Marc H, Author At Laemmle Theatres

(BYOP) Bring Your Own Popcorn – Laemmle Virtual Cinema

April 4, 2020 by Marc H 1 Comment

Dear Laemmle Fans,

Hello Again, and welcome to Day 19 of CoronaClosure. I’m proud that Angelenos seem to be making progress with flattening the curve, and to help with that, we are proud to share with you five new films that you can watch at home as part of the Laemmle Virtual Cinema program.

Saint Frances is a heartwarming film about the personal complications and connections that were so important to our lives before social isolation became the norm. Extra Ordinary is a quirky comedy that had the misfortune of opening on March 6, and although it’s always more fun to enjoy a comedy with other people in a dark theatre, this one should also play for laughs at home. Slay The Dragon is a documentary about the history of gerrymandering and the way in which it is being used to this day (on both sides of the political spectrum) to corrupt our democracy. I’ve always been a big fan of Brian Cox going back to performance as the first Hannibal Lecktor in Michael Mann’s Manhunter, and The Etruscan Smile puts him in a starring role as a Scottish father trying to reconnect with his son and newborn grandson. Finally, we are proud to include French director Bertrand Bonello’s Zombi Child, because sometimes you just need a good zombie film to help you survive a viral epidemic.

Please note that all the films we’ve previously announced via this email are still available for rental. Click here to see the full listing of available titles on the Laemmle website. Again, payment is made directly to the distributor, but a portion of all transactions benefit Laemmle Theatres, and will help keep us alive until we can return to showing movies in our theatres.

All the best,
Greg Laemmle

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Laemmle Virtual Cinema
New Releases for APRIL 3 • Click posters for “Watch Now” instructions.

Challenging Times – Laemmle Updates

April 2, 2020 by Marc H 1 Comment

Much has happened since we posted notice of our closure on March 16. To get you up to speed, check out the links below. They include several messages from Greg Laemmle during the last couple of weeks.

The big headline is that we’ve launched a new video-on-demand service – Laemmle’s Virtual Cinema – in conjunction with our distributors. Since we can’t go out to the movies, this will allow us to watch Laemmle films while we stay in!

This is a particularly challenging time as we fight to preserve our 82-year legacy. You can help keep Laemmle strong. Here’s how:
1. Watch movies online. To see what’s playing, join our mailing list and bookmark the Laemmle Virtual Cinema page.
2. Purchase a Premiere Card or Gift Card.
3. Keep following this blog and connect with us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

If you need a refund for a cancelled show, please fill out this form.

As always, we are beyond grateful for your commitment and support.

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Recent Messages from Greg Laemmle
(with film listings you can “Watch Now!”)

March 20 – Dear Laemmle Fans (Greg’s response to the crisis)

March 25 – Introducing “Laemmle’s Virtual Cinema”

March 27 – Virtual Cinema 2: Electric Boogaloo

March 30 – Laemmle Virtual Cinema – More Releases

Laemmle Virtual Cinema – More Releases

April 2, 2020 by Marc H 4 Comments

[JUMP TO FILMS]

Dear Laemmle Fans,

As we enter the third week of CoronaClosure, I again want to thank you for your show of support. You are amazing! If you can, please continue buying Premiere Cards and Gift Cards.

In this email, we are adding four new titles to the LVC program. And Then We Danced is a terrific film from Georgia, perhaps my favorite film that opened in the first part of this year. We are also adding Balloon and The Wild Goose Lake, two well reviewed films that had the misfortune of opening on Friday, March 13, and were not able to play for even a full week in theatres. Finally, we are adding Perfect Nanny, a film that has not opened theatrically in the US, but who’s star, Karin Viard, was nominated for a Cesar Award as Best Actress following the film’s French release in 2019.

These join the films that are already available, which include the Sonia Braga starrer Bacurau, the Oscar-nominated Corpus Cristi, the cult hit Fantastic Fungi, the essential documentary for fans of The Band Once Were Brothers, the critically acclaimed Pause (100% on Rotten Tomatoes), the American Indie comedy Phoenix, Oregon, and the Romanian crime-thriller The Whistlers. Remember, if you watch any of these films via the LVC program, a portion of your payment will support us as we fight to reopen.

