Baltimore City' has kept ownership of the historic Senator Theatre following an auction today.
The city government paid $810,000 for the old movie house on York Road. No word yet on what they plan to do with it. (Even throughout the auction process, the theater has remained open for business (the 1950 classic Rashomon is now playing).
The Senator's fate has been a much-discussed issue around town for quite some time. Everyone seems to love the charming old movie house, but despite those amorous feelings, not enough of those admirers actually go to see a movie there.
I hate to say it, but I have to count myself in that group. I've seen several films at the Senator (Sideways and The Departed are two that immediately come to mind), and I always enjoy the sense of anticipation that comes when the big velvet curtain is pulled back just before showtime. As for the uncomfortable, non-stadium seats, not so much.
It's simply a much different experience than watching a movie at a modern multiplex. But is it a better one?
I have become very spoiled by Landmark Theatres in Inner Harbor East, the gleaming new downtown complex with comfy leather reclining chairs and - this can't be stressed enough - a full bar. Nothing beats watching the new James Bond while sipping a martini.
It will be interesting to see what becomes of the Senator. Regardless of how much nostalgia people feel for it, if they don't park their butts in its seats, today's auction could just be a stay of execution.
Comments
Nice to see yet another reporter delivering incorrect information – yet again.
Has The Senator been open since they stopped showing first run movies (Which was Watchment – back in March)? Yes.
But, where in the world do you get that Harry Potter & Public Enemies are playing there?!?!
The Senator is the last historic SINGLE-SCREEN movie house in Baltimore city.
Methinks you’ve had way too many of those martinis at Landmark (overpriced, pain to park there & frankly I’d like to enjoy my movie not listen to people like you want to down drinks & constantly go to the bathroom).
Akira Kurosawa’s international breakout film RASHOMON (digitally restored 35mm print) is showing through tomorrow at The Senator. I’d encourage history & film lovers to check it out, because the way this auction played out sounds like the city has definite ideas about her. It may be your last chance to experience a motion picture the way it was meant to be.
The rest of you continue to go to your multiplex shoeboxes like Landmark, down your martinis & make stuff up for the internet.
You’re right – my bad. I glanced at the films playing at the Rotunda, not the Senator. Rashomon is playing there this week, I changed the blog post.
Thanks for writing in.
-Mike