Hey folks, Harry here... Film history and truly iconic places are lost to the savage world everyday. I love classic movie theaters. Watching a film in a place with stunning marquees and radiant auditoriums is just something to behold. In Austin - I've written to support the Paramount Theatre on many an occassion - and in the past - I've written in support of other theaters scattershot around the country. It is true - I have never seen a film there, never stood in front of the theater - and sadly, I've never even been to Baltimore. Though damn if I wouldn't want to see a double bill of the two classic RAVEN films in this theater. And everytime I hear about one of these places on the brink of death - I think... God, I would have loved to have seen a film there. Don't you? Well, all is not lost - there's a chance to save this theater. For over 65 years it's been owned and operated by a single family. You don't see too much of that these days. They took out loans for restoring it to it's former glory. They've cared for this Cinema Temple and now... Now it could all be for naught. If you go to SENATOR.com (pretty nifty site address, eh) you can read all about it. And moreso - you can donate via PayPal - just as I have. It's played all the greats - even now it has Eastwood's magnificent LETTERS FROM IWO JIMA screening, but in those halls - upon that screen is the ghosts of Bogart and Karloff and Spencer Tracy and god knows how many other films. Imagine if you find yourself in Baltimore some day in the future, you could visit this theater and see a film. If you're a filmmaker reading this - imagine having your film play in a classic theater like this - there's not too many out there and if this call for salvation goes unheeded... there will be one less. SAVE A THEATER - for one day, I might be calling out to save one of your faves!
Dear Senator Theatre Patrons, After 67 years of continuous ownership and operation by my family, the future of the historic Senator Theatre is currently in jeopardy. It may soon be shuttered due to a foreclosure auction by First Mariner Bank scheduled for 1:30pm on Wednesday, Feb 21st. The debt to First Mariner is $91,000. If we are unable to raise sufficient funds to satisfy the debt, The Senator will go under the gavel in 11 days. Since the crisis facing The Senator was first reported, we have received an astounding flood of e-mails, calls, and letters [some with checks enclosed] as the days count down to the possible end of a golden era. The expressions of support and inquiries have a common theme, "how can we contribute to saving The Senator Theatre?" The auction sale will only be averted by those who recognize the dire nature of the situation and act with timely financial assistance. We have added a secure PayPal payment method to our site. Please take the time to scroll up and enter your donation in the given space, or if you prefer, checks made payable to The Senator Theatre / S.O.S. Fund can be mailed to: The Senator Theatre 5904 YORK ROAD BALTIMORE , MD 21212 We are reaching out to those who can make a critical difference to insure The Senator's survival, and encourage you to open your hearts [and your wallets] and contribute to the effort. First Mariner's foreclosure only allows us the minimal period of time permitted by law. This action can still be thwarted if the public's response continues to grow in a geometrical fashion. Please help us to quickly spread the word to others. Sincerely, Tom Kiefaber
