Historical March 1978 Loop review. Original prices, programs and business descriptions are preserved, not current business information.
Webster defines Repertory as the skills or accomplishments of two persons or a group. It is derived from the Latin word Reperire, meaning to find out and find again. This is the concept of the Tivoli Repertory Theatre at 6350 Delmar: to give the public an opportunity to recapture the talents of the great stars of the cinema.
The Theatre originally began as a live theatre, under the name of Tivoli, in the 1920’s, (There are still dressing rooms backstage.) but suffered the same fate as many old theatres — modernization. In keeping with the idea of repertory, the managers, John Schlesinger and Alan Resnick, restored the original name and interior. They removed the drab green paint and gave life to the beauty of the old theatre again. The original scroll work panels in the lobby have been “brought out” with colors of dark green, creme, and brown, accented with gold trim. The scroll work is continued into the ceiling and highlighted by an old chandelier. There are lights on the walls of the lobby of the same style and period as the chandelier, furthering the effect of a theatre of days past.
The Tivoli specializes in the showing of old movies, that is, movies not on the current movie circuit. Some may be old, such as “The Blue Angel” with Marlena Dietrich, which will be shown on April 4. Some may be not so old. “Caberet,” a great musical film of several years ago, starring Liza Minelli and Joel Grey, falls into this category. It will be shown March 10 and 11. Otto Preminger’s “Exodus” could easily be. called a classic. It stars Paul Newman in one of his greatest performances and can be viewed on March 21. Many foreign films are also shown. This gives the movie-goer a chance to see movies that he may otherwise not be able to view. “La Strada” and “81/2” will be shown on April 14 and 15. This is just a sampling of the great movies playing every night at the Tivoli.
The Tivoli schedule is not listed in the newspapers. However, it can be picked up in the lobby of the theatre or sent in the mail if a card is filled out. An approximate three-month span of future movies are listed on each poster-size schedule. They are attractive and can be displayed for easy reference. It is advised to pick up two or more because friends will want one after they see yours.
The theatre is owned by Movies, Inc. of Alberquerque, New Mexico, but the operation is left up to the managers. Suggestion cards are used in the planning of future movies. They are in the lobby and it is assured by the management that the suggestions are considered and used. Their own selections, according to audience response, are added. Movies, Inc., then locates as many of the desired films as they can and add other films to round out the program. From this united effort of movie fan, manager, and owner, the Tivoli schedule is derived.
An outstanding feature of the Tivoli (and to this writer an enjoyable one), is the vending of organic “goodies” at the refreshment counter. A pineapple-coconut juice sweetened with honey is deli- :ious. Real orange juice and organic candies and cookies can be bought. This is not to slight the usual popcorn, candy and soft drinks that are also available, just a refreshing change.
The Tivoli’s prices are another pleasing aspect of the theatre. The range is $2.50 for adults, $2.00 for students, and $1.5 for children under 12 years. Most of the time and the prices cover a double feature, which in these inflationary times is a darn good deal.
The Tivoli Repertory Theatre is an innovation in the cinema and in the St. Louis area, and we have it “in the Loop”.
Original photograph caption
Film still reproduced on the Tivoli review page. The Paper, March 1978, page 7. Film title and image credit not printed.
Originally published in The Paper, March 1978.
Read this article in the original newspaper issue.
Archival transcription note: The printed “Marlena,” “Caberet,” “Minelli,” “Alberquerque,” “$1.5” and “Most of the time and the prices” are retained.
Original source: SD_Times1978_03.pdf, printed page(s) 7; PDF page(s) 7.
