters. Watching a film in a place with stunning marquees and radiant auditoriums is just something to behold. In Austin - I've written to support the Paramount Theatre on many an occassion - and in the past - I've written in support of other theaters scattershot around the country.
It is true - I have never seen a film there, never stood in front of the theater - and sadly, I've never even been to Baltimore. Though damn if I wouldn't want to see a double bill of the two classic RAVEN films in this theater. And everytime I hear about one of these places on the brink of death - I think... God, I would have loved to have seen a film there. Don't you?
Well, all is not lost - there's a chance to save this theater. For over 65 years it's been owned and operated by a single family. You don't see too much of that these days. They took out loans for restoring it to it's former glory. They've cared for this Cinema Temple and now... Now it could all be for naught. If you go to SENATOR.com (pretty nifty site address, eh) you can read all about it. And moreso - you can donate via PayPal - just as I have. It's played all the greats - even now it has Eastwood's magnificent LETTERS FROM IWO JIMA screening, but in those halls - upon that screen is the ghosts of Bogart and Karloff and Spencer Tracy and god knows how many other films.
Imagine if you find yourself in Baltimore some day in the future, you could visit this theater and see a film. If you're a filmmaker reading this - imagine having your film play in a classic theater like this - there's not too many out there and if this call for salvation goes unheeded... there will be one less. SAVE A THEATER - for one day, I might be calling out to save one of your faves!
Dear Senator Theatre Patrons,
After 67 years of continuous ownership and operation by my family, the future of the historic Senator Theatre is currently in jeopardy. It may soon be shuttered due to a foreclosure auction by First Mariner Bank scheduled for 1:30pm on Wednesday, Feb 21st.
The debt to First Mariner is $91,000. If we are unable to raise sufficient funds to satisfy the debt, The Senator will go under the gavel in 11 days.
Since the crisis facing The Senator was first reported, we have received an astounding flood of e-mails, calls, and letters [some with checks enclosed] as the days count down to the possible end of a golden era.
The expressions of support and inquiries have a common theme, "how can we contribute to saving The Senator Theatre?"
The auction sale will only be averted by those who recognize the dire nature of the situation and act with timely financial assistance.
We have added a secure PayPal payment method to our site. Please take the time to scroll up and enter your donation in the given space, or if you prefer, checks made payable to The Senator Theatre / S.O.S. Fund can be mailed to:
The Senator Theatre
5904 YORK ROAD
BALTIMORE , MD 21212
We are reaching out to those who can make a critical difference to insure The Senator's survival, and encourage you to open your hearts [and your wallets] and contribute to the effort.
First Mariner's foreclosure only allows us the minimal period of time permitted by law. This action can still be thwarted if the public's response continues to grow in a geometrical fashion.
Please help us to quickly spread the word to others.
Sincerely, Tom Kiefaber
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the closing of my favorite theater in my hometown. It closed in the late seventies. My child will never know the joy of that classic theater. I am so thankful for the Alamo Drafthouse in Austin and do everything I can to support venues that have a true respect for film. I would do anything to bring back that theater in my hometown, but because I can't I will send my support to this one. Thanks for letting us all know, I'd hate to see a place like this close down.
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... this is a no-brainer. If we don't support independently owned cinemas like this one, then we'll eventually just be left with shitty corporate options, and that's no good for films or for film fans.
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Feb 10, 2007 6:11:10 PM CST
Don't forget, Harry: this is JOHN WATER'S fave theater!
by yotzvonfrelnik
Yeah, John Waters, who is as most know, a Baltimorean, likes to open his movies at this awesome establishment! And the location is pretty neat, too... Not really IN the city of Baltimore, but near the mostly suburban north edge of it, so it's kind of a cozy location with parking a block down the street in a Staples rear lot (nice of those Staples folks to let the patron park there... they do have ample room to spare). There aren't any theatres of this design for many a mile around. Until a few months ago I lived in Baltimore for four years and it's a pretty rare gem in this region of the country. God, it's suck to see this grand edifice turned into apartments, or a shoe store as I've seen others done. I saw the last relase of Metropolis there on the first visit back in '02. Since then they put in roomier seats and, like was said above... continued to rejuvenate the place. I'm going to check my finances, and I might have to wait until payday, I'm seriously leaning towards a donation that hurts.
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I grew up around Baltimore about 40 minutes or so from the Senator, but it was always worth the drive. Thing is in my family you didn't go to the Senator lightly. The Senator wasn't just a theater to us it was an experience. We made a night out of it with the entire family, with dinner and the movie. Some of my fondest memories are of seeing movies there with my friends and family. This theater has been apart of my entire life and I want it to stay that way. I refuse to let another one of my memories to be just that, a memory. I'm going to give what I can to save this theater, and I'll make sure my family does the same.
