Movie Theatre Forum

For people who enjoy the theatres in their communities.



Search found 55 matches for Brenkert 60

Brenkert 60

El Paso Theatres - Thu Dec 16, 2010 9:23 pm

I was a union projectionist in San Antonio for 12 years. I quit the union (before they went away) to take over management of the Montwood. There was a union projectionist there that ran five of the nine shifts per week. I was happy to have him.....at first. Unfortunately he did a few "irregular" things to the projection equipment soon after I took over the theatre, and I had to fire him. I didn't hire any more union operators. I taught most of my ushering staff how to operate the equipment, and they did VERY well! I also taught them how to build up and tear down the prints quickly onto the platters, but ONLY AHTER building them up carefully on to big reels remaking all splices, and checking for misframes.

The projectionist union members by and large were their own worst enemies, and they have screwed themselves out of some good jobs.

During my nine year tenure at the Montwood, we only lost three SHOWINGS due to equipment problems. I had virtually every part on hand that normally wore or broke. Excellent maintenance kept our excellent equipment running well!

Brenkert 60

El Paso Theatres - Tue Dec 14, 2010 10:52 pm

I managed the Montwood from 1984 to 1993. The remodeling was really a time I will remember forever. The crew I had at the time of the remodeling was the best crew I ever had in 30 years in the industry. We had a WONDERFUL time. It was an independently owned theatre, not a cookie cutter. I had my finger on the pulse od El Paso, and gave what was wanted.

Which El Paso theatres did you work, Jayrains?

Brenkert 60

Re-lamping the Paramount - Thu Sep 24, 2009 11:30 am

Those are great pictures! The Texas here in San Antonio had one HUGE chadelier over the balcony. It had to be lowered the same way. There must have been 100 bulbs in it!

Brenkert 60

Coolidge Corner Theatre, Brookline, MA. - Mon Aug 31, 2009 2:12 pm

What a great theatre!

Brenkert 60

Pre 1970 Movies - Sat Aug 29, 2009 11:45 am

If you've never seen "A Face In The Crowd", check it out! It is available on DVD, and if you don't have a DVD player, it is run regularly on Turner Classic Movies. In fact, it will run on TCM September 20!

Andy Griffith definitely shed his good old boy, home town image on this one! Patricia Neal is very sexy in this role. (I NEVER thought of Patricia Neal as sexy before.) It's definitely worth a look.

Also on Sep 20, another favorite "A Thousand Clowns", will be shown!

Movies That Were Great But Not Many People Have Seen - Sat Aug 29, 2009 11:37 am

Cat Ballou was a pretty big hit! I liked it very much. Lee Marvin was great, as was his horse! I liked the music done by Nat King Cole, and Stubby Kaye between the acts.

I never saw "The Monster That Challenged The World"

Thee was a VERY low budget film made in 1963 titled "The Sadist". I saw it first on TV a few years after it's theatrical release, then in 1973, I ran it with a new title "Sweet Baby Charlie". I now own it on DVD. It's so bad, it's good!

Movies That Were Great But Not Many People Have Seen - Fri Aug 28, 2009 1:26 am

One of my all time favorite musicals was "Finian's Rainbow" It starred Fred Astaire, Petula Clark, Keenan Wynn, and Tommy Steele, in addition to San Antonio's own Al Freeman, Jr.

This was the Christmas 1968 offering at the theatre I was working at the time, and it never did the business it deserved. The music was great, the photography excellent, Tommy Steele was wonderful as Og, the Leprechaun, and it was directed by Francis Ford Coppola.

I watch this film at least twice a year. My favorite song is "When I'm Not Near The Girl I Love, I Love The Girl I'm Near". Tommy Steele performs it flawlessly.

Fred Astaire was getting up in age, but he could still dance very well.

Brenkert 60

Pre 1970 Movies - Fri Aug 28, 2009 1:13 am

One VERY good film I recently discovered was "A Thousand Clowns". a United Artists film that starred Jason Robards, Barbara Harris, Barry Gordon, William Daniels, and Martin Balsam (Balsam won a best supporting actor Oscar for this, and although he was good, he wasn't all that special)

This film had a lot of laughs, and excellent performances from everyone! I highly recommend it.

