#14. Breakfast and a Movie at Hollywood Theater

I finally went to Breakfast and a Movie at Hollywood Theater. It's something I've wanted to do since I first went to the theater earlier this year for the premier of one of my friend's short films. The Hollywood Theater is in Dormont, PA, which is just a quick 10 minute drive from Oakland. It was originally opened as a bowling alley in 1924, but in the 1940s Warner Bros. purchased the building and gutted and remodeled it, turning it into a theater. The Hollywood closed in 1998, but was leased and renovated in 2006 by the Bradley Center, an agency serving children with mental, emotional and developmental disabilities. Unfortunately, it was bumpy ride for The Hollywood and it closed again in 2008, then was reopened in 2009 only to close a year later. So, the Hollywood Theater has been open for 2 years now, its best run in recent years. I sincerely hope people continue to support this historic establishment because it is such a unique place.

I love feeling like I am stepping into a time capsule, and that is the sense I get when entering The Hollywood. It is a single screen theater that plays older films, and indie and B-list movies. The seating is also awesome - traditional isle seating, but also comfy couches and tables. It is a very laid back vibe. Breakfast and a Movie is an event the theater hosts once every month, usually on the third Sunday. For $15 you get a catered brunch and admission to the movie.

Doors for the event open at 10:50am and the little buffet opens at 11am. Brunch was delicious - there were muffins, scones, biscuits, quiches, coffee, and juice. We were able to take our food into the theater and curl up on the couch and watch some cartoons while waiting for the main picture. They also held a little raffle for a purse and some gift cards before the movie, which my roommate, Alex, ended up winning! The film showing that Sunday was Gigi, a hilarious coming-of-age story about a young Parisian girl who falls in love with a rich and well-known bachelor. Breakfast and a Movie was a very refreshing way to spend a Sunday afternoon. If you are into older movies, I highly encourage checking this out.

Here are some pictures of the afternoon:

 

For more information, and to donate and help keep the Hollywood Theater alive, visit their website:

http://www.thehollywooddormont.org/