From
my early days in the Bronx when I use to go to the Loew’s Paradise on
the grand concourse where the theatre had moving clouds and stars on the
ceiling to the grand dame of all theatres Radio City Music Hall movie
going has always been an exciting experience for me. When I moved back
to Fort Lauderdale I rediscovered The Gateway Theatre which had been
built in the early 1950s.

The first time I was there was in the
1960s when we drove all the way up from Miami Beach---hey it was a long
40 mile drive back then--to see “Where The Boys Are” and we thought of
it as spending a day in the country!

I moved back to Fort
Lauderdale in 1979 and one of the first movies I went to was at The
Gateway Theatre which by now had been remodeled to a 4 screen theatre
and I have been going there at least once a week ever since then with
very few exceptions. In 1999 I moved into The Gateway Terrace
apartments---no connection with theatre--and thankfully, since I haven’t
had a car since 2004, I am within walking distance of the theatre.

Their
4 screens always offered varied movies from what was called ‘art’ films
to blockbusters, to the latest and best of gay themed films and many
exceptional foreign films plus screenings of documentaries such as from
Michael Moore. Now other new theatres are starting to offer the ‘odd’
films that once were exclusive to The Gateway but they don’t offer the
friendliness, concern and care for the movie goer that this theatre
does. From the people behind the concession stand to George K. and Ray
there is always a friendly hello and a feeling they have known you
forever! And I don’t dispute their claim of “the world’s best popcorn”!


A
couple of years ago new owners took over and they have spent a lot of
time and money refurbishing the place with new carpets, updated
restrooms, new screens with some of the latest technology and just this
past month bought new seats with head rests for each of the auditoriums.

They
have offered special showings of classic movies in the summertime along
with film festivals and fun showings of the Rocky Horror Picture Show
with emphasis on the ‘show’.

They have also filled the place with
pictures of classic movie stars, old album covers and on the outside of
the theatre a board saluting those who made the film industry what it
is today. Now I am just waiting for them to salute the customers who
made The Gateway Theatre what it is today!

One of the features
has always been their comment board on the left side of the theater
where patrons put up cards with about what they thought of the movie
they have just seen--and many are fun to read.

By the way did I
mention they also have the best popcorn in town?? They have a reward
card which can earn you free sodas, movies and that popcorn along with
reduced theatre tickets Monday through Thursdays.

Now I am just waiting for them to erect a board listing their most loyal customers!

I
always think of The Gateway Movie Theatre as a must see when you come
to Fort Lauderdale as whether the movie is good or bad, it is just a fun
place to go to.

For the record I am just a customer, don’t own any part of the theatre!

If you are interested in more information  about the Gateway Theatre just go to  https://classicgateway.com/aboutus