Brenkert 60

Pre 1970 Movies - Fri Aug 28, 2009 1:08 am

There are so many good movies that were released prior to 1970. The 1960s saw the trasition from black and white to color. By the end of the decade 99+% of the films were color.

What are some memorable pre 1970 films?

Movies That Were Great But Not Many People Have Seen - Fri Aug 28, 2009 12:52 am

Back in 1969, there was a prolific film company called Cinema Center Films, which in conjunction with National General Productions released some excellent films. Most did well at the boxoffice, but few ever made it to video, or even ran on TV. One was called "Me, Natalie" and it starred Patty Duke in the title role, and featured Martin Balsam, and James Farentino. I was able to procure a copy of this movie recently, and now realize just how dated it was. I did enjoy seeing it again, however, but it was much better 40 years ago!

Brenkert 60

Favorite Movies - Thu Aug 27, 2009 11:18 pm

There are only two movies that literally made me fall out of my seat laughing. The first one was "Blazing Saddles" (the campfire scene), and the other was "Planes, Trains, And Automobiles" (when Steve Martin washed his face). I know this shows that my sense of humor is somewhat basic, but I can (and have) watched these movies dozens of times. I quote lines from "Blazing Saddles" more than any other film. I find new things to laugh at, because the laughs come fast and furious, and I miss some while laughing at the previous joke!

Great Small Town Texas Theatres - Tue Aug 25, 2009 7:34 pm

The Broadway in Galveston was a virtual clone of the Broadway in San Antonio, and the Pershing in El Paso. The Broadway in San Antonio, and the Pershing in El Paso did not suffer the indignity of being twinned. The Galveston Broadway's balcony was made into a second auditorium. It was a very poor remodeling job, and cheapened a once very nice theatre.

Brenkert 60 - Search BroadwayGalveston

Favorite San Antonio Movie Theatres - Tue Aug 25, 2009 7:02 pm

My favorite suburban theatre was the Broadway. The first movie I saw there was "Bonnie & Clyde". It was always well run, clean, had comfortable seats, had a large curtained screen, and was 70mm capable. It was not as ornate as some, but everything about it was tasteful, and patron friendly.

Favorite San Antonio Movie Theatres - Tue Aug 25, 2009 6:59 pm

I have worked at, and/or attended most of the San Antonio theatres that have been around in my lifetime. The old suburban theatres were my favorites. I thought they would always be here. They're now all gone, or the buildings are being used for other things. What were some of your favorite San Antonio theatres or drive ins?

Great Small Town Texas Theatres - Tue Aug 25, 2009 6:53 pm

This is the Nixon Theatre, Nixon, TX. It was long closed and VERY run down when I took this picture in 1991. The last time I went through Nixon, I didn't see the theatre, so I think it has been razed.

Brenkert 60 - Search NixonsTheOne

Great Small Town Texas Theatres - Tue Aug 25, 2009 6:50 pm

Here's an anptly named theatre, the Sage Theatre in Van Horn, TX, a west texas town nestled in sage in the desert southwest.

Brenkert 60 - Search Sage

Great Small Town Texas Theatres - Tue Aug 25, 2009 6:48 pm

Here's a nice theatre that no longer shows movies. It is the SFA (Stephen F Austin) Theatre in Nacogdoches, TX. It is now owned and used as an auditorium For Stephen F Austin University.

Brenkert 60 - Search SFANcogdoches

Great Small Town Texas Theatres - Tue Aug 25, 2009 6:46 pm

Here's a great little theatre with a WONDERFUL name! It's Miller's Theatre in Navasota, TX

Brenkert 60 - Search MillersNavasota

Great Small Town Texas Theatres - Tue Aug 25, 2009 6:44 pm

Here's a picture of the sign of the Marble Theatre in Marble Falls. It was a nice theatre, but was knocked out of business by an 8 plex recently built in Marble Falls.

Brenkert 60 - Search Marble

Great Small Town Texas Theatres - Tue Aug 25, 2009 6:41 pm

I have worked at, and serviced the projection rooms at many small town theatres. My best memories come from the Palace, Texas, and Dixie Drive In in Seguin, TX.

