When I was a kid, going to the movies on a wintery Saturday afternoon was almost a requirement. We had double features, two movies for the price of one—a real bargain! The movies were preceded by cartoons and previews and a newsreel. Needless to say, we also had popcorn and what we called pop. I think the entire afternoon of stellar entertainment cost a total of twenty five cents.
The theater in our neighborhood was the Shea’s Seneca –a veritable palace of entertainment. It had gilt mirrors and crystal chandeliers in the foyer which was large enough for a wedding reception. The seats were red plush and the women’s lavatory was furnished with a love seat and gilded mirror. At one time, I decided that the theater was an abandoned palace that was now used as a movie house.
We saw all sorts of movies there—Disney movies, cowboy movies and serials. A movie that stands out is “The House on Haunted Hill.” My Dad decided that I had to accompany my sister Susan to see it, even though I had no desire to see a horror movie. He was afraid that the movie would be too much for my younger sister who, by the way, was far more adventurous than I. The movie terrified me and so I spent the entire time in the women’s lavatory while my sister hooted and hollered like all the other kids at the mayhem on the screen.
My husband and I both still enjoy going to the movies. Our first dates were movie dates, and we keep that tradition alive almost forty years later.
The only problem now is that there are so few movies that are geared to a grown-up audience. I scour the reviews, as does my hubby, hoping for a movie that sounds like we might enjoy it.
We’ve seen some bad, mediocre and a few really terrific (or amazing) movies. The problem is that so many movies are made for a much younger demographic—people who are not offended by four letter words, graphic sex scenes and scatological humor.
Like most people, I am not offended by love scenes, or dialogue that fits the situation—even if it is laced with four letter words. But movies now seem to be made by people whose sense of humor hasn’t matured since eighth grade and who seem unable to write dialogue that is genuine without every other word being the f-bomb.
We recently saw three movies that I would describe as movies for grown-ups. One is “Midnight in Paris” and “Larry Crowne” and the other “The King’s Speech.” I don’t pretend to be a movie critic, but I think that all three stories are interesting with believable characters and grown-up situations. “Larry Crowne” and “Midnight in Paris” are both charming stories and “The King’s Speech” is a little slice of history ala Hollywood.
Maybe someday the movie industry will notice that there is a huge underserved segment of the population that yearns for movies for grown-ups.
We can dream, can’t we?
Sadly, too many adults don’t want to think anymore when watching a movie, so they are perfectly content with explosions, sex, violence, and potty humor since they don’t require thought. Hollywood is delivering, sadly, what works for them, and too many people still pay to see bad movies. It seems like three types of films rake in the money these days: comic films, films based on books, or sequels. None of these are truly original, yet the three you named in your blog are.
I think I’ve seen three really good films this year; “Hannah,” “X-Men: First Class,” and ‘Bridesmaids.” Two of the three are original and quite unique. The X-Men movie was a totally different story in the series with a very adult set of themes. I have started to realize that even though I can go to films more because of my son being old enough to have a sitter, I don’t WANT to go as much because Hollywood is disappointing me with the “big tent films.”
I’ll just keep counting on the five films that compete for Best Picture. At least those five films are geared for adults.
I enjoyed Brides Maids–even thought it was pretty gross in parts. But it was funny and I still laugh when I remember some scenes in it. But it was a little intense for some of my friends.
I’ll try to get out to see Hannah.
And I agree that Hollywood makes what pays the bills–presonally I hate car chases and crashes. I think a big problem for us is that we live too far away from a real city–so our offerings are quite limited.
Thanks for reading the blog, Kim.
Your blog brought back such memories- my brothers’ birthday parties included a walk to the movies. I didn’t really get into watching movies until the Beatles arrived on the continent. I watched “A Hard Day’s Night” at least four times (one right after the other) after paying once for admission!
It really amazes me that these theaters can now show at least four different movies at the same time, without physically increasing their size!
Bonnie–one of the things I most enjoy about writing this blog is the comments–especially ones that share memories. Thanks!
I went to see Hard Days nIght with my sister and a bunch of girl friends–my wonderful dad took us to the drive -in. Later he told my Mom that the movie wasn’t too bad. What a guy!
Hard Days Night is an all time favorite of mine, too.
Cartoonist Lynda Barry wrote of spending Saturday afternoons at triple features, such as “Curse of the Mummy’s Tomb,” “Die, Monster, Die,” and “Curse of the Mummy’s Tomb.” 🙂
Hi Neil–I was the sissy who only went to see Pollyanna. (-; I do love movies and wish we got better movies locally.
I have enjoyed reading your whole blog, even though I have not commented each time. This piece reminded me of the Astoria and Triborough theaters on Steinway Street, in Queens, NY. The cherubs and the gilt and red curtains and all the glitz. The first time I went to the movies without an adult I was 10. I went with my 12 year old friend and we saw Gone With the Wind. (I don’t think it was the first release of it.) It was very exciting to be there on our own. My high school graduation was held at the Astoria Theater. It was the only place in town that had enough seats for all the graduates (1100) and their parents. It was a bit dark as the lights were dim. The stage was small and the cherubs were staring. The colors red, black and gold swim in my head about that day, even though our school colors were orange and blue. Thanks also for the movie recommendations from you and your commenters.
Hi Mary Ann. As usual, your description place me there–thanks for sharing! I know that the stager at the Shea’s Seneca theater was about 4 feet deep–not large enough for more than one person to stand at a time. I am thrilled to know that you have been reading my blog!Thanks!
You are so right about movies today – most are just not worth seeing! In addition to the offensive language, many have totally sophomoric antics and story-lines!
Hi Betty–so many movies seem to be written by 12 year old boys that they really are too sophmoric to interest me! Thanks for being such a loyal reader ofmy blog.
I remember the first time I went to a double feature and I loved the cartoons in between. We couldn’t afford to go unless mom had a few dollars and a a surprise increase in her tips from the El Rey Cafe. Maybe that’s why I took my children to a movie almost every weekend for family nite.
Concerning the kind of movies they have out there today it might be indicative of the “dumbing down” in those school system. They give what brings in the money. But there are some movies out there I’m ready ro lay my money down on like Cowboys and Aliens….ha aha.
Enjoying my summer in Nags Head and getting ready for Family Nite.
Enjoy Cowboys and Aliens! I have a few guilty pleasures as far as some movies I’ve seen, too….I just hope that more movies will be made for grown-ups. We took our daughter to movies , too–the last time was about 6 weeks ago in California.Enjoy your summer in Nags Head!
Kathy,
I agree with you about the language and conversations in the average movie being rather inane or even profane. But then just listen to the conversations of many young people with their limited vocabularies.
I enjoyed your recollections of the old movie days. As for recent movies, Al and I thought “The King’s Speech” was a masterpiece.
You are so very correct about the way young people talk! And I think that movies are marketed to the precious 18-49 demographic –hence the language.
We loved the King’s Speech, too.
We also began our life together in the movies. In those days we paid for two seats and only needed one. Do you remember balconies for smokers? The movie theatres were air cooled way before our homes. That was another reason for going to the movies.
I agree that we’re not target audiences .
Wonder story and good memories.
Lynn
The balconies were called loges–and they seemed very romantic. I do rememebr the signs that saiud”Its’ cool inside,” written in lettter adorned with icicles. Glad you enjoyed the story.