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I lived in Baltimore for 5 years while I was in school- and loved going to the Senator. It has a special agreement with the other great indy theatre there, “The Charles,” and together they run all the “Great” movies. Its very hard to keep theatres open in Baltimore- we have a number of closed ones that have been turned into stores or vacant lots.The Senator would be a great loss- and it would be nice to see it stay in the family. And as the poster above noted- it is John Waters’ fave spot to open movies. If anyone has the cash to help with this- please do. It’s a lovely building, and deserves to be taken care of, hon.
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Totally sucks. The sad truth is though that the area it's in is going down hill due to crime. It is located on York Rd near Northern Parkway. A little over a year ago they installed cameras further down York Rd where it changes into Greenmount Ave. This was done to cut down on drug traffic. What happened is the drug traffic moved up to York Rd near the area The Senator resides where there are no cameras. Of course crime went up as a result. I used to live walking distance to The Senator. Had someone shot right outside my old house. They have tried so hard to make the area nice again by building up the businesses around where The Senator is but no matter how much they try it cannot stop the power of crime after dark. So less people come to the area now in the evening and the good people who once lived in the area are moving out to better safer areas. The Senator is a victim of two things. The Multiplex and the area it's in. It truly will suck if they close and will be yet another let down to this part of town going into the shitter. If Baltimore didn't have such a corrupt police force the crime in the area would be reduced but the politicians in Baltimore City don't give a shit so places like The Senator suffer as a result. They care about Downtown because it attracts tourist while the residents outside that cushy part of town are subjected to constant crime. I will be glad to donate money to save this wonderful place but Tom needs to get more of a presence in that area from the police dept via City Officials to help clean up the neighborhood that surrounds it. Building up the businesses was a start but they must weed out the drug traffic or it won't matter how much money they have because people will be afraid to go to there for fear of their car getting broken into or jacked up in the parking lot. Politics, crime and multiplexes are the problem.
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That'd shut down the gangs, people who wanted to get high could do so, and the police could spend their time on stuff that really matters...like car jackings, theft, and murder...not to mention homeland security. This damn surveillance society is getting out of hand.
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The Senator is a BEAUTUIFUL theater, a true Balitmore landmark. It deserves our money and attention!
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Really I do.
But reality is is that it's not legal and therefore what choice is there to keep those thugs off the street? I don't like the idea of cameras. I think it sucks. If the police did their fucking job and actually went after those people it would not be an issue but when you got cops on payroll from the dealers themselves it makes it hard. At least with the cameras in place it has started to help clean up some of the REALLY bad areas and crime has gone down to give the good people who live there a fighting chance only to have the crime move into another "hood" anyway. They could put cameras everywhere but in the end it's big brother watching everyone and I don't like the idea of that either. It's a catch 22 my friend.
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Used to live in Towson for a couple years. Real nice place. Would be sad to see it go. If we're not careful we'll destroy every piece of history in the entire country. Fucking urban developement bullshit. Is it time to start a lottery, Logan's Run style?
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Feb 10, 2007 8:54:47 PM CST
Where were you when the Coronet was up for sale in SF??
by iamnicksaicnsn
Yes it's not as classic as say, the Castro, but it still held a firm place in the heart of all San Franciscans. Hell, it was the first theater in San Francisco to show Star Wars in 1973 for pete's sake! Now I personally wasn't alive back then, but I was around when it showed Independence Day, and a hundred other bad-ass movies. It had the classic edge and the best sound in the city. It was THE place to see Episode I, and Episode II, but unfortunately it was shut down before it could complete the sextilogy. Now, of course, it was owned for a while by United Artists, and not privately owned, so alas, maybe it was just destined to become the old folk's home that it now is.
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hello,
I've been destitute for the past few days now...this is truly the best movie theater I have ever been to, and the thought of it not only going out of business, but becoming another shitty discount shoe store or something makes my stomach churn. although there is little money nowadays in single screen art deco theaters, this is a true baltimore landmark, unfortunately located in a terrible neighborhood.
