Photos courtesy of Hollywood Theater
The Hollywood Theater through the 90 years it ’ s been an icon of Dormont .
“ Some patrons have come back with tears in their eyes . It transports them back to the last time they were here . It ’ s our own time machine .”
“ So many people think of the Hollywood as their theater ,” he says . “ We ’ re proud to serve as a landmark for the residents in Dormont , the greater South Hills community and the entire Pittsburgh region .”
The Hollywood Theater also provides a social experience that ’ s absent in larger cinemas . Board member Margaret Jackson says she remembers how patrons began clapping during a screening of “ The Princess Bride ” a few years ago .
“ I don ’ t believe that would ever happen in a multiplex ,” Jackson says . “ It created this wonderful feeling of community .”
The Hollywood first opened in 1926 and the building included a bowling alley in the basement . The theater has changed hands a few times and had been closed for several years at times . A major renovation was completed in 2007 .
The board of directors celebrated the Hollywood Theater ’ s 90th anniversary in May by showing a restored version of 1949 British noir film “ The Third Man .” Actor David Conrad , a Pittsburgh native , attended the event , which attracted a sell-out crowd . Board member Annette Bassett says this was one of her favorite memories of the Hollywood Theater because it was a great opportunity to welcome people to the cinema for the first time .
A fundraising campaign , called “ 90 for 90 ,” is also underway to help celebrate the Hollywood Theater ’ s anniversary . So far , about $ 18,000 has been raised and the average donation is about $ 80 . The fundraiser will continue into 2017 . The funds will be used to replenish savings that were spent on HVAC repairs earlier in 2016 .
“ We wanted to come out of the gate strong , which we accomplished , but still have a long way to go ,” Matthews says .
The Hollywood Theater is unique in several ways — it has a balcony , an organ , and is one of the few surviving single-screen cinemas in Pittsburgh . However , the theater faces several obstacles as well , because it ’ s harder for a small theater to secure certain bookings . In addition , Matthews notes that attendance has dropped off this year because of construction in the Dormont business district as well as increased competition from video streaming services such as Netflix and Hulu .
The Hollywood Theater has survived by innovating , he explains . It offers innovative programming and hosts a number of special events . For example , several couples have been married at the Hollywood Theater , saying their vows on the stage . In addition , the theater organized a Halloween party that featured a showing of the 1961 gothic horror film “ The Innocents .” Doug Bradley from “ Hellraiser ” attended the event , which included a raffle and costume contest .
“ Many of the attendees really get into the spirit and arrive in some truly amazing costumes ,” Matthews says .
He explains that the board of directors is pursuing several long-term goals that will ensure the Hollywood Theater remains an important part of the Dormont community . First , they hope to secure a long-term lease or purchase of the building that houses the theater . Afterward they will execute a capital improvement campaign that focuses on electrical , plumbing and structural upkeep . Other priorities include adding an expanded and improved concession stand , additional screening rooms , and a new marquee .
The board of directors is also re-evaluating its organizational structure . Chad Hunter , the Hollywood Theater ’ s executive director , left in July and the board has decided to postpone the search for a potential replacement . In the interim , operations manager Joseph Morrison and several board members have assumed the responsibilities of the executive director . n
Keystone Oaks | Winter 2016 | icmags . com 15