In recent years, several small, old-fashioned independent theaters in St. Louis have closed their doors to make way for the multi-plex, high-dollar technological cinemas that feature the “loveseat” style chairs and DDS Surround Sound.
The Independent Theater:
A Dying Breed In St. Louis
In October, The Thomas Crown Affair was the last flick to ever be shown at the Kirkwood Theater on South Kirkwood Road. According to the owner and operator, the closing was due in part to the draw at the Crestwood, Des Peres and Plaza Frontenac theaters.
Old-fashioned`theaters reminiscent of yesteryear offered a distinct attraction, giving people who didn’t grow up during those times an idea of how far movie theaters have come.
One of the few remaining south side theaters was shut down last year as well. The Avalon, on South Kingshighway near Chippewa, was an attraction for many years. In its final years of operation, the Avalon was probably best known for its showings of The Rocky Horror Picture Show.
In 1989, the Avalon was the center of controversy as it was the only local theater to show The Last Temptation of Christ.
The Kingsland, which could be found on Gravois near Kingshighway, was demolished in 1996 to make way for an Aldi’s store.
The Granada, another theater located on Gravois, suffered a similar fate with a wrecking ball in 1992. In the Grand South Grand district south of SLU, a parking lot now sits where the Ritz Theater once stood.
The unexpected closings of these historical theaters in St. Louis has dwindled the endangered species down to two.
Hi-Pointe Theatre
1001 McCausland
781-0800
In the shadow of the world’s biggest Amoco sign sits the Hi-Pointe Theatre. Prominently positioned near the busy intersection of Clayton and Skinker, the Hi-Pointe Theatre is so named for the Hi-Pointe area, which is situated at one of the city’s highest points.
This single-screened, neon-lit theater is a building that shows some of the best in independent, classic, international and foreign films.
In the past year, the Hi-Pointe has featured Perfect Midnight, Polish Wedding, Shakespeare In Love, Emma, Waking Ned Devine, Winslow Boy, and most recently, Topsy Turvey.
From this small listing of shows, it is obvious that films played at the Hi-Pointe aren’t your everyday flicks.
Popcorn and candy are reasonably priced, and the Hi-Pointe is the perfect place to go on an inexpensive date without looking like you’re a cheapskate or low on funds.
The theater specializes in matinees and twilight shows.
Mainstream theaters have not significantly affected prices for admission, as charges are only $5.50 for general admission and $3.50 for senior citizens and children. Student discounts are also available.
Now Showing:
Topsy Turvey
Matinee: 6:30 p.m. Twilight 8 p.m.
The Tivoli
6350 Delmar
862-1100
Greeting you as you enter the University Loop on Delmar is the Tivoli Theatre. Built in 1924, the Tivoli flourished before entering tough times in the `80s, when it fell into a financial depression.
The Tivoli was restored in the mid-’90s to its former chandeliered and terrazzofloored look.
The antiquity of the Tivoli is unmatched in St. Louis. Upon entering the Tivoli you pass the one-manned outdoor box office and walk into the past.
The snack-bar area has chairs and tables so moviegoers can enjoy a bite before the show and take in the decor of the lobby. Featured in the lobby are display cases that contain movie memorabilia and vintage posters.
Among one of the bigger projects in restoration was the main theater. The 450-seat theater has the largest screen in the Tivoli and looks as miraculous as it did 30 years ago. In addition are two small theatres that seat 150 each.
Before or after watching a movie at the Tivoli, it is easy to pass time in the Loop. Delmar provides numerous shopping and dining alternatives, and the parking situation has recently improved, as a new parking garage was recently erected across from the theater.
Like the Hi-Pointe, the Tivoli specializes in foreign, international and independent Hollywood releases such as the recent Blair Witch Project and Buena Vista Social Club.
General admission is $7, seniors and matinee shows are $5.
Now Showing:
Hitchcock’s Rear Window
Hopkins and Lange
Serve Up The Bard
Titas
Matinee: 6:30 p.m. Twilight 8 p.m.