I am a filmmaker myself, and have had the enormous honor of having two of my short films screened at the senator, in 2005 and 2006. at least if it goes under I will have the satisfaction of having my hard work projected onto the senator's legendary screen at least a couple times, if only for ten minutes. nevertheless, it would be a shame if the theater doesn't make it. the financial troubles of the place have been well known, but this news honestly came as a shock to me, as it seemed like the senator always pulled through in the end. however, hopefully senators faithfuls and angel investors will donate enough by the 21st to save this beautiful movie house. yes, it is true that john waters and steve yeager adore the theater, as do many other celebrities, baltimorian and otherwise. articles like these are an excellent way to spread the cause of places like the senator. thank you, harry. thanks to everyone that has donated. we may just make it in the end.
-n.o. smith -
The Hollywood Theatre in Portland, Oregon. http://tinyurl.com/3cm49m
I used to manage it a number of years ago. It used to be a single movie theatre with a balcony, but the balcony was blocked off and converted so it could have 2 additional screens. The balcony projection booths use platters but the main booth still (as far I know) uses 2 original projectors. It's a great theatre and it has avoided developers killing it numerous times. It was owned by Act III when I was working there but looking at the site I posted, I don't think they do anymore.This site has some older pictures that show it's original granduer. http://tinyurl.com/3azrew
It originally opened July 17, 1926 as a vaudeville theatre with 1500 seats and a Wurlitzer organ. It also has the distinction of being the only Portland building to have a neighborhood named after in. Gosh, I'm rambling. I loved that place. Anyway, check it out Harry, I'd like ta know yer thoughts. -
It's the Rotunda, a bit further downtown, playing Iwo Jima. Crap, I was totally set to go to support the theater tomorrow but they're playing a crappy movie I don't want to see. I went to the LOTR Trilogy/ROTK premiere event there, spent 12 hours in that beautiful theater. Nothing quite like it.
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I've been going to the Senator for years and the loss of this great landmark would be too much for me to bear. It's my favorite spot to see a film, especially the epic ones on that massive screen! I've seen every Star Wars flick there multiple times, as well as The Godfather,the entire Rings trilogy and countless others. Back in 1997 on the weekend of Halloween they opened there doors to the public all weekend for screenings of Columbia Pictures' last 90 mm print of Ghostbusters. they had ushers dressed up as Ghostbusters complete with proton packs!
It's the only theatre I've ever been to that doesn't admit children under five unless it's a children's film. Anyone who loves film knows how annoying it is to try to enjoy a movie with childrebn screaming, chatting and running around inside a theatre.
The pavement outside is checkered with the hand prints and signatures of some of Hollywood(and Baltimore's!) great actors and film makers!
Sadly, crime is indeed an issue in the neigborhood. I was mugged almost ten years ago, waiting for a cab after a late showing of The Empire Strikes Back. Statistics show that the area has improved immensely though and it never kept me and my friends and family from visiting this one of a kind establishment.
I'm going to dig deep and give all I can afford to come payday....I hope you all will too! I just pray that it will be enough! -
Aside from being one of my favorite places to see a movie, the Senator has a small part in 12 Monkeys. When Bruce Willis and Madeleine Stowe hide out in the theatre showing Hitchcock, it's the Senator. I flipped out the first time I realized it. Don't worry, the real place isn't nearly as run down as Terry Gilliam made it look in the movie. If you watch carefully, you can even see the name of the theatre in one scene.
I saw Lawrence of Arabia there in 70mm ... beautiful presentation! I hope we can save this treasure. -
I love the Senator, even though I've only been there a few times. It was where I camped out for tickets for the Star Wars prequel trilogy and it is indeed a fantastic theater.
I'll probably always remember the Ep. 3 campout, they were nice enough to open the theater so we wouldn't all have to stand in the cold over night and I actually dozed off in one of their extremely comfortable chairs to the Beatles Yellow Submarine. In a world where going to the theater means going out to the megaplex, this is one classic theater that can stand to remind us of an older time... even if they didn't show Fellowship of the Ring when it first came out (those bastards). -
well I still have my name tag : )
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On my 9th birthday, my dad took me to one of the first sunday showings of the re-release of The Empire Strikes Back. It would change my perception of movies forever. Never have I seen the ammount of dedication to seeing a movie that people dressed up, and waited in line that went around the Senator for two hours. It was freezing, but the thought of seeing this movie with this group of people kept the anticipation strong. Upon walking in there where many items of Star Wars memorabilia; figurines, models, pieces of clothing ect., not just a poster. The theatre was huge, and just before the movie would start the manager walked on stage and thanked everyone for showing up, explained a little about the movie, and really made a great introduction to the movie.
This Theatre resembles what films are. Not just the reel projecting onto a screen with sound, its the feel of the audience and enviornment your in, while watching the movie. Everything around was influenced by, and was an influence to the movie. This made the expierence the best of any movie I have seen.
