Growing up, the Fine Arts Theatre was my second home. At least once a week, Friday night, Saturday night, or even the occasional weeknight if I was particularly bored or needed cheering up. I’d walk the 15 minutes downtown with my friends, family, or sometimes, even by myself to the little stone building. We’d buy our tickets, select a popcorn size, pick out our favorite candy and soda, and settle into the comfy seats where we would spend the next 90 to 120 minutes immersed in the latest blockbuster.
In those moments, we were at our happiest and most carefree, ready to forget whatever was troubling us out in the real world for the next couple of hours. In these moments we always had fun.
I never realized how lucky I was to be able to experience this wonderful indulgence as often as I did. When the “Fine Arts” closed my family and friends were devastated. Now, having to drive half an hour to either of the nearest theaters and spend at least $20 to see a movie on the weekends, I realized what a staple the Fine Arts Theater had been in my life, and how unfair it was that such an excellent place was losing business to those “big name” theaters.
We’ve all been to them: AMC, Regal Cinemas, Cinemark Theaters, and many more, all of them giving out a lesser experience than Maynard’s historic, beloved little theater, but for double the price. Instead of my parents suggesting the movies as a weekend treat, when Fine Arts closed, we practically had to beg them to drive us all the way to the nearest theater and then spend exorbitant amounts of money just for tickets and some popcorn… to share. The loss of our hometown theater limited our “movie going” to maybe once a month as opposed to the previous once or twice a week; it definitely took some getting used to.
Small-scale theaters like the Fine Arts Theater, or Amherst Cinemas in my college’s town, need to be supported. It’s not as though they’re cheap, sleazy, dirty movie theaters. They’re just as classy, and 10 times more unique, than any of the big-name theaters - not to mention, much cheaper. Even as a young kid, if my parents weren’t up for a movie, I was able to see one any time with my weekly $10 allowance, which was enough to buy me a ticket and a snack. Fine Arts was close enough to walk to and inexpensive enough that it gave me access to one of my favorite pastimes whenever I wanted, just as so many small-town theaters do for kids like me growing up who so enjoyed that temporary, comforting escape from reality.
When I describe these small theaters as “cheaper,” I am merely referring to the ticket cost. The Fine Arts recently reopened, thanks to its new owner’s ambition to bring it back to its glory days, and the newly renovated interior is maintained as well as any other, large theater. Its red and white retro decor makes for a uniquely delightful experience. Amherst Cinemas is also just as spotless and aesthetically pleasing on the inside.
Even before these renovations, the Fine Arts had a certain draw simply because of its history in town, as so many small-town theaters do. These theaters have often been a part of their town for decades – the Fine Arts being one of them. For those of us whose grandparents grew up in Maynard, they can remember going to see movies or working there when they were our age. It is this connection to the town and its history that add to the personality of these little theaters; a certain uniqueness and welcoming you just won’t find at any big-name chain theater.
Yes, these tiny theaters cost less to visit, and yes they are just as well put together and maintained as any big name theater, but the simple fact of what they have to offer should be enough to get them the support they deserve. These theaters allow children, who may not have a lot of money or parents who want to drive them to the nearest mall cinema, to take part in the brilliant experience that I grew to love so much growing up, and still love today.
The experience of going to the movies - entering those big doors and having the smell of popcorn wash over you, picking out your absolute favorite candy, and losing yourself in the thrill of a story projected on the big screen that lets you forget about your problems outside the theater, even if just for a little while - is an experience that I think is both incredibly enjoyable and also an important opportunity for children to have. It was important for me when I was young, being someone who had a vivid imagination and loved story telling, to be able to immerse myself in the fun of the movie theater, particularly in stressful times if I needed a little escape. And of course it was always better to go with friends or family, and share in the fun together.
The Fine Arts gave me, my friends, and my family the opportunity to make so many fun memories together, just as I’m sure Amherst Cinemas and other small-town theaters like them have done for other people. If they were to disappear, it would rob so many people of growing up knowing that wonderful escape. It would put an end to the relationship these buildings have with their small towns. So, next time you want to see a movie, instead of counting your cash and making the trek to AMC or Regal Cinemas, see what’s playing in that little theater down the street. It could end up being an unforgettably enjoyable experience.
