When the midnight movie ends

Memories of work and film the UA Movies at Middletown

Movie theaters have, over the years, lost a bit of their luster. They no longer have the cache of an event like they used to, not in the age of 60-inch flat screen TV and surround sound home audio. It occurred to me that, even in my most vivid memories of theaters, the actual qualities of watching the movie might be better in the home setting now, but could never match some of the experiences. Fade in ... to the corner of Highway 35 and Palmer Avenue. A large building faces the highway. Before it stands a marquee that has seen better days. Emblazoned atop the sign is the name UA Movies at Middletown, a part of the United Artists' chain. This building once was a one- and two-screen affair. But competition forced the owners to break down the…

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