Locke Theater

I’m watching the original “Planet Of The Apes” on the American Movie Classics channel tonight.

It was released in 1968. That was fifty years ago. How about that for a slap of reality?

I can remember seeing it in the movie theater for the first time. My hometown had one of the finest movie theaters around. The walls were lined with beautiful elegantly pleated draperies. The floor slanted downhill towards the big movie screen, hidden by heavy velvet drapery, that opened just before the movie began. Dim lights were situated along the walls giving out just enough light to guide you to your seat.

The theater might not have first run movies as they came out, but they would eventually get them and we would be excited when they came. On any given Friday or Saturday night, the line of moviegoers would stretch down the street.

After purchasing the ticket at the window just outside the entrance to the theater, a quick turn and you were entering the uphill lobby, where the smell of fresh popcorn filled the air. Employees in the concession stand were busy serving patrons as they hurried to get to their seat. After climbing the steep slope to the top of the lobby, a stern gentleman in a wheelchair, seated at the entrance to the main theater, would nod as if to say, ”If you make one sound while the movie is playing, you will be escorted out of the theater!”

And he would do just that.

Any giggle, or wiggle, or any vocal sound, and a wheelchair would come rolling up from nowhere. A flashlight would shine in your face. And you would be escorted out.

I saw it happen many times. I was scared to sneeze.

But you could be assured that the audience around you would be in control. And your movie going experience would be an enjoyable one.

Unless you decided to talk out loud. Then you would be looking at the bright end of a flashlight.

I spent many nights in that theater. It was a time when movies were presented, not just shown. I saw many wonderful movies that I was lucky to see in that small town.

But times change. New owners and managers. Movie projectors get old and melt the film before your very eyes. Now that was a sight to see on the big screen.

It was never the same without the man in the wheelchair.

From the mind of me.