I remember when I lived in Miami Beach in the 1950s and a group of us would go up to Fort Lauderdale to ‘spend a day in the country’. It wasn’t until the Spring Break started coming in mobs that the strip around A1A and Los Olas Boulevard became THE place, especially the Elbo Room where wet t-shirt contests became famous.

We would spend time on the beach; get a bite to eat and then head into ‘town’ and go to the Gateway Theatre to see a movie. I do remember seeing “Where The Boys Are” when it had its premiere there.

I left Florida in the mid 1960s and returned to live in Fort Lauderdale in 1979 and since then I have seen at least 45, if not more, movies every year there. I don’t know when it became a 4 auditorium movie house or became the only ‘art’ theatre in Broward County, though there are a few more now, but it is still my choice of a movie theatre to go to.

The choices of movies goes from classics, to independent movies, gay films, festivals, foreign films, documentaries and let’s not forget “The Rocky Horror Show” 3 Saturdays a month.

Recently renovated with new seats, floors, they still have the comments board, which can be as much fun reading as seeing the movies!

The Classic Gateway Theatre may have the best of retro feeling but it is as modern as that huge complex you go to without the friendly smiles (yes, Ray does smile!) you get here.

Chances are if it is a Friday you can see me at the Gateway!  https://classicgateway.com/ 

 Looking around the Gateway Theatre

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j56CNVmyrMI&feature=youtu.be