The Palace was a grand late 40s/early 50s style showplace complete with balcony. It was large and comfortable. The Texas is historic. I think it was built in the 1920s. It has old time charm. It has no snack bar! It has a nice balcony, and can currently be seen on a "Texas Car Title Loans" commercial! It was also featured in the movie "The Great Waldo Pepper" with Robert Redford. The Dixie Drive In I knew was a replacement for the original Dixie. It was built in the 60s.

Unfortunately these three fine theatres are no longer in operation, although the Palace and Texas are still standing.

What are some old small town theatres you remember?

Brenkert 60

Nice Old Drive Ins - Tue Aug 25, 2009 6:30 pm

Drive Ins once dotted the Texas landscape. Here are a couple of very nice Texas Drive Ins:



Lufkin's not too small a town, but they have a BEAUTIFUL drive in that is still standing closed, and is wasting away. The Redland Drive in was once VERY nice. I cannot believe a community like Lufkin can't keep such a venue running.

Brenkert 60 - Search RedlandLufkin

While looking through some old family pictures of my girlfriend's, I was surprised and delighted to see this picture of the Terrell Drive In in Terrell, Texas! I guess a new drive in theatre in town was a big deal in 1947!

This screen blew down, and a cheap screen without an attached building was erected. The Terrell Drive In was where the movie "Drive In" was filmed in the mid 70s. It was called the Alamo drive in when featured in this "classic" film!

Brenkert 60 - Search TerrellDI

Brenkert 60

4th Avenue Theatre - Tue Aug 25, 2009 6:26 pm

The biggest city in Alaska has a beautiful thaetre downtowm, the 4th Street Theatre. It survived the 1964 Alaska earthquake that devastated the rest of downtown Anchorage. My son took this picture of the 4th Avenue a few years ago on a trip to Alaska.

Brenkert 60 - Search 4thAvenue

Brenkert 60

Park Theatre, Walden, CO - Tue Aug 25, 2009 6:24 pm

This is the Park Theatre in the booming metropolis of Walden, Colorado. Walden is near the Colorado/Wyoming border. I saw "Where The Boys Are" at the Park in the 1960s. It was a movie rental store when this picture was taken in 1992.

Brenkert 60 - Search ParkWalden

Brenkert 60

Old Drive In Near Laramie - Tue Aug 25, 2009 6:20 pm

Drive ins come and go, and when they are closed, they are usually razed, or abandoned to the elements. This is a picture taken of an abandoned twin drive in theatre near Laramie, Wyoming. The screens had pictures painted on them!

Brenkert 60 - Search WyomingMural

Brenkert 60

Yucca Drive In Santa Fe - Tue Aug 25, 2009 6:15 pm

Here's a picture of the Yucca Drive In, Santa Fe, New Mexico taken in the summer of 1992, it's last operating season. The Yucca is the state flower of the Land Of Enchantment, and that is what is painted on the oddly shaped sign on the screen (I always thought the theatre could run porn, and paint the sign flesh color). The drive in was in EXCELLENT repair, and I was shocked when it closed.

Brenkert 60 - Search YuccaDI

Brenkert 60 - Search Yucca2

Brenkert 60

Casa Linda Theatre - Sun Aug 23, 2009 5:21 pm

The Casa Linda Theatre was a single screen theatre that became a twin in the 60s, and two more screens were added later. The upstairs theatre, which once was the balcony was the nicest of the four screens! It had rocking chair seats, and a curtain on the screen. It had two disco balls that gave quite a nice effect between shows.

I managed this theatre in 1993-94. This picture was taken in January 1993. It actually had 4 screens at this time, but the city of Dallas wouldn't let us change the number on the sign from 3 to 4.

Brenkert 60 - Search CasaLinda

Brenkert 60

El Paso Theatres - Sun Aug 23, 2009 5:17 pm

The Montwood Theatre in El Paso is my favorite theatre because I managed it for 10 years, and spent LOTS of time, and made lots of friends there. I took over as manager of the Montwood in 1984. At the time it was a 3 screen theatre owned by Movie One Theatres Of El Paso. Here is a picture of me starting my new job. The CSW Theatres logo on the sign stood for Cinemas Southwest Theatres of Corpus Christi, which built and operated it until they went bankrupt. CSW was probably the worst theatre chain in history. I opened two theatres for CSW in Waco in 1974. They were a nightmare to work for. One of my ushers was a very good artist. I got him to paint over the CSW logo and paint on a Movie One logo.