As someone who cares so much about film, I feel like it is partly my responcibility to keep this theatre alive. I am 18, and a student a Towson U. Between Books and gas alone I am struggling, but believe me I will find some way of helping this theatre out. My friend told me in class the other day of something like this possibly happening, and at the time I didn't think much of it, but it really hurts knowing that it is truth.
Please help contribute to this theatre, it is one of the last that give a true experience. I am sick of the BS I have to deal with at an AMC or something like that, it is sometimes more enjoyable to watch a movie at home. This theatre is holding on to a part of cinimas life which is dying very rapidly. -
Granted, I don't attend the Senator very much anymore...the Charles is more my place. When you have a theater with one screen and semi-uncomfortable non-theater seating, it's a hard sell. But this place is...different. Something about going to the Senator IS an event. The last thing I saw there was the Departed, and not only was the experience pristine, but the audience was perfectly quiet at all the right moments...something that happens very seldom, nowadays. As someone who respects fine cinema, and as someone who prides themselves on seeing the best possible movies in the best possible way, I can think of no other theater that offers the same experience. I might even bite the bullet and see Dreamgirls if it means supporting the Senator.
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strip clubs - I didn't know you worked there...
j/k -
Feb 11, 2007 11:40:09 AM CST
A lot of my personal greatest memories could die...
by doctoremittbrown
standing in line for the starwars movies at the senator was a tradition with me and my best buds since the special editions were released. It wasnt just about the movies, we were there because the Senator was the place to see anything monumental in cinema in my hometown of baltimore. this pic (http://tinyurl.com/2s5teq) represents all of us outside the Senator only minutes after the ending credits of the midnight first showing of Episode 3, a moment that I cherish and will always think fondly upon. I hope they save the theater, because from the red carpeted lobby, to the tiny rocking seats, to the grand ole style marquee...to me it represents why I love movies, cinema, and the theater experience more then any place ive ever been to. sorry for being sappy. - Bob
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Yes! I love the Hollywood Theater in Hollywood (neighborhood) Portland, OR. It's got the greatest old facade and a rich history. It's one of the last few real theaters in town. I used to perform live theater in the space upstairs, created as the poster above described, by segmenting off the original, mammoth auditorium. Our green room was half of the projection booth so I would often sneak over and watch the indie flicks from behind the deafening projector. And it became the first movie theater in which I appeared on the silver screen. It still hosts scads of movies you'll never see anywhere else, the 48 hr film festival and several troupes of improv comedians. Long live The Hollywood!
And another theater that needs saving, (if there were a prioritized list it'd be waaay up at the top) is The (uber) historic Rialto in Deer Lodge, MT.
http://www.deerlodgerialto.com/ -
Fans of the old Hollywood will remember the day that glamorous titty bar called Coco's 2 caught fire next door and burned down. It was almost fun to watch, as long as the flames didn't leap over to the Hollywood...the acrid smoke wasn't the only reason we held our breath. Luckily the Hollywood dodged that flaming bullet. The Rialto in Deer Lodge wasn't so lucky...adding insult to injury- there isn't a single strip club in town.
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Hate to sound blasphemous here, but... most of what the Senator shows is absolute CRAP. This week they're closing DREAMGIRLS, and starting WORDS AND MUSIC with Drew Barrymore and Hugh Grant! If they show a good film, it's almost an accident.
For a while, I thought the Senator must have been getting paid off by Dreamworks, because they were showing EVERY crummy release on that studio's schedule.
The best thing the Senator's had recently is THE DEPARTED. But there's almost nothing they show that's different from the multiplexes (note that THE DEPARTED could also be seen in most multiplexes).
I visit the Charles Theatre in Baltimore several times a month, because they show interesting films; I go to the Senator maybe once a year.
It's true that the Senator does, on occasion, play host to interesting film events - IF they're approached by an outside party such as the Maryland Film Festival or a nonprofit organization. (Or John Waters.) But they don't ACTIVELY do so on any kind of regular basis.
I'm all for supporting locally owned, independent businesses, and I drive miles to do so on a daily basis. So I guess it's good to have the choice to see a sappy romantic comedy or a mediocre action film in an independently owned theatre, if you must see these films.
And let't not even get started on the non-issue of "clearance." (John Waters recently said to a friend of mine, "This clearance stuff... he's just making that up, right?") Clearance didn't raise its head until the Senator wanted to book FAHRENHEIT 911. They'd shown no interest in booking BOWLING FOR COLUMBINE, and only expressed interest in 911 once it started getting a lot of publicity.