We’ll be adding more films on Friday, so stay tuned for another message at the end of this week.

All the best,
Greg Laemmle

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Laemmle’s Virtual Cinema
New Releases for MARCH 30 • Click posters for “Watch Now” instructions.

Virtual Cinema 2: Electric Boogaloo

April 2, 2020 by Marc H Leave a Comment

[JUMP TO FILMS]

Dear Laemmle Fans,

I know I just contacted you a couple days ago about the launch of the Laemmle Virtual Cinema program, but we’ve got a number of excited distributors who wanted to share some additional films. And since many of you are looking for stuff to do while sheltering in place, I figured another message wouldn’t hurt.

We’ve also created a page to answer any questions you may have about Laemmle Virtual Cinema. If you have any other questions, please feel free to reach out via our company email, or to submit a comment via our website. I can’t promise we will be able to answer all your questions directly, but your feedback helps make sure our FAQ is useful.

Click here to learn more about Laemmle Virtual Cinema.

Lastly, thank you again for your support, and know that every purchase you make on Laemmle Virtual Cinema helps us get through this mandatory closure, so that we can continue to serve you again when we reopen. And please, continue to stay safe and follow best practices.

All the best,
Greg Laemmle

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Laemmle’s Virtual Cinema
New Releases for MARCH 27 • Click posters for “Watch Now” instructions.

Introducing “Laemmle’s Virtual Cinema”

April 2, 2020 by Marc H 8 Comments

Dear Laemmle Fans,

As an exhibitor, I’m supposed to hate VOD (video on demand), seeing it as an enemy out to destroy my family’s 80+ year old business. However, I believe that people will always love going to the movie theatre, and that they recognize movie-going as the best way to appreciate what the filmmaker has created.

But right now, going to the movie theatre isn’t an option. We all know why this is the case, and we’re just going to have to accept it until we can get through this crisis.

These unprecedented times call for new alliances. So in partnership with a number of our indie distributors, we are launching the “Laemmle Virtual Cinema” program.

CLICK HERE TO ACCESS LAEMMLE VIRTUAL CINEMA

While the theatres are closed, we’ll be emailing to let you know about new films which you can watch on VOD. The distributors will be sharing revenue directly with us, so that we have the resources to get through this mandatory closure, and can reopen our actual doors as soon as the coast is clear.

So please go ahead and pay to watch a movie online. You’re not cheating on us. You’ll actually be helping us. And together, we can keep the fires of arthouse cinema burning until this storm has passed.

All the best,

Greg Laemmle

Dear Laemmle Fans

April 2, 2020 by Marc H 6 Comments

A letter from Greg Laemmle about the closing of the theaters sent on March 20.

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Dear Laemmle Fans,

My family has been in this business in Los Angeles since 1938. I’ve been doing my job for over 30 years. During that time, we’ve had fires, earthquakes, a couple very serious instances of civic unrest, a major terrorist attack on our country, and countless other threats and instances of adversity. But even when curfews curtailed our hours of operation, we managed to be open and showing movies. Even if most people didn’t want to get out, there were always those who found solace and escape in getting out to the movies. And we wanted to be there for them.

The word “unprecedented” gets thrown around a lot. But what we are all living through today definitely fits the bill. And adjusting to this new reality, and accepting that it is going to be with us for at least a month if not more, is a challenge.

As much as movies and the business of showing movies is important to me and all the employees at Laemmle Theatres, we recognize that there is a more important societal issue at stake here. We understand that we need to shut down so that we can do our part to help stop the spread of the Coronavirus. We hope that you will do your part as well by staying safe at home, washing your hands, maintaining recommended social isolation distancing, and generally following best practices. Together, we can flatten the curve so that the contagion spreads as slowly as possible, and we don’t overburden our medical infrastructure. That’s #1.

