Going Attractions: The Definitive Story of the Movie Palace

A follow-up to Director April Wright's "Definitive" take on the American Drive-In, this Documentary is more of a survey of movie theaters, old and new, palatial and cozy and, inevitably, active, decaying or long gone. Some of these classic movie palaces were so monumental they are probably beyond the comprehension of generations of filmgoers who have only attended multiplexes. They were works of art just as much as they were functional facilities. To see many of them in a state of disrepair is sobering.

No fan of movie theaters will be disappointed in the photos, vintage films and new footage of these cinematic treasures. As a Doc, it's not terribly scholarly and it flits around from idea to idea, hopscotching around the history. There are some good interviews (the ever ready Leonard Maltin among them) to give perspective, while others seem to be included, just because the filmmakers had access to them.

Of course, nobody is seeing this to witness great filmmaking. It's the theaters that count - and they take center stage.

Available to stream for rent on Apple TV, Amazon and Google Play.