This isn't a choice between an independently-owned art theatre and a multiplex. It's better compared to a choice between the bad selection at the crappy locally-owned video store on the corner, and the bad selection at Blockbuster.
That said, I'm still donating money to the Senator's cause. -
The Senator would LOVE nothing more then to get top notch money making films. It has to go up against the multiplex who pull muscle and can more or less dictate where certain movies go. Then there is the ongoing battle with The Charles. Another fine movie house in Baltimore but also in direct competition with The Senator. I am sure Tom would love nothing more then to keep getting blockbuster movies in the house but when you have those two factors to go up against it makes it hard for the indie movie theater to stay afloat. It's really not their fault. Helping them stay open is for history and for love of movies. It's the real deal.
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sorry no strippers, Yeah the smaller theaters get screwed on what movies they can show. My local Grindhouse from the 70's was saved and turned into an IMAX which is cool but because of the Megaplex downtown deal with the city the IMAX can only show films like SUPERMAN RETURNS 90 days after the Megaplex's run of it so the IMAX is struggling to stay open. I miss the days of 3 KUNG-FUs for two dollars at the STAR THEATER...
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Actually when I was managing, that place next door was a gay/lesbian coffee and juice bar. I left before the fire, but remember the big gap in the block when it was gone. Man, I'm missin' Portland now - I grew up just off Broadway and graduated from Grant. And as for stench, ya shoulda been in the basement when the oil burning furnace for the Hollywood backed up. BTW, ya mighta seen me changing the marquee on a VERY tall ladder, crazily 'walking' it from one end of the marquee to the other to save myself from walking up and down it...I shudder to think how painful that woulda been if it fell...
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I've been fortunate enough to see crisp prints of the following films at the classic Senator theater: 2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY (twice, and in 70mm), LAWRENCE OF ARABIA (twice in 70), CITIZEN KANE, GONE WITH THE WIND, IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE, KING KONG (1933), etc. They were all revivals and all amazing experiences. I hope that everyone will donate so that the theater can continue introducing classic cinema to people born way after classic cinema stopped being made.
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...I used to (until recently) live about 5 minutes from the Coronet, and I'm still pissed about it closing. It was THE place to go for a big Hollywood movie in San Francisco.
I saw all the Star Wars re-releases, all of the LOTR films and countless others there, and it's a damn shame it's gone. Seeing that they also saw fit to close the Alexandria just down the street was pretty irritating, too... -
I saw all 3 of the original trilogy SW films in the Senator, when the special editions were given theatric releases. Sound just about blew my ears out, but it was awesome.
3000 miles away now, but still, I am definitely donating. -
Amazing how many people posting have lived or do live in Baltimore. Was there for only 4 years (Hopkins) with my wife, but still remember it fondly from sunny San Diego.
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Brewpubs. I love the places you can buy a pitcher of local micro and watch a film. My favorite brew pub is currently playing Apocalypto, Borat, The Curse of the Golden Flower, The Departed, The Fountain, The Science of Sleep, and last but not least, Reality Bites. Keep Portland Weird, I guess. I wont even get into the place where you can get a voodoo doll doughnut filled with jelly blood, See a band play, learn swahili, get legally married , and has the annual How-Many-Doughnuts-Fit-On-Your-Dick contest. (Oh and there may be a little thing about seeing the exact spot Gus Van Sant got pulled over at...)
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I'm also pretty shocked at the amount of people who have posted from baltimore. I'm on the site on a daily basis and I never thought the senator would bring out this many people to post, this was my first topic. Maybe this is a good sign for recognition of the Senators situation.
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Sometimes I think we in America love the smell of our own poop just a bit too much. Don't get me wrong, I hate the idea that the only theater I can go to is an AMC 100-Plex, that has showtimes listed like a flight schedule in an airport terminal, finding your movie requires you to pass through 18 gates and 5 security stops, enough already! But maybe we need to recognize that sometimes the weird smelling, run down, old theater with moldy rugs, crappy seats, and putrid projector lenses needs a facelift, or it isn't fun seeing a film there. Not to mention the horrid sound quality. There is a theater in Santa Barbara called the Arlington, in concept one of the coolest looking theaters around, the interior is a Spanish village with a faux outdoor thing going on. But it hasn't been updated in years. It never has good sound, horrible seating, it leaks when it rains, and the staff that work there seem depressed and frustrated anytime they are forced to do a midnight event for a huge blockbuster (LOTR, Harry Potter, Star Wars) it got so bad I finally abandonded that shack and won't go back. I hope it sticks around, but just because its old, doesn't mean its magical.