Second, even though we won’t be opening new movies for a while, we hope that you’ll still stay engaged with us via email, and follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. We don’t have much to tell you today, but we should have some announcements in coming weeks that we think you’ll find interesting, including how to bring some of the best of Laemmle into your home.

And finally, if you have the means, it does help if you buy a Gift Card or a Premiere Card. These funds will help us get by in the immediate period. There’s a lot of discussion about doing something for impacted businesses, but nothing (as yet) actually happening. So until then, every bit helps. And is MUCH appreciated!

It’s hard to stay positive right now. But if we all look ahead to the day when we can return to our favorite theatre and enjoy a great arthouse film coupled with popcorn (would you like butter on that?) and a beverage, it will make this period a little easier to endure.

Stay safe, and hope to see you all soon.

Sincerely,
Greg Laemmle

Our 12th Annual Christmas Eve FIDDLER SING-ALONG is Just Around the Corner – Tickets On Sale!

November 14, 2019 by Marc H Leave a Comment

UPDATE! We’re pleased to announce our Fiddler Hosts for 2019! Click here for bios.
(skip to main article)

Town Center 5
Stephen Sass (4:30pm) – of the Jewish Historical Society of Southern CA – BUY TIX
Cantor Mike Stein (7:30pm) – NEW! – singer, fiddler, and Grammy winning artist – BUY TIX

NoHo 7
Cantor Aviva Rosenbloom – Jewish songwriter and woman cantor pioneer – BUY TIX

Royal
Isaac Wade – accomplished thespian and Laemmle General Manager – BUY TIX

The Fine Arts Theatre
Kenny Ellis (7:30pm) – entertainer, comedian, singer of Hanukah Swings! – BUY TIX

Playhouse
Judy Sofer – of Jewish Federation of the San Gabriel and Pamona Valleys – BUY TIX
Jason Moss – of Jewish Federation of the San Gabriel and Pamona Valleys – BUY TIX

Lumiere Music Hall
Dan Messinger – NEW! – writer, comedian and renowned baker – BUY TIX

Claremont 5
Cantor Paul Buch – of Temple Beth Israel – BUY TIX

Jump below to find out more about our hosts.

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Can you believe it’s the 12th year of our Christmas Eve FIDDLER SING-ALONG!? Join us in coming together as a community to celebrate the song, shtick, and shenanigans of Laemmle’s legendary Christmas Eve experience.

For 2019, this ever-popular event will be occurring in several of our neighborhood venues (see below for full listing and ticket links). PLUS, due to the convergence of Xmas and Chanukah (3rd night!), we’ll be celebrating the Festival of Lights with candle lighting and song.

(Jump down to watch the Sing-A-Long trailer. For tickets, visit Laemmle.com/Fiddler).

In addition to movie and song, the evening will feature TRIVIA with PRIZES being awarded to Fiddler buffs with the quickest recall. Dressing in COSTUME is not required, but highly encouraged! Who knows, perhaps the best costume will garner a prize? Or perhaps this is the year you’ll be given an opportunity to do your best Tevye or Golde impression? That will be up to the emcee. Indeed, each location will feature its own host (to be announced).

As Greg Laemmle is fond of saying “Christmas Eve isn’t just Chinese food!” He elaborates, “This is your once-a-year chance to be the star of the shtetl. Join with friends and neighbors and sing your heart out alongside Fiddler’s screen legends. And it’s okay if you haven’t memorized all the songs. We provide the lyrics.”

Song highlights include the iconic “TRADITION”, “IF I WERE A RICH MAN”, “TO LIFE”, “SUNRISE SUNSET”, “DO YOU LOVE ME?” and “ANATEVKA”, among many, many more.

Don’t be late! Those who wish to attend the program are advised to purchase tickets in advance as the program has traditionally sold to capacity. We welcome all those in the community who are looking for an alternative Christmas Eve.

See you in the shtetl…

PROGRAM DETAILS
DATE: Tuesday, December 24th
TIME: 7:30pm

PRICING:
General – $18
Senior 62 & Over / Child 11 & Under – $15
Premiere Card General – $15
Premiere Card Senior 62 & Over / Child 11 & Under – $12
Note: Premiere Card pricing not available at the Fine Arts Theatre or Lumiere Music Hall.

