Think Out Loud

Oregon movie theaters trying to survive the pandemic

By Allison Frost (OPB)
Oct. 8, 2020 11:43 p.m.

Broadcast: Friday, Oct. 9

Portland's Hollywood Theatre held a series of drive-in movies this summer at the expo center.

Portland's Hollywood Theatre held a series of drive-in movies this summer at the expo center.

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Oregon movie theater owners and operators are awaiting a response to the letter they sent Gov. Kate Brown asking why theatres are subject to different reopening metrics than other places, like churches. Meanwhile, some theatres are turning to online screenings, private showings and selling concessions. Portland’s Hollywood Theatre is also doing online and private screenings. This summer they played a series of drive-in shows at the expo center before wildfires devastated communities and filled others with toxic levels of smoke. In Silverton, the operators of the Palace Theatre made the decision to close for good. COVID-19 was not the only factor in the theatre’s series of setbacks, but it was a big one. Our featured movie guests are Doug Whyte of the Hollywood Theatre and Roger Paulson of the Palace Theatre in Silverton.

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