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HAPPY NEW YEAR SENATOR!!!
Hope you are around in '08 when Harry is still wishing us a fat naked Happy '07. -
I grew up about 5 minutes by car from the Senator, my Mom still lives in my old house. I go to the Senator anytime I can. They do show the blockbusters, the Star Wars films, the Lord of the Rings films, Harry Potter films, they showed Titanic, Saving Private Ryan, they are a small part of the Baltimore Film Festival, maybe showing one movie. They do fund raisers for stars like Edward Norton, showing his new films, the money goes to special causes. He does a canned food drive around the holidays, shows movies for 25 cents, every earth day he shows Baraka as part of the earth day celebration at Belevedere Square which is the newly revitalized area by the Senator, he also put his money into refurbishing the old Rotunda two cinema theater which had closed, but now shows some art films and some current hits. These films may not be indy art films, but people want to see these films. And where else would you do that except at the Senator. My wife and I are going to see Music and Lyrics there tomorrow for Valentines day, we could see it at a cineplex closer to our house, but why should we. The Senator is clean, fun, has plenty of seating, I have never been to a screening there where someone talks to the screen or talks amongst their friends disturbing everyone, the pop corn is old style popping corn with tons of butter, the bathrooms have a waiting room with chairs and movie posters in it. You can rent your own private box. The front of the theater has sidewalk blocks with stars signatures for all the big premieres and special events they do, the lobby is a gorgeous circular lobby with high ceilings and display cases that house items usually associated with the movie being shown, like when they did the Star Wars movies, all these classic Star Wars Action Figures would be displayed. There is a stage so they can do concerts if they want, and sometimes they show old cartoons, or short films before the movie. The Senator is a gem and I am going to give my money to them as well. I urge everyone to do it. And if anyone does come to Baltimore please check out the theater. It is worth it.
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Fuck. Stood in far too many long-ass lines out in that broke-ass parking lot they had out there. That's a pisser.
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I drive to Baltimore often in the summertime to see films at the Bengies Drive in....the best (and only) drive in near to DC. I wanted to hit the Senator for Star Wars but ran out of enthuisiam for that film before making the trip. I sure would hate to see it closed or, worse yet, sold to Lowes (well, maybe not that bad). I hope it comes through....Hey HOLLYWOOD HOTSHOTS...HELP!!!!!
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When the original Star Wars trilogy was rereleased, me and my friends and hundreds of other people stood in line around the block for hours to see them at the Senator when we could have walked right in to any multiplex in town because we knew we wouldn't get a better experience anywhere else around, not in terms of the picture and sound or the atmosphere or the enthusiasm of the audience. For me, the Senator is right up there with Grauman's Chinese theater and the Ziegfeld. Going to see a movie there feels like going to a symphony at the best music hall in town. And a ticket is still only $8! What makes the Senator unique from Grauman's and the Ziegfeld though, is that it's owned by one man, Tom Kiefaber. Before every show Tom would get up in front of the theater to introduce the movie because it made the experience more personal. For the rerelease of Return of the Jedi he even brought in David Prowse, Darth Vader himself, to introduce the movie, and he asked us not to boo when he showed up on screen, so when Darth Vader came on the first time everyone in the audience cheered. Seeing movies at the Senator, memories like this, are part of what inspired me to become a filmmaker, and you can see from other posts I'm not alone. I saw Lawrence of Arabia there in 70mm when I was 18 and I'll never forget it. I've been fortunate enough to work on a few movies since then, and I've gone to Times Square on opening weekend to watch them with a fresh audience, and the picture's been either out of focus or the sound's been muddy and people talk during the movie, but you could always count on a great moviegoing experience at the Senator. Even if you've never been to Baltimore, if you love going to movies and want to make sure places like this continue, go to the site and give a donation, even if it's only a dollar. Every drop counts.
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I saw The Fountain at the Senator opening weekend. The theatre was practically empty - but you know how some places have a *feel* to them? Like when you're in an empty church, or walking through the halls of your old high school... I felt that sort of awe when I was there. The first thing that hit me is they still have old-school curtains over the screen before showtime. Can't remember the last time I saw that. Anyway, I couldn't have imagined a better environment for film. Going to donate now.
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Appropriate for Valentine's day, my wife and I went to the Senator for our first date to see the Talking Heads movie Stop Making Sense. I've been to Star Wars marathons there. The place is a gem - a beautiful lifeline to the time of the big old movie houses. Please oh please don't let them take it down!
