Bloor Cinema Documentary Chronicles the Annex Institution

Filed in Film

November 13, 2009

The Bloor Cinema has been a cultural institution and an Annex icon for decades. Many, many decades. Built in 1905 as a vaudeville theatre called The Madison, it has seen days as a 1940's movie palace, a 1960's grindhouse, and a 1970's porn theatre (that incarnation was put out of business by the low prices of a neighbouring adult theatre, the Metro.) The Bloor, as it's known today, now stands as one of Canada's largest independent cinemas.

To celebrate the theatre's centennial in 2005, Peter Kuplowsky and I made a documentary about its storied past. The Bloor premiered to a full house on the building's 100th anniversary and includes interviews with current and former staff members as well as an up close look at architectural drawings, posters and photos of the building from the past and present.

Watch Part 1 of the documentary above. Part 2 is below.

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Angus on November 13, 2009 at 11:17 AM

Crap documentary, I expected something a bit better.

James on November 13, 2009 at 11:19 AM

I'm glad to see the Bloor is still with us.

Though I really wish it was properly restored.

I was disappointed when they redid the Auditorium ceiling all black like a multiplex, taking out the wonderful Art Deco neon lighting.

Of course proper restoration probably would cost more than could be recouped.

Sigh

While I'm on this subject will someone please bring back the Eglinton; I miss it.

Sean on November 13, 2009 at 1:06 PM , replying to a comment from James

I agree with James. BRING BACK THE EGLINTON. I miss it too.

The Eglinton building doesn't seem to be used every night but as a movie theatre, it would be in use daily.

Carl on November 13, 2009 at 1:29 PM , replying to a comment from Angus

It's pretty lame to just say something is crap.

Any specifics?

Peter K. on November 13, 2009 at 1:49 PM

Angus! Great review. I'm going to border it with laurels and put it on the DVD.

Andrew James on November 13, 2009 at 3:12 PM

Love the dude who keeps talking about "experimental" sex in the theater.

Trivia:
the greatest movie web site on the web is named after the third row at The Bloor!

Robin Sharp on November 13, 2009 at 3:34 PM , replying to a comment from Andrew James

Whoa, which website is that? You're keeping me in suspense. I've always believed in the third row at the Bloor as well.

Serge on November 13, 2009 at 4:18 PM

Like movie good!

Ken B on November 13, 2009 at 6:12 PM

I think the film was worth watching. Some of the interview comments were lame, particularly by the babe guy.

Andrew James on November 13, 2009 at 6:45 PM

I also really like the opening sequence with all of the imagery and panning shots. You guys also did a really great job of hunting down archival footage. Neat!

Oh and Robin, that would be RowThree.com :)

Angus on November 13, 2009 at 7:53 PM , replying to a comment from Carl

It's weak to call my criticism lame, Carl.
Can you expand on that?

Linda on November 14, 2009 at 4:49 PM

Nice work guys... lot's of stuff I didn't know about the Bloor.

Jonathan on November 14, 2009 at 5:30 PM

Excellent work, Robin - keep it up!

Joanthan C.