THE JOURNAL & TOPICS NEWSPAPERS | FRIDAY, MARCH 14, 2008
American Movie Comeback?
It has been a while since American movie classics have graced the screen of the historical downtown Des Plaines Theater, but that could change in the near future.
Thanks to the efforts of 6th ward Ald. Mark Walsten and the ater owner Dhitu Bhagwakar, American movies could be mak ing a return to the Des Plaines landmark.
Currently, the theater only shows Indian movies, but Walsten has made inquiries about adding American films to the schedule.
Walsten recently met with Bhagwakar to discuss the possi bility of bringing American movies to the theater. Bhagwakar embraced the idea immediately, Walsten said.
"It has been a long time since American movies have played at the theater," Bhagwakar said. "I just thought it was time to bring them back."
Walsten also contacted the Des Plaines Theater Preservation Society to help him search for possible films they would be in terested in and their prices. He also has the support of several other alderman including Marty Moylan (2d).
According to Walsten, the theater would begin with older movies, particularly from the 1970's and '80's to gauge an in terest in the idea. If successful, first-run movies could become a possibility.
The effort is picking up steam with Walsten hoping to have a few movies in the theater as early as April. However, there are still a few road bumps stand ing in the way.
"Right now we are having trouble getting the actual movie to the theater," Walsten said. "But right now we are hoping to have some movies in there in the near future."
For Walsten, bringing these American films back to the Des Plaines Theater is not so much for the entertainment value, but for restoring the legacy of the theater itself.
"The Des Plaines Theater is one of the most historical land marks in the city," Walsten said. "I view it as an icon and we need to do what we can to keep it like that."
Bhagwakar shares Walsten's sentiment saying he hopes the return of American movies will bring back customers and that historic allure that once was so strong.