#classicalmusicmonth #Classical #music is hard to define in specific terms, but it is generally understood to be music rooted in #Western #European traditions performed by trained musicians in formal settings like #concerthalls, #operahouses, and #churches. #musicians #musiceducation #musichistory #tagyourfavoriteartist #rhythmnnews
@Regrann from @designmilk - Over on @designmilktravels we cover modern places to see and visit, from hotels to museums and even #concerthalls like the #ElbphilharmonieHamburg in #Hamburg, #Germany! \\\ Photo by @lerichti - #regrann
Chronicling even a small portion of Montreal film history- through researching old picture houses in the city- was not an easy or pleasant task. You become disappointed in our societies’ lack of interest in historical preservation. The more you know about the number of theatres that thrived in the city, the more you realize the majority of them have long since disappeared. Many old picture houses could not survive against the competitively, large, multiscreen theatres that were erected in the 1980s onwards, and others fell apart as their grandeur was too costly to maintain. Still, others were transformed and repurposed into concert halls and gyms. If there’s any consolation to be found, it rests in the fact that at least there a few magnificent, historical theatres still standing. Perhaps they won’t be enjoyed the way they once were, as luxurious entertainment destinations. However, their cultural and architectural importance will be recognized and with any hope, they will be preserved. What follows, is a brief overview of four selected Montreal picture houses that were built in the 1920s, each now existing in different stages of development.
Plaza Theatre (1922) - 6505 rue St. Hubert, Montreal
Plaza Theatre – past (http://www.theatreplaza.ca/historique/)
You could describe The Plaza theatre as one of the lucky ones, since it is still standing and boasts a concert hall, hosting numerous musicians, events and receptions. The Plaza was built in 1922, and showed films until 1970 when it was sold and half of the theatre was transformed into a bowling alley and subsequently a drugstore.[1] In the early 2000s it was saved from a fate of forever housing retail and became the concert and event hall that it is today. Distinguishable by its neoclassical, Greek and Roman inspired, Adams Brothers’ style décor, the ornamental exterior has two peculiar rounded windows and stylish pillars. During its heyday, the Plaza filled a necessary niche providing cinematic entertainment to those who lived in the neighbourhood.[2]
Plaza Theatre, in recent years (Google Maps)
Cartier Theatre (1929) - 3990 rue Notre Dame West, Montreal
Cartier Theatre, past (http://movietheatres.wordpress.com/the-movie-theatres/cartier-theatre/)
The large, but unpretentious Cartier theatre was a proper picture house for only a few decades before being used as a warehouse, then a nightclub in the 70s. The yellow tinged exterior interlaced brickwork helps to distinguish a unique quality associated with the building. It was built by Confederation Amusements as one of many theatres opened by the chain in Montreal.[3] Notably, the Cartier was supposedly home to one of America’s first female theatre directors, Rose Ouellette, who went on to become an actress and art director.[4]Fittingly, after the nightclub phase, Dawson College’s drama department used the theatre. But now, tragically the future of the Cariter is unknown as a “For Sale” sign stands out on the façade of the theatre.
Papineau Theatre (1921) -4519 Avenue Papineau, Montreal
Papineau Theatre, past (www.zero-gravite.ca)
The first time I was in proximity to the Papineau Theatre, I nearly dismissed the building altogether. Directly across from the original theatre façade, is another old movie house-cum-music hall, La Tulipe. While La Tulipe boasts a marquee and box office, the Papineau is sadly, no longer up for its original tasks. The one distinguishing feature of the Papineau Theatre is the three large, high-arching windows that rise upwards, only filling half of the large wall space, which gives a hint at the immense size of the theatre.
Built in 1921 as a United movie house, the Papineau had a capacity of 1500 and worked as a functioning theatre for sixty years.[5] Thankfully, the beautiful building still stands today, although it serves as a yoga studio and rock climbing facility. The recycling of the facilities of the Papineau Theatre is a good example of a way to use the building to its full potential. The stunning windows light up the yoga studio and the massive walls of the Papineau serve rock climbing just fine. The repurposing of the theatre as a community fitness and health hub, certainly presents a better future for the building, rather than having it destroyed once there are no funds left to maintain it, as is the case with other old picture houses.
Papineau Theatre in recent years (Google Maps)
Empress Theatre (1927) 5560 Sherbrooke St. West, Montreal
Empress Theatre, past (montrealgazette.com)
Perhaps the most tragic situation out of all of these theatres discussed, is that of the Empress theatre. The giant Empress was built in 1927 by Confederation Amusements like the Cartier, and held 1550 seats. Most upsetting is the fact that the interior that was designed to “convince the customer that he or she was in the courtyard of an ancient Egyptian palace”[6] was stripped in the 1960s. The exterior still showcases remnants of the Egyptian style- note the Pharaoh heads- that adorned the building throughout. One of the only Egyptian-style theatres to have an “atmospheric” style ceiling of stars, the Empress was surely a treasure that could have been preserved. While there is an attempt to salvage what remains of the Empress through a historical conservation project, the necessary funds to restore and reuse the theatre are evidently not available at the present time.
Empress Theatre, present (Oneida Crawford)
Empress Theatre, present (Oneida Crawford)
While it would be glorious for every theatre still in existence to have remained a facility for pure cinematic entertainment, this would be impossible even by today’s standards. Theatrical exhibition is struggling because of digital technology and the lack of filmgoers makes for a damaging combination. This downhill trend has been ongoing and is noticeable in small town theatres that struggled to make the transition from film to digital projectors. Aside from certain cinematheques in bustling city centres, any theatre not owned by Cineplex is at risk for closure if not demolition. While not everyone can appreciate how special an experience it is to watch a film in an old theatre, there are a few generations left who truly understand the nostalgia. Every Cineplex theatre looks and smells the same; they are dark and uninteresting. Their 4K projectors hardly make up for the lack of stunning art deco gold lamé detailing and red carpets that are only found in older picture houses displayed above. The next time you plan to explore the city, keep an eye out for the beautiful theatres still in existence which crop up occasionally amidst the bustling city streets.
Oneida Crawford
[1] Lanken, Dane. Montreal Movie Palaces: Great Theatres of the Golden Era 1884-1938. Waterloo: Penumbra Press, 1993. 107
[2] Lanken, 105.
[3] Lanken, 133.
[4] 1:07,“Cartier Theatre Montreal” audio clip, La Societe d’Histoire de Pointe-Saint-Charles.
