Going Attractions: The Definitive Story of the Movie Palace

Released Oct 24, 2019

1h 24m

Documentary

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Going Attractions: The Definitive Story of the Movie Palace: Trailer 1

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7 Reviews

The evolution of the movie business over the past century.

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John DeFore

Hollywood Reporter

Informative and pleasing, if not quite as definitive as it intends to be.

Jan 3, 2020

Full Review

Amy Nicholson

FilmWeek (KPCC - NPR Los Angeles)

We know this story... I did get a little restless because if you know anything about cinema, you might know a lot of what's in here.

Oct 28, 2019

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Tim Cogshell

FilmWeek (KPCC - NPR Los Angeles)

A fascinating little historical walk.

Oct 28, 2019

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Alan Ng

Film Threat

Going Attractions is a must-see historical documentary for fans of cinema.

Rated: 7.5/10

Feb 23, 2021

Full Review

Danielle Solzman

Solzy at the Movies

Going Attractions: The Definitive Story of the Movie Palace is a stark reminder of what we lose in the ever-changing cinema landscape.

Rated: 4/5

Nov 12, 2019

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Elias Savada

Film International

(April Wright) has offered up another loving, exhaustive tribute to the large architectural wonders of indoor entertainment. All hail the Movie Palace.

Rated: 3.5/5

Oct 28, 2019

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david f

I don't think there's much competition, but this is the definitive documentary about the golden age of movie theatres, a loving tribute to the Movie Palace, a type of architecture that showcased films which flourished between the world wars and were built all across America and nowhere else. Tons and tons of pictures, many talking heads contributing memories and history. Really, really good and a must for any movie fan.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

Full Review

Audience Member

Fascinating look at the opulent movie theaters built in America in the early years of movie making.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

02/05/23

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Audience Member

Full disclaimer here: April Wright (the director) and me were in a Los Angeles writers' group for a few years. April was the one who always found time to give notes on stuff I was working on and they were GREAT notes. Often others in our group were "too busy" to give you a read on your latest draft or gave minimal feedback - so I always knew April was going to do great things Somewhere. I'd count April as a friend and industry colleague. My wife and I watched Going Attractions: The Definitive Story of the Movie Palace on Turner Classic Movies and it was superb. I've been watching from afar over the years as April cooked up her Drive-In documentary and quietly rooting for her on Facebook but I had no idea this would be so good. So when a friend asks you to watch their stuff you watch, right? You just hope it's not awful or cringe-making. This was a beautifully produced, slickly-edited and moving documentary. There's a ton of sit-down interviews, loads of great footage and stills and beautiful, evocative shots of the few movie palaces which are still around and great footage of the bygone ones. A lot of care and time and effort went into this and it shows. The documentary team must have visited a ton of venues and locations - this is not something that was cooked up from afar - they actually take you to these amazing old palaces (the ones that are left) and one is left pining for these old movie houses which have been torn down and thankful for the great ones which have been preserved due to amazing love, and dedication from the owners, preservation groups and movie fans. This is an absolute trip down memory lane for anyone who remembers these magnificent movie venues and a real treat to watch. And yes, I can't wait to watch her Drive-In documentary (Going Attractions: The Definitive Story of the American Drive‑in) next.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/30/23

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s r

It was interesting, but not one I need to see again. That is unless I want to get the list of these cool theatres to visit. Saw it on TCM.

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

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April Wright

Director

Leonard Maltin

Actor

April Wright

Writer

Rachael Ponn

Producer

April Wright

Producer

Dustin Pearlman

Cinematographer

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Going Attractions: The Definitive Story of the Movie Palace: Trailer 1

3:31

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Synopsis

The evolution of the movie business over the past century.

Director: April Wright
Screenwriter: April Wright
Distributor: Passion River
Genre: Documentary
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Oct 24, 2019, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Oct 20, 2020
Runtime: 1h 24m

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