Change, as we all know, is a constant. That may be so, but we don’t have to like it. Thus, we record today the closure of the Hollywood Theatre, a Kitsilano cinematic institution dating back to the 1930s; the closure of what was a thriving neighbourhood Blockbuster video store; and the ‘passing’ of the West Side Bakery (which will stay open, but under new ownership … and we all know how that usually goes … which is to say, not well).
For anyone who has lived on Vancouver’s west side, the Hollywood Theatre has for generations acted as a mecca for cinema-goers, the theatre’s oddly-structured double-bills providing solace to the troubled soul, an opportunity to kibbitz with friends between the early 7:30 pm screening and the ‘late’ 9:40 pm screening, a bit of fun, and the unexpected.
David Fairleigh reportedly received $2.9 million for the sale of the theatre, the monies coming from an offshore Asian investor looking to redevelop the property (perhaps the entire north side of the block) for condominiums. Festival Cinemas’ Leonard Schein apparently offered a million less than the final sale price — looking to repair and run the theatre long into the future — but clearly his financial offer came in on the low end. The Vancouver International Film Festival also showed some interest in acquiring the old Hollywood Theatre, but the asking price was just too much.
Thus, a cinematic institution passes, as cinema lovers are now left to troll the soulless cineplexes which dot the suburban landscape. An era passes.
Update: There’s a late-breaking, but unconfirmed, report that Festival Cinemas’ Leonard Schein met with Vince Fairleigh this past Thursday evening, and made an offer to Vince to keep the Hollywood Theatre open for a period of five years, a ‘deal’ which would have Mr. Schein’s company assume responsibility for the payment of rent and business expenses associated with the operation of the Hollywood Theatre (the new owners had offered the Fairleighs the opportunity to keep the Hollywood open, at a monthly rental rate of $11,000, that offer refused), the deal on the table also offering a salary to Vince to continue to manage the theatre.
Clearly, the arrangement as outlined above is similar to the offer made to Corinne Lea of East Van’s The Rio. No word as to whether Vince Fairleigh will book the Hollywood’s double-bills, or whether Leonard Schein will step in to offer assistance on that front (unlikely, given the structure of the deal Mr. Schein has with the operators of both the Rio and Dunbar theatres).
Update 2, June 1st: The Hollywood is officially closed, the Fairleighs having turned over the keys late in the day on May 30th. At this point, a re-opening of The Hollywood Theatre appears unlikely.
The closing of Blockbuster Video is another matter. Founded on an unsustainable economic model from the outset (all decisions as to acquisition of titles was made in Houston, Texas, the folks down Houston way never taking in to account the tastes of their customer base in any chosen city, or location). Thus — at least for west side Vancouver customers, but we’re sure elswhere — for years customers experienced the availability of multiple copies of second-rate Hollywood fluff, and only one or two copies of videos which may have lacked Hollywood cachet, but were titles that had garnered great reviews and much critical acclaim.
As to the West Side Bakery, quite simply, it was the best, least expensive, friendliest bakery on Vancouver’s west side. At Easter, their hot cross buns were to die for. Throughout the rest of the year, the pack of six cinnamon buns for $3.20, the Greek cookies at 40¢ apiece, or any one of the tarts for around a dollar offered hearty, masterfully-crafted bakery fare, served by an always cheerful staff, all of whom lived in the neighbourhood.
As of Tuesday, May 31st, new owners are set to take over. Is it possible that the inexpensive prices will be maintained, that the time-tested recipes will preserve the quality of the baked goods, and the new staff will prove as engaging as the staff who’ve worked behind the counter at the West Side Bakery for the past quarter century? Only time will tell. Here’s hoping.
