'Only in Theaters' honors the Laemmle commitment to arthouse cinema

An homage to the eighty-four-year old Laemmle cinema chain devoted to arthouse fare, the documentary "Only in Theaters" elucidates the dire prospects for immensely rewarding, but financially unprofitable, exhibition of independent and foreign productions. Beginning in 2019 at a Shabbat dinner, Greg and Tish Laemmle clearly and wholeheartedly celebrate and have realistic concerns over the future of the Laemmle theaters.

Following them closely over the next ninety minutes, director Raphael Sbarge documents professional difficulties in an environment in which Hollywood blockbusters overshadow the much more worthy choices that the Laemmles have championed since 1938. These include works by Ingmar Bergman, François Truffaut, Agnes Varda, and, more recently, Tommy Wiseau. The extended Laemmle family history stretches from Carl Laemmle's 1915 founding of Universal Studios to Laemmle cinemas surviving the 1950 television competition and staying open through 9/11. Now, however, the heartbreaking decision pits legacy against business as financial health suffers. And then the pandemic hits.

In his director's statement, Raphael Sbarge writes, "It was always the Laemmle family that drew me to this story," and their appeal becomes immediately apparent and engaging. Notable film icons weigh in on the critical difference Laemmle's films made in changing their lives, including James Ivory, Ava DuVernay, Cameron Crow, Allison Anders, along with noted historians and critics: Kenneth Turan, Leonard Maltin, and Michael Renov. They all attest to what great cinema offers: a window into another culture, a new world. As current CEO Greg Laemmle must face selling the chain, he says, "Imagination is . . . probably the most significant antidote to the destruction of the human spirit."

Greg, his father, Greg's wife Tish, and their three sons are professionally tested, showing an immensely admirable humanity and love for each other. Greg says, "I'm probably not Zen enough to find that balance between pursuit of perfection and acceptance of where you are, so that's my challenge, to find that spot." I can't imagine anyone not rooting 100% for him and his family. "Only in Theaters" screens at Webster University's Winifred Moore Auditorium from Friday, March 17 through Sunday, March 19, at 7:00 p.m. each evening. For more information, you may visit the Webster film series website.