LOCATIONS:
Claremont – Get Tickets
The Fine Arts in Beverly Hills – Get Tickets
Lumiere Music Hall – Get Tickets
North Hollywood – Get Tickets
Playhouse in Pasadena – Get Tickets
Royal in West L.A. – Get Tickets
Town Center in Encino – Get Tickets

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=3&v=CnuyNaOEBt4&feature=emb_logo

Fiddler Hosts – 2019

Mike Stein at the Town Center 5 (Encino, 7:30pm show)
Cantor and world renowned performer, composer and recording artist MIKE STEIN will be our 7:30pm host at the Town Center 5 in Encino. A GRAMMY AWARD WINNER (cELLAbration) and nominee (Dreamosaurus), his songs have been recorded by the late PATSY MONTANA and have been included in many films. He has recorded fiddle for artists such as MARY CHAPIN CARPENTER and TOM PAXTON. Stein also serves as the cantor at Temple Aliyah in Woodland Hills, California. He has taught extensively in communities in Uganda, Kenya, Zimbabwe and Poland. He has produced albums for the late THEODORE BIKEL, the Abayudaya and the Lemba Jews of Zimbabwe. Stein is the father of three sons who are accomplished musicians of their own. Together with his wife, Kelley, they perform nationally with their group, The Rolling Steins. Stein’s appearance will benefit our community partner, the JEWISH HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA. BUY TIX

STEVE SASS at the Town Center 5 (Encino, 4:30pm Show)
Community leader STEPHEN SASS currently serves as President of the JEWISH HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA. As founding president of the BREED STREET SHUL PROJECT, he has been instrumental in the ongoing revitalization of one of L.A’s earliest synagogues built in 1915 in Boyle Heights. He co-wrote and executive-produced “Meet Me at Brooklyn & Soto” an award-winning documentary on East L.A.’s Jewish Heritage. What’s more, Sass is the chair of the L.A. COUNTY HISTORICAL LANDMARKS AND RECORDS COMMISSION, appointed by Supervisor Sheila Kuehl. In professional life, he is the Senior Vice President of Legal Affairs for HBO. Sass’ appearance will support our partner, Jewish Historical Society of Southern California. BUY TIX

Cantor AVIVA ROSENBLOOM at the NoHo 7 (N. Hollywood)
Creator of the FEMINIST SHABBAT at Temple Israel of Hollywood and female cantor pioneer AVIVA ROSENBLOOM headlines proceedings at Laemmle’s NOHO 7. An anti-war activist and veteran of the Civil Rights Movement, Rosenbloom’s life trajectory changed after a transformational trip to Israel. With the realization that Jewish music was her calling, her journey soon led her to become the first full-time woman Cantor in Los Angeles. She served as Cantor at TEMPLE ISRAEL OF HOLLYWOOD for over 30 years from 1975 to 2008. She is also a songwriter, with several recordings of Jewish music to her credit, including the career retrospective “Viva Aviva: A Life in Song.” BUY TIX

KENNY ELLIS at the Fine Arts Theatre (Beverly Hills)
Known as “The Man Behind the Matzoh Ball,” cantor and comedian KENNY ELLIS will be our host at the Fine Arts Theatres in Beverly Hills. He appears in support of our partner, the LOS ANGELES JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL. As a cantor and comedian, Ellis has entertained audiences all around the globe. His television credits include recent appearances on CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM as well as LAW & ORDER. Ellis achieved further success with HANUKKAH SWINGS! a recording that broke new ground as the first ever big band Hanukkah album. Large YouTube audiences have enjoyed “Swingin’ Dreidel” and other tracks from the hit record. BUY TIX