Brenkert 60 - Search NewJob84

In 1986 we completely remodeled the Montwood, adding four new auditoriums, and remodeling the original three. We doubled the size of the lobby and restrooms by taking space that was once part of the Montwood Mall. We put in a nice island concession stand complete with two Cretors President popcorn machines. We installed some used, but EXCELLENT projection equipment, including the five platters from the San Pedro Drive in, San Antonio! The Ballantyne projectors came from the Texas Stadium Drive In, Dallas. They had very few hours on them. Some wonderful Cinemeccanica Zenith 4000 lamps from a couple of closed General Cinema theatres in Moline Illinois replaced some AWFUL Christie equipment in the original 3 booths.

This is what the front of the theatre looked like after we remodeled it!

Brenkert 60 - Search Montwood7

I loved every minute of my years managing the Montwood.

Brenkert 60

Favorite Houston Theatres - Sun Aug 23, 2009 5:12 pm

I have seen movies in six Houston theatres, and was impressed by three. The Alabama was VERY nice. I drove from San Antonio to Houston to see "The Empire Strikes Back" at the Alabama, because they ran it in 70mm. I saw "Grease" at the Tower Theatre. I was impressed by the "reverse" waterfall curtain. The curtain came down to the ground to show the movie, and came up to cover the screen when it was over. I also liked the Windsor Cinerama. It was modern, but luxurious, and top notch.

I removed the projection equipment from the Garden Oaks when it closed down. It was a very nice theatre with an impressive staircase

Brenkert 60

El Paso Theatres - Sun Aug 23, 2009 2:39 pm

The Montwood was my favorite (slightly prejudiced here), but another one I REALLY liked was the Fox Bassett. By the time I made it to El Paso, the once large single auditorium Fox had been split into two auditoriums, but the split was done VERY well. I can only imagine it's grandeur when it opened in the early 60s.

Speaking of split auditoriums, the Northgate (a clone of San Antonio's Wonder Theatre) had the worst split job I ever encountered (only matched by the split Wonder). They were first class theatres as singles, but shoeboxes with horrendous sightlines after the split.

Another El Paso theatre that had a clone in San Antonio AND in Galveston was the Pershing. The Broadway Theatres in San Antonio and Galveston were virtually identical.

Brenkert 60

El Paso Theatres - Sun Aug 23, 2009 2:28 pm

I managed the Montwood in El Paso from 1984-1993. When I moved to El Paso, there were quite a few theatres operating, and few remain today. I worked for Movie One Theatres, and we had the Montwood, Palace, and Lomaland (formerly North Loop) Drive in. Commonwealth Theatres had the biggest presence in town with the Pershing, Fox Bassett, Country Club, University Cinema 4, Vista Hills Cinema 4, Towne East Cinema 4, and the Northgate. Commonwealth closed down the Fox, and built a VERY nice 6 plex inside Bassett Center. General Cinema had the Cielo Vista with theatres in the mall and in the parking lot. The Cinema Park Drive In was thriving, as well as the Ascarate DI, and Fiesta DI.

It's been a while since I have been to El Paso, but I've heard the only theatres of these left are the Montwood, and Fiesta Drive In!

Quite a few theatres had already gone by the time I made it to El Paso, and many more have appeared since I left.

Which theatres did you like the best, or go to the most often?

Brenkert 60

Favorite Movies - Fri Aug 21, 2009 9:05 pm

I agree with you whole-hearedly about the big screen, and theatre experience, but so many of my favorite movies are not shown in theatres since the advent of home video. It's great to be able to see them any time the mood stikes me.

The type of people that frequent movies today also tend to make the experience less enjoyable. Cell phones going off, obnoxious patrons, and poor screen presentations at the plexes make me wish I was at home watching it in peace without scratches on the film and pops in the sound track, or being around a bunch of selfish scumbuckets in the auditorium.

