Having lived in Omaha all my life and having spent my childhood seeing movies at the old Indian Hills theater, this movie fascinated me. But you don't need to be from Omaha to realize that this is a great documentary! Not only is it about Cinerama movie theaters, it details how hard it is to get ANY building declared a landmark. I feel really bad now that as a citizen of Omaha that I didn't try to do anything to help save the Indian Hills - this movie makes me realize it really WAS an important piece of architecture. Thankfully, we have this movie to keep its memories - and ours- alive! A must see!
6 Reviews
Educational and Spectacular At The Same Time
sean080827319 February 2004
I have already seen this documentary twice and I am ready to watch this again. This documentary is for everyone, most importantly Cinerama fans, theater buffs, history buffs, preservers, and the citizens of Omaha. The movie goes from beginning to end of the theater with very informative information, with great narration, and a little music here and there create an exciting documentary for everyone. You never know what will happen in the movie one minute to the next. It also creates awareness of how the city of Omaha doesn't care about it's history and how greedy corporations can takeover the world if we don't do anything about it. This documentary really shows how hard it is to save a unique 60's theater compared to a 20's theater just because it doesn't have marble arches or doesn't have the same ornate style. This shows how everyday the world gets taken away, for something that doesn't get done as promised.
unique and entertaining independent film
etre6811426 November 2003
This film came as a complete surprise to me. I had no idea what I was about to see. I am still not sure if this was reality based.
I don't want to say to much and give to much away. Let's just say, "Are these people for real?" Do they want to save a structure because it was close to their childhood home, or because it was a unique movie palace? Do they have any interest in film? Furthermore, does Methodist Hospital, the villain, have any real concern for anything? Do they have a long term plan or do they just enjoy pulling down buildings. Jim Fields has created a masterpiece. A true study of the human condition. How funny we can be.
I don't want to say to much and give to much away. Let's just say, "Are these people for real?" Do they want to save a structure because it was close to their childhood home, or because it was a unique movie palace? Do they have any interest in film? Furthermore, does Methodist Hospital, the villain, have any real concern for anything? Do they have a long term plan or do they just enjoy pulling down buildings. Jim Fields has created a masterpiece. A true study of the human condition. How funny we can be.
This film tells the surprisingly fascinating story of what happens when an indefatigable group of strangers unite against a corporation to save a last of its kind Cinerama movie theater.
iridiumflare3 December 2003
The subject of this film is a 1962 Cinerama movie palace located in Omaha, Nebraska, which has been bought by a local health care giant - Methodist Hospital. Methodist has been down this road before and quickly goes through the p.r. motions of "considering" preserving the old place before it announces that it is "shocked, shocked," to discover that the building has asbestos inside and will have to be torn down. Torn down as soon as possible to make way for a parking lot.
The film next introduces the viewer to a motley group of strangers with nothing in common but their love of the theater. Big deal, you may say - typical initial outcry, protest rally, goofy-looking people carrying handmade signs nailed to sticks. Methodist plays its part spot-on, ignores the protests and moves ahead with its demolition plans.
Just when you think this may be the shortest documentary in history something amazing happens - the cavalry arrives in the form of a dozen Hollywood legends including Kirk Douglas, Charlton Heston, Patricia Neal and Janet Leigh. The legends draw the national media.
The motley group is transformed. Will they have enough time to stop the wrecking ball? The outcome will surprise you.
At times funny and sad, this film is definitely worth seeing. It just may make you consider doing something to save the places you love before its too late.
The film next introduces the viewer to a motley group of strangers with nothing in common but their love of the theater. Big deal, you may say - typical initial outcry, protest rally, goofy-looking people carrying handmade signs nailed to sticks. Methodist plays its part spot-on, ignores the protests and moves ahead with its demolition plans.
Just when you think this may be the shortest documentary in history something amazing happens - the cavalry arrives in the form of a dozen Hollywood legends including Kirk Douglas, Charlton Heston, Patricia Neal and Janet Leigh. The legends draw the national media.
The motley group is transformed. Will they have enough time to stop the wrecking ball? The outcome will surprise you.
At times funny and sad, this film is definitely worth seeing. It just may make you consider doing something to save the places you love before its too late.
excellent!
robertmpatterson26 January 2004
A great documentary following an endearing group wanting to save a cinema historical landmark. Though they may be bordering on obsessive, their passion for their cause is contagious. Their fight brings to the front the bigger picture of Omaha's lack of caring for its own community and history. I hope other citizens will take a look at this film and get inspired to do some saving of their own. Good job, Jim!
Wonderful Movie
indianhills4ever31 August 2003
As a member of the original group that tried to save the Indian Hills theater, and someone who is featured in the movie, I applaud the filmmakers for their work on this documentary - besides showing our fight to save the Hills, this movie shows the history of Cinerama, shows how movie-going has changed since 1962, and shows why cities like omaha keep destroying their past. This is a movie anyone interested in theaters, preservation, and Cinerama history should see.
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