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Film

Bloor Cinema Documentary Chronicles the Annex Institution

Posted by Robin Sharp / 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.

Discussion

19 Comments

Angus / November 13, 2009 at 11:17 am
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Crap documentary, I expected something a bit better.
James / November 13, 2009 at 11:19 am
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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 replying to a comment from James / November 13, 2009 at 01:06 pm
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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 replying to a comment from Angus / November 13, 2009 at 01:29 pm
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It's pretty lame to just say something is crap.

Any specifics?
Peter K. / November 13, 2009 at 01:49 pm
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Angus! Great review. I'm going to border it with laurels and put it on the DVD.
Andrew James / November 13, 2009 at 03:12 pm
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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 replying to a comment from Andrew James / November 13, 2009 at 03:34 pm
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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 / November 13, 2009 at 04:18 pm
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Like movie good!
Ken B / November 13, 2009 at 06:12 pm
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I think the film was worth watching. Some of the interview comments were lame, particularly by the babe guy.
Andrew James / November 13, 2009 at 06:45 pm
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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 replying to a comment from Carl / November 13, 2009 at 07:53 pm
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It's weak to call my criticism lame, Carl.
Can you expand on that?
Linda / November 14, 2009 at 04:49 pm
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Nice work guys... lot's of stuff I didn't know about the Bloor.
Jonathan / November 14, 2009 at 05:30 pm
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Excellent work, Robin - keep it up!

Joanthan C.
Tim / November 14, 2009 at 06:26 pm
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Nice doc Robin. I didn't know that Lee's and Swiss Chalet used to be home to theatres. Lots of great info in here.
chandra / November 15, 2009 at 02:14 pm
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Nice to get a quick peek at what goes on behind-the-scenes too. Great job Robin (and Peter)!
Boobie replying to a comment from Angus / November 16, 2009 at 02:47 pm
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Nice one!
Ken / November 16, 2009 at 08:56 pm
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The Bloor is my favourite part of Toronto. I look forward to the doc. It is a bit jumpy right now.
sugarduk / November 24, 2009 at 03:51 pm
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That was fantastic! Thanks for making that doc and long live the Bloor and all the other rep houses in TO and the world. I'll also check out rowthree.com. Here's a mvoie blog that rocks:
http://vargasspeaks.blogspot.com/
Matt James / November 28, 2009 at 11:30 am
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Robin and Peter:

Matt James here, freelance reporter/photographer for the Annex Gleaner. We'd like to get a piece into the Annex Gleaner about the Bloor Cinema. My deadline for a story is Dec. 3.

Could you get in touch with me asap at matthewjamesmedia@gmail.com?

Thanks kindly,

Matt

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