The days of professional theatre people are gone. There are few good projectionists left, and ushers are extinct. That's one of the reasons I no longer am in the theatre business.

Brenkert 60

Favorite Movies - Thu Aug 20, 2009 10:50 pm

Why do you have no intention of getting a DVD player? They are GREAT! DVDs are inexpensive, and have great picture quality and added features.

Brenkert 60

youotube scenes of Last Picture Show - Mon Aug 17, 2009 8:21 pm

I liked it a lot! I have it on DVD as well as the sequel "Texasville". What a great cast. It was the first movie I saw Ellen Burstyn. She was sexy in that movie! I love black and white photography over modern color, too.

Brenkert 60

youotube scenes of Last Picture Show - Mon Aug 17, 2009 6:47 pm

The last movie i ran at the Texas in Seguin was "The Last Picture Show"!

Brenkert 60

Favorite Movie Stars - Mon Aug 17, 2009 2:34 pm

The new stars are pretty, but two stars from the early 70s have classic beauty that they still possess today. Neither one are known for their acting ability, but their beauty makes up for it.

Ali MacGraw

Brenkert 60 - Search Scan0036

Cybill Shepherd

Brenkert 60 - Search Scan0037

You don't need a color picture to see how blue Cybill's eyes are. SIGH!

Movies That Were Great But Not Many People Have Seen - Mon Aug 17, 2009 2:09 pm

There are two films that come to mind right now. One was "Red Sky At Morning", a Universal picture from 1971, and "Baby Blue Maine, a Columbia picture from 1976.

"Red Sky" came out around the same time "Summer Of '42" hit the screens. I actually liked Red Sky better. It starred Richard Thomas, Richard Crenna, Desi Arnaz, Jr, Claire Bloom, and had a very memorable scene starring my very favorite character Actor, Strother Martin. After the HUGE success of "Summer of '42, Universal re-released this as "That Same Summer". It fizzled worse! This film never made it to video, but I have a poor copy from a run on HBO, and it's just as enjoyable today as when I first saw it.



"Baby Blue Marine" starred Jan Michael Vincent (what a wastoid), Glynnis O'Connor, Katherine Helmond, And great character actor Bert Remsen. It also took place during World War II. A very nice movie that never went to video. I do have a poor copy recorded from HBO. This film hit all emotions. It's an all time favorite of mine.

Are there any "obscure" films you are fond of?

Brenkert 60

Billy Jack: - Mon Aug 17, 2009 1:47 pm

When "Billy Jack" came out, it did very well at the boxoffice. It ran at North Star Cinema here in San Antonio for months. I liked it back then, but I saw it a few years ago on HBO, and couldn't sit through it. I have become a lot more conservative and some liberal propaganda was being pushed a bit too hard for my tastes.

Brenkert 60

Singin' In The Rain - Mon Aug 17, 2009 1:28 am

My favorite musical was "Singin' In The Rain". It was so well done, and the 3 color Technicolor it was shot in makes it even better. Gene Kelly, Donald O'Connor, and Debbie Reynolds were perfectly cast. O'Connor's "Make 'Em Laugh" is brilliant.

"Dignity, always dignity!"

Brenkert 60

Favorite Movie Stars - Mon Aug 17, 2009 1:24 am

Thinking about "Bonnie and Clyde" on another thread reminded me of "Dillinger". It was a low budget American International picture, but was VERY well done. Warren Oates was wonderful as John Dillinger. I think he was a very underrated actor.

Brenkert 60

Bonnie and Clyde: - Mon Aug 17, 2009 1:20 am

All the actors in Bonnie and Clyde were well cast. Michael J Pollard, Estelle Parsons, Gene Hackman, Denver Pyle, and even Dub Taylor were all memorable.

Faye, Gene, and Warren Beatty really broke out after that film.

Another favorite Faye Dunaway role was in "Little Big Man" I especially liked the bathtub scene.

Brenkert 60

Bonnie and Clyde: - Sun Aug 16, 2009 3:08 pm

I liked "Bonnie & Clyde" very much. It had it's first run in San Antonio at the Broadway Theatre. Here's a nice publicity still from B&C:

Brenkert 60 - Search Scan0033

Bonnie & Clyde was my first look at Faye Dunaway. She was BEAUTIFUL in 1967!

