All I can tell you about the DVDs is to do a whole lot of leg work. Film archives, libraries, even Netflix. If the titles are not on DVD, they might be on VHS. Start networking with film fanatics, talk to distributors and independent theater owners — the Brattle Theater in Cambridge MA apparently got Off the Wall’s library; maybe the folks there can even put you in touch with one of the Off the Wall owners. Eventually you’ll jog a few memories for titles or find sources, as well as some films you didn’t know about, and you’ll meet some interesting people. Best of luck, and keep us posted on the progress of the new “Off the Wall Family Cinema!”
NickOD — Thanks for pointing me to the YouTube clip. It was great seeing the theater again! For the record, the guy looking for a cheap date is Larry Silverman. He was one of the original owners, but had left to work as a producer at WSBK at the time he did this segment. The woman behind the counter is Ingrid, who really did work behind the counter at Off the Wall from time to time. The piano player is indeed Albert Lamb, who played piano for the silent films. So your memory is accurate.
Hi Stirling — A cinema for parents and kids is a terrific idea! I’m no expert, but I think your best bet would be to start the way the original Off the Wall started: as a casual get-together. Look into finding a business or organization that will loan you space on a regular basis — maybe your school? Solicit the support of your parents' association or arts group. they’ll help spread the word for you and lend some enthusiasm. Community newspapers love lsting family activities, so don’t forget to keep them in the loop. The hardest part may be the equipment and the films. If you don’t mind using DVDs rather than film, you can certainly rent or buy very good projection systems and the films might be easier to find that way. If you’re determined to go the old fashioned 16mm route, you’ll have to do some calling around to find a projector and get on the internet to find out who' still renting out movies. Note: if you want to turn this into a real, money-making business, it changes the rental picture considerably. You have to start paying a higher rental or a piece of your box office to the film distributor. Making money as a movie theater isn’t — and never has been — easy.
Thanks, Ron, for filling us in on the Brattle acquisition. I remember most of those films well, and wondered what had become of them. Now if we could only find out what ever happened to Albert Lamb! Hopefully he’s not in someone’s basement… :–)
The OTW boys certainly tried to maintain the atmosphere at Pearl Street — the tea and chocolate chip cookies were certainly the same, as was the spirit that drove the programming. The space was twice as large, and while that’s not saying much (it seated 84 as opposed to about 40), it did change the atmosphere a bit. But I still happily associate the smell of hot cider and baking oatmeal cookies with Off the Wall.
For the record — the ice cream parlor was actually next door to the original site. The original site became an extension of the Italian restaurant that held the lease.
Yikes! Maybe it’s time to clean out that wallet, BJY! Anyway, remember that OTW started as film nights in someone’s home. If you want to recreate the atmosphere, that might be a good way to start.
I was really pleased to see so much interesting information and affectionate words about Off the Wall. I thought I might be the only person left who remembered it! A few footnotes:
“Vincent” was an early short film by Tim Burton. It definitely set the stage for his career path!
The effort to move Off the Wall to the old Sears building in Porter Square was a cynical maneuver on the part of the developer to get some buy-in from the local residents. Even the owners of Off the Wall were divided about whether to pursue it or not. To be honest, it’s likely that the theatre’s unique atmosphere would have been lost as part of a multiplex.
The opening date of Off the Wall depends on what you consider the genesis. It developed out of casual film nights in someone’s living room (in the years before home video, this was a much bigger deal than it would be today). At what point it became a “theatre” is hard to pinpoint.
Deeberg, you were right; it WAS one of the coolest places in the world. BJY, hold onto that lifetime membership card! Because you never know… ;–)
All I can tell you about the DVDs is to do a whole lot of leg work. Film archives, libraries, even Netflix. If the titles are not on DVD, they might be on VHS. Start networking with film fanatics, talk to distributors and independent theater owners — the Brattle Theater in Cambridge MA apparently got Off the Wall’s library; maybe the folks there can even put you in touch with one of the Off the Wall owners. Eventually you’ll jog a few memories for titles or find sources, as well as some films you didn’t know about, and you’ll meet some interesting people. Best of luck, and keep us posted on the progress of the new “Off the Wall Family Cinema!”
NickOD — Thanks for pointing me to the YouTube clip. It was great seeing the theater again! For the record, the guy looking for a cheap date is Larry Silverman. He was one of the original owners, but had left to work as a producer at WSBK at the time he did this segment. The woman behind the counter is Ingrid, who really did work behind the counter at Off the Wall from time to time. The piano player is indeed Albert Lamb, who played piano for the silent films. So your memory is accurate.
Hi Stirling — A cinema for parents and kids is a terrific idea! I’m no expert, but I think your best bet would be to start the way the original Off the Wall started: as a casual get-together. Look into finding a business or organization that will loan you space on a regular basis — maybe your school? Solicit the support of your parents' association or arts group. they’ll help spread the word for you and lend some enthusiasm. Community newspapers love lsting family activities, so don’t forget to keep them in the loop. The hardest part may be the equipment and the films. If you don’t mind using DVDs rather than film, you can certainly rent or buy very good projection systems and the films might be easier to find that way. If you’re determined to go the old fashioned 16mm route, you’ll have to do some calling around to find a projector and get on the internet to find out who' still renting out movies. Note: if you want to turn this into a real, money-making business, it changes the rental picture considerably. You have to start paying a higher rental or a piece of your box office to the film distributor. Making money as a movie theater isn’t — and never has been — easy.
Thanks, Ron, for filling us in on the Brattle acquisition. I remember most of those films well, and wondered what had become of them. Now if we could only find out what ever happened to Albert Lamb! Hopefully he’s not in someone’s basement… :–)
jquynn, thanks for sharing your memories!
The OTW boys certainly tried to maintain the atmosphere at Pearl Street — the tea and chocolate chip cookies were certainly the same, as was the spirit that drove the programming. The space was twice as large, and while that’s not saying much (it seated 84 as opposed to about 40), it did change the atmosphere a bit. But I still happily associate the smell of hot cider and baking oatmeal cookies with Off the Wall.
For the record — the ice cream parlor was actually next door to the original site. The original site became an extension of the Italian restaurant that held the lease.
Yikes! Maybe it’s time to clean out that wallet, BJY! Anyway, remember that OTW started as film nights in someone’s home. If you want to recreate the atmosphere, that might be a good way to start.
I was really pleased to see so much interesting information and affectionate words about Off the Wall. I thought I might be the only person left who remembered it! A few footnotes:
“Vincent” was an early short film by Tim Burton. It definitely set the stage for his career path!
The effort to move Off the Wall to the old Sears building in Porter Square was a cynical maneuver on the part of the developer to get some buy-in from the local residents. Even the owners of Off the Wall were divided about whether to pursue it or not. To be honest, it’s likely that the theatre’s unique atmosphere would have been lost as part of a multiplex.
The opening date of Off the Wall depends on what you consider the genesis. It developed out of casual film nights in someone’s living room (in the years before home video, this was a much bigger deal than it would be today). At what point it became a “theatre” is hard to pinpoint.
Deeberg, you were right; it WAS one of the coolest places in the world. BJY, hold onto that lifetime membership card! Because you never know… ;–)