I'm not taking the news of the imminent demise of Lincoln Plaza Cinemas well. I know I am not alone. For over 30 years, this movie theater has been the Upper West Side neighborhood place to see quality films in a friendly warm environment. It has survived while other neighborhood theaters have vanished: The Regency, The Embassy 72nd Street, The Olympia, The New Yorker, The Metro, Cinema Studio... I can go on and on.
I want to speak to the landlord of this theater directly and tell him he's making a mistake that he can fix.
The night before the theater's closing, I found Upper West Siders and New Yorkers as angry and sad as I am.
I was struck by the passion and feelings people have for this theater. Also, somehow, I missed over the years the unique curves and beauty of the space (probably by scurrying quickly to find good seats).
We have a message to the landlord, Howard Milstein: make capital improvements on this space, but keep the people who run this theater by offering them an affordable lease. Toby Talbot deserves to stay. I want to enjoy the films they hand pick and continue to support the wonderful staff here-- for a very long time. Do the right thing.
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Alas, this movie theater disappeared on January 28th, 2018.
Originally appeared in West Side Rag and Viewing.nyc and Jeremiah's Vanishing NY.