Want to Go to a Movie?

Written by AARP NH Volunteer Dane Peters

I grew up in Torrington, CT in the 1950s. It was a small town—population back then was roughly 27,500 versus today it is 35,500—with three movie theaters. Depending on what I wanted to see, I could choose from the Palace, the State, or the Warner theaters. Back then, part of what helped you make your decision was the admission cost of either 50¢ cents or 75¢ – whew, tough choices. Back then, what you did get to see after getting your 25¢ bag of popcorn was an opening cartoon, the first movie, a brief newscast, and then the feature movie. Yes, two movies!

It is important to remember that “downtown” was where the theaters were and where you did shopping, and back then, big-store catalogues from Sears & Roebuck, Spiegel, and Montgomery Ward promoted store products that you could buy in the store. The shopping malls take-over of downtown was in the 70s. As you know, much of our shopping today is done online and malls are disappearing. Now, you go to your computer, order what you want, and it gets delivered to you. Although, you might have to wait a day or two before the delivery happens. Hah!

As an aside, Baby Bombers can remember that when it was summertime, you would go to the drive-in theater where prices were under a dollar per person. I would ride my bike to the theater, park in the back and pull a blanket up to one of the vacant small speakers you hung on your car window; and we could get our bag of popcorn by walking to the snack bar.

Back to movie-going . . . my wife and I love to volunteer to support AARP for Movies for Grownups. This program launched in 2002 to help fight ageism in the entertainment industry by encouraging films that resonate with older audiences and highlighting the best films & performances of the year. MFG films spotlight actors, directors, and writers aged 50-plus who create stories that showcase grownup experiences with a wide range of interests and tastes, but always selected with the grownup audience in mind. In 2012, Movies for Grownups launched a nationwide screening program for AARP members and friends giving them the opportunity to gather as a community for free in-person movie screenings.

Don't miss out on AARP's Movie for Grownups news and reviews. AARP members do not have to pay the usual admission fee of $12.50; it’s free to members. But, you do have to register and the seats are limited. Check out what’s available near you by looking online at AARP.org/movies.

And . . . on the big picture side, be sure to check out the Member Benefits Updates emails that present the good benefits AARP has to offer its members.
 
(Source of italicized sentences above: “Welcome to AARP Movies for Grownups ®” at https://local.aarp.org/movies/)