Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE: TV sitcom about movie theater

This is topic TV sitcom about movie theater in forum Film-Yak at Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE.

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Posted by Tracy Bellar (Member # 3049) on 02-16-2009, 12:33 AM:

Back in the eighties there was a sitcom, that only lasted half a season or so, that was set in a movie theater. Does anyone remember or know the title? Or who stared in it?

I remember everyone I worked with loved it and it was like they were copying everything that went on in our theater at the time. I can't find it on IMDB. I would love to have the episodes on disc but that it is so obscure I know it is impossible.

Posted by Julio Roberto (Member # 4976) on 02-16-2009, 01:48 AM:

"The popcorn kid? (1987)"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1guLSliATyk

Posted by Monte L Fullmer (Member # 2797) on 02-16-2009, 04:36 AM:

"The Popcorn Kid" - a limited run series in the spring of 1987.

Basic Story: Single house with an interesting crew, including the maniac projectionist who can remember every line of almost all the movies.

The main character was a kid who wanted to be the center of attention at this theatre which has horriblc competition - a multiscreen - and which is trying to buy out this single house to have sole monopoly in that part of town.

The booth itself: a Century changeover booth with ORCON 1k lamphouses.

I've got the first episode on VHS video (if I can still find it..)and it was a simple, silly, midseason filler program that had the writings of dying after the first episode all over it.

..but it was the first of it's kind..

-Monte

Posted by Mike Blakesley (Member # 26) on 02-16-2009, 09:32 AM:

I always thought a modern-day multiplex would be a great setting for a TV show modeled in the "WKRP In Cincinnati" style.

- A large ensemble cast with a "boss" father figure
- Obvious comedy possibilities - they could look at our "stupid customers" thread for inspirations
- Booth mishaps, projectionist comedy
- Young romance possibilities, or emotional stories about kids leaving the crew to go on to other things in life
- Unique location not used in other TV shows
- And it would be a cool way to educate the public just a little about the economic realities of the movie business.

...possibilities are endless.

Posted by Bobby Henderson (Member # 840) on 02-16-2009, 10:11 AM:

I think such a comedy series has great possibilities. It would be a nice break from all the TV series centered around the same old occupations: cops, lawyers and doctors. Blah.

Posted by James Westbrook (Member # 3690) on 02-16-2009, 02:39 PM:

I recall a character in Northern Exposure was operating the town's single screen theatre at one point.

Posted by Tim Reed (Member # 137) on 02-18-2009, 02:08 PM:

Let's not forget the Pixley Bijou from "Petticoat Junction," and the Bugtussle Bijou in "The Beverly Hillbillies." [Razz]

Of course, with the possible exception of one episode of the latter, the theatres were never seen -- only spoken of.

Posted by Martin McCaffery (Member # 37) on 02-18-2009, 02:22 PM:

Empire Records was essentially an ensemble TV sitcom made feature length. It was set in a movie theatre converted to a record store. Wouldn't have been much different as just a movie theatre.

I think everyone who's ever worked in a movie theatre because they loved it has a script it their head.

And for those who didn't love it:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QTWr2eqz3b0&feature=related

Yummm, industrial strength yellow sludge;>

Posted by John Wilson (Member # 269) on 02-18-2009, 02:48 PM:

...it's not OPTIONAL! [thumbsup]

Posted by Louis Bornwasser (Member # 3063) on 02-18-2009, 02:52 PM:

Sounds like the movie theatre version of "Remember WENN" from AMC when they did original programming. (Really good stuff. . . .had Molly Ringwald on a part of the series.) Louis

Posted by Mike Blakesley (Member # 26) on 02-18-2009, 03:17 PM:

quote: Tim Reed
Let's not forget the Pixley Bijou from "Petticoat Junction," and the Bugtussle Bijou in "The Beverly Hillbillies."

There was also a movie theatre in one episode of those shows' sister show, "Green Acres." It was never mentioned if the theatre was in Hooterville or Pixley, but it was (of course) operated by Mr. Haney, who was "filling in" for his cousin who owned it.

Posted by Rick Raskin (Member # 1561) on 02-18-2009, 05:11 PM:

The Disney Channel's "Phantom of the Multiplex" pops up from time to time.

"Ghost World" is one of my favorite films, mainly because of its irreverence towards everything conventional.

Posted by Damien Taylor (Member # 4255) on 02-18-2009, 08:21 PM:

Ghost world is awesome, its a shame to see Scarlett hit her peak so early [Big Grin]

Seriously, fantastic flick.