The Latchis Theatre: A Cinematic Treasure in Brattleboro
Since its grand opening the day after the tumultuous Great New England Hurricane of 1938, the Latchis Theatre has been an iconic establishment in Brattleboro, Vermont, captivating audiences with its rich cinematic history and vibrant film premieres. The theatre has seen a multitude of memorable screenings over the decades, including the once-celebrated musical comedy “That Certain Age,” which was hastily transported from Hollywood to grace the theatre first. Other noteworthy films that have graced its screens include the beloved classic “The Wizard of Oz,” which was screened after a celebratory downtown parade in 1939, and the epic “Gone with the Wind,” which proudly claimed that Brattleboro would be the first town in the nation with a population of less than 10,000 to host its viewing. Jon Potter, the current executive director of the Latchis, reflects on this legacy, noting, “A lot of the history of cinema has taken place right here. We hearken back to a golden age, and part of the experience is a trip back in time.”
This summer, the Latchis Theatre continues to embrace its cinematic roots by featuring a lineup of sequels to contemporary favorites like “The Devil Wears Prada,” “Toy Story,” and “Spider-Man.” However, the theatre's most significant draw for 2026 has proven to be the classic Oscar-winning film “Casablanca,” which recently sold nearly 400 tickets during a one-night-only event, demonstrating the enduring appeal of classic cinema. Potter acknowledges the challenges faced by the theatre, particularly in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has halved its audience. Consequently, the Latchis is diversifying its offerings by hosting special events of various kinds to attract moviegoers back to the cinema.
A Diverse Programming Approach to Revive Interest
In an exciting development, the Latchis Theatre will feature a special event on June 14, welcoming David Lubin, the author of “Ready for My Close-Up: The Making of Sunset Boulevard and the Dark Side of the Hollywood Dream,” during a screening of the classic 1950 film. Additionally, acclaimed journalist Amy Goodman will present her new documentary “Steal This Story, Please!” on June 19, moderated by her brother David Goodman, host of the VTDigger podcast. The theatre's “Classics at the Latchis” series will continue to present beloved films, with “Paper Moon” scheduled for a Father’s Day showing on June 21. Potter notes the unique position of the Latchis, stating, “There aren’t too many places that are a first-run movie theater and also an event space, and that can be a challenge.”
Despite the challenges of maintaining a viable business model that balances film screenings with live performances, the Latchis remains committed to providing entertainment options for the community. The theatre, which is the sole cinema within a thirty-minute radius, has a rich heritage that dates back to its Art Deco opening as a memorial to the Greek immigrant-turned-impresario Demetrios Latsis. Over the years, the Latchis has faced various obstacles, including significant flood damage in 2011 and financial strains during the pandemic. However, the theatre has adapted by renting out its primary auditorium and smaller screens for private events and incorporating live performances, including a recent concert by the Windham Philharmonic and an upcoming production of “Tristan und Isolde.” Furthermore, the Latchis is leveraging technology to present simulcasts from prestigious institutions like the Metropolitan Opera and London’s National Theatre.
The creative programming choices continue to resonate with audiences, as illustrated by the enthusiastic response to the screening of “Casablanca” on Valentine’s Day. The theatre manager, Luis Negron, selected this classic film for its timeless themes of love and heroism, noting the audience's surprising engagement as they sang along with the French national anthem, “La Marseillaise,” during the film. As Potter notes, the Latchis is exploring new possibilities, stating, “We’re just opening the doors to what we can do here. There are lots of reasons to stay home, so you have to give people a reason to come out.” This commitment to innovation and community engagement ensures that the Latchis Theatre will continue to be a beloved fixture in Brattleboro for years to come.
As reported by vtdigger.org.
