Seattle Art-House Theaters
Attract
Growing Patronage
Seattle Spotlight
By Patrice Raplee
Almost every city in the U.S. possesses at least one distinctive theater
that beckons to the highbrow filmgoer. Beautiful old edifices that
retain the allure of the silent film era are limited in number compared
to the soulless multiplexes that abound. While international film festivals
are increasing in popularity, the venues for these art and foreign
motion pictures are often constrained to a limited number of theaters
in each city.
Seattle, Washington, is extremely fortunate to have over a dozen of
these splendid theaters and a significant patronage to frequent them.
The majority of elegant and historical art-house chains in the Seattle
area belong to Landmark Theaters. These beautiful and diversely renovated
movie houses feature first-run independent and foreign films, restored
classics and a bevy of non-customary literary films. The following
Landmark Theaters are just a few of the art-house cinemas that grace
Seattle.
The Neptune, located in Seattle’s University District, was originally
built in 1921 as a silent film theater. The interior went through a
major remodel in 1980. However, Landmark kept the building’s
theme true to the original motif and the result is a striking and lovely
arrangement of gilded ornamentation in a sea theme that flows with
a reminiscent Italianate design. King Triton head sculptures surround
the upper walls of the theater with illuminated eyes. Mermaid and marine
depiction stained glass panels (resin in composition) adorn the lower
walls and ornate gilded bars cover the areas where the organist once
performed. In addition, these areas housed the sound effect machines
of the era as well. The lobby isn’t large but proffers an excellent
concession stand that caters to the gourmet inclined.
The Egyptian Theater, located in the Capital Hill district, was built
in 1915 as a Masonic Temple. In the ‘60s and ‘70s, the
building housed a lazarium show and televised wrestling; it then changed
hands and was run by Dan Ireland and Darryl McDonald of Seattle International
Film Festival fame. Landmark purchased the venue in 1989 and plays
host to part of the film festival with three weeks and four weekends
every year. The Egyptian has a mystic air and is the most eclectic
of the Landmark Theaters. The entrance portrays two-tone marble that
runs up to the window ledges, followed by stained glass Masonic emblems
in the window and a cut-in dark woodwork frame. The entrance floor
is remarkable with a detailed mosaic tile inlay of the Masonic crest.
The theater’s Cairo Café is a cozy place to
chat, or read one of the free publications that are spread about. The
café is
a fun place to hang out; it serves excellent espresso and plays music
in harmony with the café’s environment. There are only
a few tables and chairs, so make sure to come early if you wish to
get a seat. The interior of the theater offers a hidden surprise; it’s
elaborately festooned with Egyptian-style artwork and a massive sumptuous,
red velvet curtain draping over the stage. The atmosphere of the theater
is conducive for watching films such as the current running Bollywoodesque
film Bride and Prejudice.
Landmark’s Seven Gables Theater is located in Seattle’s
University District. The establishment was built in 1925 as an American
Legion Hall and was then converted into a movie theater in 1977 by
then owner Randy Finley. Today, this intimate little theater is a virtual
gem! Taupe-brown velvet curtains with gold tassels surround the screening
room. Comfortable, red velvet seats are angled perfectly so that patrons
won’t see the head of the person in front of them. Seven Gables
appeals to moviegoers who want to see quality films, but who also want
to share the friendly camaraderie that is afforded in a smaller viewing
environment.
Landmark’s Seven Gables Theater in Seattle
– Photo
By Patrice Raplee
The lobby of the theater is spacious and has a relaxed, grand parlor
feel. Fashioned in an art-deco mode, the room is filled with velvet
furniture, large curtain adorned picture windows, potted palms, interesting
light fixtures, tables and plenty of seating for several groups of
people. There is also a concession area that offers coffee, goodies
and tea.
And of course, the best is for last. The Harvard Exit Theater is located
on Capital Hill. History abounds in this Women’s Century Club
that was built in 1925. It is still the Suffragettes’ meeting
facility and even today, new recruits join.
Landmark’s Harvard Exit Theater
in
Seattle
– Photo
By Patrice Raplee
Landmark purchased the building in 1979 and worked their magic remodeling
the theater. This exquisite building has a brick exterior with a mosaic
tile inlay that runs through the sidewalk. The lobby of the Harvard
is more in the style of a grand salon that features a playable Steinway
Baby grand piano and period antiques from the early 1900s. Decorated
with an unpretentious air, the lobby also possesses a vintage movie
projector, a gas fireplace; lovely scenic artwork on the walls, gorgeous
lamps, ornate potted plants and tall, arched wooden framed glass inlay
windows. Situated at the entrance to the lobby lies the refreshment
stand where theater guests can avail themselves of locally baked delicacies,
or gourmet espresso while enjoying a seat, or working on a table puzzle
in the gracious lobby.
The Harvard has two movie screens, with the second screen located upstairs.
The stairway landings are filled with framed vintage movie posters.
A French Valentino poster, James Dean, An American In Paris, James
Cagney in Public Enemy and countless other legendary movie posters
grace the landing with a salute from a bygone era.
The Neptune, Egyptian, Seven Gables and Harvard Exit theaters provide
a host of other amenities that moviegoers won’t generally find
in larger venues such as, epicurean candies and chocolates, gourmet
teas, fair-trade coffees, espresso and locally baked cookies. Even
the popcorn is high-tone, endowed with real butter and the choice of
sweet and savory seasoning toppings.
The Landmark Theaters have done an excellent job on their art-house
cinemas, perfecting the seamless blend of modern and classic refurbishment,
while keeping with the style and theme of the original buildings that
they obtain. It’s a far cry from the impersonal and generic movie
halls that show only mainstream Hollywood. Landmark’s theaters
clearly place an emphasis on cleanliness and the attention to style
and quality films make movie going an absolute renewed pleasure! They
also host part of Seattle’s International Film Festival that
starts May 19-June 12. For additional information on the film festival
go to: http://www.seattlefilm.com
If you want to experience thought-provoking movies, movies that capture
the true essence of the human condition, consider opting for the
alternative venues that show art, foreign, international and literary
films. A
new experience awaits you!
For additional information on Landmark Theaters, go to http://www.landmarktheaters.com.
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