Ryan McNeil
Back when I was a photography student in college, I did a photographic essay contrasting the rise of the multiplex against the demise of the two screen movie house. I took those photos in November of 1998, and of the five spots I captured in Toronto I’m sad to say that none of them are still in operation. I won’t spend too much space railing against the business of running movie theatres, audience’s tastes have changed and there is no way to reverse that now. Still, I have a soft spot in my heart for the theatres that are gone, and the handful that still stay open.
One of these theatres is The Revue Cinema on Roncesvalles Avenue. To be fair, the theatre isn’t much bigger than an elementary school gymnasium, with a slightly damp feeling that never went away, and some slightly uncomfortable seats. Regardless, the theatre has some real charm. The ticket price is right ($7), the snacks are cheap, and it’s nestled very nicely amongst some great shops and cafes in one of Toronto’s oldest neighbourhoods. The Revue is a rep cinema, so along with screening movies that are about two months past their original release, they also used to show a lot of classic films – I actually watched both CABARET and CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF THE THIRD KIND for the first time in that tiny theatre.
Sadly, about eighteen months back, The Revue was closed when the operators found they were losing too much money. As if to add insult to injury, the marquee of the vacant theatre accidentally came crashing down to the sidewalk some six months later.
Well fellow popcorn rats, happy days are here again. The place has been fixed up, and as of this week The Revue Cinema is being re-opened. There is a big party scheduled for tonight to get things going, along with a screening of a film (the movie itself will be a surprise). After that, October’s movies will be scheduled on a week by week basis, with a full monthly schedule to start in November.
Hearing this news reminded me that there is more to watching a movie than THX sound and panini sandwiches brought to your stadium seat. It’s about gathering in the dark with people who are as equally interested in two hours’ traffic as you are. Welcome back old girl – it won’t be long before this hatter is back watching a movie at The Revue. I might even take a photo to mark the occasion.
The Revue’s listings and all other info can be found at their new website.
This is truly wonderful news. The Revue was my local theatre for a number of years and it was always a treat to see classics up on the big screen.
I’m kind of sad that less than a month after I move out of the neighbourhood, the Revue re-opens. I guess I can’t complain since I practically live next door to The Royal and October 10th is “Allan Moyle Night” and he’ll be there to screen New Waterford Girl and Pump Up the Volume (one of my favourites from my teen years)
Between the two, I’d take The Royal, but I was equally happy to hear that it was bought and re-opened a few months back.
Geez, if I lived next door to a theatre like The Royal or Revue, I’d probably be out every night!