|
A
night at the movies is always a treat -- a chance to get out
of the house to take in the late show. Grab some popcorn and
a drink, find a good seat and get settled for a great movie,
such as ‘The Lord of the Rings’, ‘A Beautiful Mind’,
or ‘Monsters Inc.’.
The family-run Norwood
Theatre in Bracebridge has been showing great movies since
1936. Originally located further down the hill on Manitoba
Street the theatre moved to its present location in 1949,
when it was built beside the home of the original owners,
Andrew & Margaret Giaschi. Opening night in the new
location saw over 1,100 people come out to see the movie
‘Little Women’
“It was a single
theatre back then, of course,” says present owner Brian
Mitchell, “so could accommodate that many.” Co-owner
with wife Gina (daughter of the late Larry Giaschi, who ran
the theatre since 1965), Brian explains that the theatre
“was dueled in the late ‘70’s and then turned into a
triplex in 1992.”
“But it is still a
family-run theatre,” Brian emphasizes, stating that the
Norwood is “one of the few remaining family run theatres
left in the country.”
The Mitchells work
diligently to provide the latest releases, building upon the
long established relationships the Giaschis cultivated with
the various supply houses.
“We have a personal
letter from George Lucas addressed to Norwood, thanking
Larry Giaschi for showing the first Star Wars movie,” says
Brian, explaining that the Norwood was one of the first
theatres to show the movie back in the mid ‘70’s. “And
we will have the next Star Wars movie here, starting May
14,” he says proudly.
When videos first came
out they were thought to be a threat to movie going, but it
has not happened. Brian states that there is a resurgence in
movie interest and attendance.
“Movies like ‘I am
Sam’ are sociably responsible movies that have created
genuine interest,” states Brian, “And it’s almost like
people are doing their homework. They’ve read the book and
it is actually an encouragement to come out and see the
movie. People know what is coming up and have marked their
calendars in advance for the next installment of such
trilogies as ‘Harry Potter’ and ‘The Lord of the
Rings’.”
“And people like to get
out and have some popcorn and enjoy the show at a
theatre,” Brian concludes.
To see what is showing
now at Norwood, and what is coming soon go to www.norwoodtheatre.com,
or call the box office at (705) 645-2333.
|
