Portland has a number of old-fashioned theaters, like the Hollywood Theater, that have been preserved and restored. Most of them show films after their initial release for cheaper prices. I love them. The old architecture is fun to look at and the antique-looking, maybe authentic, interior design is always an eye-catching balance between stylishly retro and awkward decay. Between the stale film titles and the thread bare seats, these theaters remind me of grandma trying to get last season’s fashions at a moth-balled thrift store. Who isn’t fond of that old lady?
All old timey theaters should have a hideous red carpet. Your standard bright red celebrity-suggestive carpet will do fine, provided it’s a bit orange with age and maybe has a few soda stains, but it doesn’t have to be solid red. Tonight, I went to the Laurelhurst and was pleased to see that the design on the carpet was red poofy palm fronds. I personally prefer paisley when it comes to tacky red patterns, but palm fronds will do just fine in an ugly pinch.
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