Classic Movie at a Classic Theater

Steel City Underground

“Temple of Doom screening at the Hollywood Theater”

By Anthony Folino

            On June 11, I had an opportunity to see the classic “Indiana Jones and

The Temple of Doom” at a classic American theater.  The Hollywood Theater

Nestled in the Pittsburgh suburb of Dormont PA is a classic 400 seat theater that

has been standing since 1933.  It has also been the off and on home of the

“Rocky Horror Picture Show” for the past twenty years.  Over the years I have

seen many movies at the Hollywood but this was special.  Being a child of the

1980’s Dr Indiana Jones was one of my heroes so seeing “Temple of Doom”

on the big screen was a real treat for me.

            Passing under the baby blue neon sign that hangs in front of the theater

I enter the lobby the smell of fresh popped popcorn fills the air and I think to

myself this is the real deal.  Upon paying for my ticket, popcorn and soda I

realize that the total price would have been the price of a single ticket at the

local megaplex theater.  I take my ticket and my food and head for the balcony

this is what sets this theater apart from most of the others around the Pittsburgh

area. 

            At 9:30 the lights go dark and we are treated to a 1940’s Superman

cartoon a great flashback to when I was a child.  As the cartoon ends we

are treated to the main movie in all of its big screen glory.  All of a sudden

I am 6 years old again thinking it would be cool to swing from a bullwhip

and that the mine carts would make one hell of a rollercoaster.  It was fun to

go back to a simpler time.

            The Hollywood theater is run by a local non profit called Friends of

The Hollywood and we here at Steel City Underground Love that.  Please

take a break from the malls and megaplexes go eat at a local restaurant and

see a movie at an independent theater.  Support your local small businesses

that is what we are all about.