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Thank you Harry, for bringing this to everyone's attention.
Thank you AllPowerfulWizardofOZ for defending the movies the Senator gets. If anyone wants more details on how movies are distributed, there are links on the Senator's site to great articles on the practice of Clearance, and how it is hurting the Senator.
Thank you everyone for your support.
I should say this...I'm not affilliated with the Senator in any way. I'm just a Baltimorean who thinks its one of the coolest theaters ever. I take people there when they visit. Even if the movie sucks, the sidewalk alone is worth seeing.
Also, for those of you in the 88.1 WYPR listening area: Marc Steiner is going to have Tom on his show sometime before the 21st. Please try to listen. I will try to listen and report anything especially interesting.
Now, off to make my donation... -
While I have plenty of movie memories from my childhood which don't involve the Senator, almost all of my major adult film memories have taken place there. The first time I went there was for a rerelease of Fantasia. Thought the place was going to collapse during the earthquake scene in the Rites of Spring sequence. Since then, I had the pleasure to see most of my most beloved films on the largest screen in town (everything from Metropolis and Citizen Kane to Ben Hur and Yellow Submarine to The Grand Illusion and Wings of Desire). And with the last Harry Potter film, I was able to pass on the family torch by taking my nephew there. There is a world of difference between going to the movies and going to the Senator. Like someone else said, going there, regardless of the film, is an event. And its not the size of the screen or the sound system or the art deco design. Its in the true love you can feel Kiefaber has for the place. How many theatre owners hang around for almost every showing, not only to introduce the films they play, but greet and talk to the patrons in the lobby. The reality is that going there is not just an event for the patrons but for Kiefaber himself. I've made one donation and I'll probably make another. I like the Charles but the Senator is where I go to see films, past and present, embraced.
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I meant to email you and tell you about this (got the idea the same day you posted this, actually) but it's been one heck of a work week. I just wanted to thank you for bringing this to the attention of everyone here. I too have had many memorable experiences at The Senator and would like to be able to continue to have many more there. Perhaps, most important to note, The Senator represents 1/3 of every movie theater which is actually within the Baltimore city limits ... if it closes, we're left with only The Charles and the Rotunda, or forced to schlep our way out to the suburbs to see movies. But even if the city were filled with hundreds of theaters, it would be a shame to see The Senator and the handful of theaters across the country similar to it go the way of the dodo. There is no place I'd rather be to see a movie, hands down.
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Its 'home' of John Waters and Barry Levinson. It is one of the few theaters that, before each movie, a real human being does the introduction on a stage that once saw the likes of the Marx Brothers and The Three Stooges introducing their movies. Its a theater that still offers intermission between reels. The restoration that was done to it included the fortunate discovery of its original velvet curtains being used as an airplane cover in a barn over 50 miles away. When you step into this theater, you are back in time. They give you little machine fed tickets like you used to get as a kid.
The family that owns this theater has literally eroded a six generation long fortune as a labor of love to movies, and to history. They deserve to keep it, and to keep it afloat.
Sadly, its location is its problem. In its heyday, The Senator theater was in an affluent part of historic Towson, MD - where all the lawyers, doctors, and professors lived. It was where all the cars were shiny black, and all the men wore topcoats and shiny shoes. Today, it may as well be in Beruit. Govens (formerly Govenstowne), is the drug mecca of Baltimore. I wouldn't go there now if you told me it rained gold coins in Govens. I'd love to see us save this theater, but sadly, former mayor O'Malley (now governor) did nothing to curtail crime and drugs in his city - and the Senator theater runs films to empty seats as a result. Offer your donations as your are compelled, but just know that even if you save this piece of history, you're saving it for nobody. If you do take up the AICN advise to go there, only go to a matinee and take a gun. -
Yeah, that's the way to represent the best theater in Baltimore. No, Towson is not what it used to be, but NO, it is not the crime-addled hellhole you've indicated. The Senator is in a city and most American cities have undesirable crime rates, but NO, I have never had any fear when attending movies at the Senator, no matter the time of day. It's going under b/c irrational fear mongers like you spread lies about its neighborhood, keeping ticket buyers away. I'm happy that most important historical landmarks in the US don't depend on well-wishers like you to defend them. Unfortunately, the Senator does.
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Govens is the new Cherry Hill. And it sounds like you want to credit me entirely for the Senator's demise and inability to put people in seats. You give me far too much credit considering my comments were posted a mere handful of days before the Senator defaults its loans and goes before the auctioneer's gavel. Maybe, and this is only a theory, but maybe I have far less to do with that than you want to admit.
