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Read
about recent events
in the Detroit Movie Palaces blog! |
Explore
theater history Andy Griffith Makes Big Screen Debut (June 1957) |
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From
Up on Poppy Hill
opens the Saturday Animation Club at the DFT
June 15.
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Step in time with Dick Van Dyke when the renovated Redford re-opens with Mary Poppins July 12-13. |
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| Blog Entries | |
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| Videos |
| Essay | |
| Fact Sheet | |
| Web Site | |
| Blog Entries | |
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| Videos |
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| Looking Back | |
| Other Venues |
The
DFT, Michigan and Redford started taking their current shape in the 1970s.
The vision and commitment of some special individuals gave area film lovers
alternatives to the mall-based multiplexes that were sprouting across
the land. This multiplex trend had threatened the Redford and the Michigan
with the demolition or changed usage that happened to many other old movie
theaters. The DFT took advantage of the growing interest after World War
II in foreign language films and international movie stars. You can further
explore the histories of these theaters in their web sites, which include
timelines, photos, and essays.
These
theaters recently have taken important steps towards both restoring their
original beauty and modernizing for the 21st century. At the Michigan,
the look of the original marquee was restored, the original ceiling in
the concession area was uncovered, and a second auditorium was added (the
Screening Room). The Redford has new, more historically authentic seats,
and the outer lobby has been renovated. The DFT recently finished remodeling
that included new applications of gold and silver leaf, re-painted walls,
and more comfortable seats.
Because
of the personal commitments needed to keep these theaters going, the staff
and volunteers have a much more public face than what you see at mainstream
theaters. You might make some new friends! Your patronage helps you share
in the deep pride and passion that motivate the theater workers.
Each
theater has volunteer and membership programs that help you become more
involved in the theater's activities. Donations to the theaters are tax-deductible.
Thank
you for your interest in these theaters. Your support makes a tremendous
difference in helping these classic movie palaces survive and thrive.
To further explore the fascinating details of each theater, click one
of the links to the left.
This web site is not affiliated with the Detroit Film Theatre, the Michigan Theater, or the Redford Theatre.
Web Site copyright © 2013 by Robert Hollberg Smith, Jr.
Launched November 25, 2005.
Last updated June 9, 2013.
Graphics courtesy of the Absolute Web Graphics Archive and Christmas Graphics Plus.
Videos courtesy of YouTube and Turner Classic Movies.