Brenkert 60 - Search Scan0034

Brenkert 60

Favorite Movie Stars - Wed Aug 12, 2009 3:51 pm

For me, today's actors are mostly forgettable, both in name, and their roles. If I was to pick a favorite actor that is still working today, I would have to pick Richard Dreyfuss. Definitely not a Cary Grant in the looks department, but in acting ability, and making impressions in their roles, it's hard to forget Matt Hooper in "Jaws", Glen Holland in "Mr. Holland's Opus", Elliot Garfield in "The Goodbye Girl", Louie in "Lost In Yonkers" (a movie few saw, but one of my favs), Roy in "Close Encounters Of The Third Kind", Curt in "American Graffiti", and so many others. He has starred in some of the biggest hits, and many very "small" pictures, but his performances always stand out. He might not be much to look at, but his acting ability always makes the movies he stars in better.

As for actresses of today that are still working, I choose Sally Field. I REALLY like her! Her portrayal of Edna Spaulding in "Places In The Heart" put a place in my heart for her forever! She's wonderful in dramas (Sybil), as well as comedy (Smokey An The Bandit). She stands out in every role she plays, be it a starring role (Norma Rae), or a supporting role (Forrest Gump). Heck, I like seeing Sally Field in Boniva commercials!

Brenkert 60

Favorite Movie Stars - Wed Aug 12, 2009 3:33 pm

There are literally thousands of stars to choose from. Lead actors and actresses, character actors and actresses, venerable stars with decades in the movies, and one hit wonders. Name some of your favorites.

Brenkert 60

Favorite Movies - Wed Aug 12, 2009 3:28 pm

This is a subject that can have so many answers, even if one breaks movies into categories. After so many years in the theatre business, I have seen my share of movies. I love most of the old movies of the 30s and 40s, and watch them often on TCM. I have A LOT of great movies on DVD. If I was forced to get rid of all of them except two, I would choose to keep "Mr. Holland's Opus", and "The Majestic". Both are relatively modern movies, but they spark just about every emotion in me while watching them, and I view them more than any other in my collection.

What are your favorite movies? List them by category; Comedy, Drama, Action, Sci-Fi, etc.

Brenkert 60

Big City Theatres - Tue Aug 11, 2009 5:03 pm

.

Brenkert 60

Big City Theatres - Tue Aug 11, 2009 5:01 pm

.

Brenkert 60

Projectors - Tue Aug 11, 2009 4:39 pm

Here's a couple of pictures of my Brenkert BX-60 projector.

Brenkert 60 - Search Brenkertproj001

Brenkert 60 - Search Brenkertproj002

Brenkert 60

Small Town Theatres - Tue Aug 11, 2009 3:50 pm

.

Brenkert 60

Small Town Theatres - Tue Aug 11, 2009 3:47 pm

There are lots of wonderful memories of movie theatres, and what may have taken place in one. Many small town theatres were the scenes of first dates, and other memorable occasions. Do you remember any nice small town theatres?

Brenkert 60

Projectors - Sat Aug 08, 2009 7:51 pm

I was thinking about some of the theatres and the equipment they had.

The Capitan, Varsity, Olmos, Josephine, old San Pedro had Motiograph projectors.

The Fredericksburg Road, Trail, Valley Hi, Lackland, Kelly, Loop 13, Rigsby, El Charro, and Alamo, had Brenkert projectors.

The Towne Twin, Circle 81, Joy, Century South, Fox and San Pedro South screen had Simplex XL/35.

The Bandera Road, Judson 4, Cinemas at North Star and McCreless, Texas, Laurel, Prince, Majestic, Aztec, Galaxy, and San Pedro East and West screens had Century projectors.

The Woodlawn, Broadway, and Wonder had Norelco AAII 35/70 projectors.

The Northwest, and the Act III built theatres all had Ballantynes

The Colonies, and Alameda had Simplex E-7s. The Alamo Drive In started out with E-7s, but they were mercifully replaced before I first stepped into the booth.


Back to top

Current date/time is Thu Mar 28, 2024 5:07 pm