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I moved out of Govans over the summer. That place is a exactly what I said what RKDN said. It sucks. The crime rate has SOARED in that part of Baltimore. For a more detailed explanation read my 1st post on The Senator in this talkback. Govans is shit.
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This whole debate sounds like we should be donating all this money to people who carry sawed-off shotguns and machetes for emphasis. If you've got a problem with drugs, get your gun and go shoot anyone you see on York Rd. who looks like a dealer. And then leave a bunch of posters on the dead bodies that read, "Sell Drugs. Get Shot. Sincerely - Fans of the Senator."
YEAHH! That would work ... -
Woohoo. I just moved to Portland from Louisiana, and I have to say I agree with SNOMUSIC, MRINBETWEEN, and DOGSOUP ... the brews and theaters up here rock. I've been to the Aladdin and Laurelhurst so far. The Kennedy School is a really cool place to stay, with an old stage converted into a theater. Nonetheless, I haven't had the infamous "voodoo doughnut" yet.
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This is ridiculous- now the site says "Our lender has informed us that the amount of funds required to avert the 2/21 auction sale of The Senator has been increased to 109K. They have also confirmed this fact to the media and stated on the record that the amount will remain 109K. Our fund raising goal has been adjusted accordingly."
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Anyone looking for a more in-depth story about the Senator should see today's Baltimore Sun at www.BaltimoreSun.com There are 2 front page articles.
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$1,300 away. I've lived in Maryland for 21 years and while I tend to frequent the super-ultra-megaplex theatres to see the run-of-the-mill Hollywood dreck, I remember every movie I've seen at the Senator.
Someone here already put it best, going to see a movie at the Senator is an experience. The LOTR marathon, seeing the ORIGINAL Star Wars trilogy 70mm, with full Lucas cooperation...seeing the bastardized *original* Star Wars trilogy, also with full Lucas cooperation...
This is a great theatre, and I hope Kiefaber really will benefit from the new Landmark Multiplex opening in the Inner Harbor. I've never really understood film clearance, so his argument with the Charles Theatre has pretty much gone over my head.
That said, I agree with RKDN, and the only way I'm camping out for tix anymore is if I'm in full SWAT gear. Here's hoping Sheila Dixon (or whoever replaces her) actually tries to clean up Baltimore...and that some of that trickles up to Towson. -
Thanks to everyone who contributed. Thankfully Music & Lyrics will not be the last film shown at The Senator.
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Woot!!!!
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Now that the initial joy has subsided, I really do hope that the Senator stays open for a long time to come after this. Also with any luck that area will turn itself around. It's obvious though, after all this, that the senator has alot of friends so I'm not terribly worried. Huzzah!
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Spontaneous donations and expressions of support began on February 6th and expanded beyond our community at an astounding rate across the nation and to Europe and The UK. Thanks to over 2500 of you who selflessly donated to the "Save Our Senator" fund the auction sale has been averted and we want to express our enormous gratitude for the dramatic outpouring of support.
In the coming days we will be posting information about our plans to help insure that The Senator Theatre will never again become perched on such a perilous precipice. The suggestions that many of you have forwarded to us will be evaluated and utilized to forward our goal of achieving an economically vital and debt free Senator Theatre.
We appreciate the passion with which our supporters have rallied around the beloved Senator Theatre and its ownership and staff at a critical moment in its rich history. We learned though how easily a supporter's "Team Senator" zeal can trigger disdain for what appears to be an attacking nemesis.
It is important to note that it is quite unfair for First Mariner Bank to be vilified or blamed for what occurred. In fact the bank's representatives were quite friendly to us throughout the process, marveled as we did over the dramatic outpouring of support and it's apparent that they are as happy as we are that this situation was resolved prior to an auction sale.
Thanks again for being there for us at such a precarious time and please stay tuned for what's to come. It's all good.
See you at the movies!
Regards, Tom Kiefaber
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Now that the Senator's been saved, you need to set up a screening up here for something, dammit! The Senator is the only "fancy" movie theater I've ever been to; I'd love to hear you compare it to others!
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It's a shame Baltimore is such a crime filled dump. The only good place to go in B-more is "THE BLOCK" Washington DC's UPTOWN theater is such a better theater. Best theater in MD, VA, and DC!
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The Uptown is a nice theater, got nothing against it really (though I don't think it really compares to The Senator), but, seriously, the frickin' rats in DC will kill you if the drug dealers don't first. Try walking around the SW sector alone after dark once if you don't believe me.
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