JUDY SOFER at the Playhouse 7 (Pasadena, 4:30pm Show))
Cantor JUDY SOFER is the Cultural Arts Program Coordinator of the JEWISH FEDERATION of the Greater San Gabriel and Pomona Valley’s Cultural Arts program, as well as the Cantor at TEMPLE BETH SHALOM of Long Beach. She began her music and theatre studies at UC Irvine. While living in Israel from 1974-1985, she performed at Tel Aviv’s CAMERI THEATER and appeared in a number of programs for Israeli educational television. Sofer also toured the country with her own children’s theater and taught music and piano. Upon her return to California, she received the Award for Excellence in Children’s Theater for her play, A Journey to Noteland. She is well known for conducting Adult and Teen Choirs, and producing/directing concerts and show throughout the Greater Los Angeles area. BUY TIX

JASON MOSS at the Playhouse 7 (Pasadena, 7:30pm Show))
Executive Director of the JEWISH FEDERATION of the Greater San Gabriel and Pomona Valleys JASON MOSS will be our host at the Playhouse 7 in Pasadena. Under his leadership, the Federation has doubled its programming with the creation of such programs as the Cultural Arts Program, PJ LIBRARY, a nationally recognized program to reach and connect with unaffiliated Jewish families. In addition, Moss recently launched JLife SGPV, a lifestyle magazine celebrating Jewish life in the San Gabriel and Pomona Valleys. BUY TIX

ISAAC WADE at the Royal (West L.A.)
Laemmle’s very own ISAAC WADE is the General Manager of our Monica Film Center location and has been working with the company for over 16 years. He will be hosting at the LAEMMLE ROYAL. Wade is the former GM of the storied LAEMMLE SUNSET 5 in W. Hollywood as well as the company’s signature ROYAL venue in West L.A. Additionally, the talented Wade is an accomplished thespian, working overseas and with several local companies such as the L.A. THEATRE ENSEMBLE and cARTel: THE ARTS COLLABORATIVE. During his youth in Kansas, he performed the role of TEVYE in the Galena High School production of Fiddler. Laemmle audiences who love and appreciate Wade in his role as theater manager are in for a treat as he reveals yet another facet of his dynamic persona. BUY TIX

DAN MESSINGER at the Lumiere Music Hall (Beverly Hills)
World-class baker and entertainer DAN MESSINGER will be our host at the Lumiere Music Hall in Beverly Hills. Messinger is the owner of Bibi’s Bakery and Café and the founder of The Kosher Cookie Company. Prior to entering the world of baking, Dan was a writer, producer and standup comic, performing for audiences across North America. He is a longtime fan of Fiddler on The Roof and is so delighted by Sholem Aleichem that he sings a song about him every Friday … he is also a loyal member of “Team Horse.” BUY TIX

Cantor PAUL BUCH at the Claremont 5 (Claremont)
Cantor PAUL BUCH has served Temple Beth Israel in Claremont since 2003. He came to the cantorate after a 25 year career in TV and film production in Los Angeles, New York, and Portland. In addition to his cantorial duties, Buch is President of the Claremont Interfaith Council and serves on the Faith-Based Roundtable of the Pomona Unified School District. He is also Chair of the City of Claremont’s Human Relations Committee and serves on an advisory committee at the Claremont School of Theology. This will be his sixth year as our Fiddler host in Claremont! BUY TIX

Show Me the Popcorn! Buy Tickets Online and Save on Concessions.

November 12, 2019 by Marc H 3 Comments

Listen up Laemmle-ites!

For a limited time, receive $1 off concessions for EACH ticket you buy on Lammle.com. We know, “unthinkable!” But we made it happen.

Here’s the scoop:

• Good at all Laemmle locations EXCEPT the Fine Arts.

• No menu restrictions – good for ANY concession item! “Even booze?” you ask. “Yes, indeed!” we reply.

• Not valid for merchandise.

• You can only use savings for ONE purchase, in-person, during the show you purchased tickets for.

• You can’t redeem it for cash. Meaning, there’s no money back if the price of your order comes in below the value of your discount. (But hey, if that does happen, you’ll get your entire order gratis! Not too shabby.)

To access these savings, simply buy your next movie on our website. Your ticket confirmation info will specify the amount of your discount. Just print out or be ready to present on your phone at the concessions stand.

Of course, such things never last! Offer expires on December 12th.

So get in while the gettin’ is good…