what's new
Summer 2011
Interstate Theatres Documentary Project
07/18/11
The producers shot in San Antonio, Texas to cover The Aztek, one of Interstate's most ornate movie palaces as well as conducting a series of interviews. More info.
September/October/November 2006
Pan Am Documentary Project
11/17/06
The producers plan to shoot in Foynes, Ireland where a museum honoring Pan Am's first European terminal (1935) for transatlantic flights is located. New at this facility is a full scale replica of a Pan Am Boeing 314! And to top it off, the crew plans to interview Maureen O'Hara who has retired nearby, and who's career included a life in aviation: first married to world famous Pan Am/military pilot Charlie Blair, then vice-president and president (following Charlie's tragic death) of Antilles Air Boats, a commercial seaplane service that the Blairs operated out of St. Croix, Virgin Islands.
Interstate Theatres Documentary Project
10/18/06
The producers shot an interview with 98 year old John Arnold (link to IS what's new), former assistant city manager of Interstate Theatres in Houston whose career spanned the company's history from 1927 to 1973.
9/27/06
The producers took a research trip to the Dallas Public Library where the Interstate corporate records are held. Materials and photos gathered will be used to produce the script for the one-hour PBS documentary film.
Esperson Documentary Project
10/18/06
The producers conducted interviews with Ms. Virginia Goodrich, head of the Esperson estate, and Carrington Weems, a Houston lawyer whose father had been the head legal counsel for Mellie Esperson and then a member of the trust.
Save Our Houston Historic Landmarks
Documentary Alliance has been active in supporting the mission of Save Our Houston Historic Landmarks: to save the Alabama and River Oaks Theatres, along with their adjacent retail centers from demolition and to promote the debate about historic preservation in Houston, resulting in (at long last), a strong and enduring preservation ordinance that will benefit all historic structures in our city. Go to their temporary website by clicking here.
May 2006
Thursday April 6th, 2006
The River Oaks Theatre
2009 West Gray, Houston, Texas 77019
Documentary Alliance hosted a gala fundraiser to support the completion of its documentary film, Before the Curtain Rises. The film traces the colorful history of a Texas motion picture exhibition dynasty, Interstate Theatres. At one time, it operated 250 breathtaking movie palaces, only to collapse in the '70s with the death of the studio system. Also featured is the saga of the rebirth of Interstate's last palace theatre, The Plaza in El Paso.
With interviews from Rita Moreno, Jack Valenti, and Horton Foote, the film examines the fate of remaining palace theatres. Are they great white elephants, or perfect performing art spaces and catalysts for downtown revitalization?
A short preview of the film was screened at the event, followed by an all-star panel of industry experts who discussed the evolution of the motion picture exhibition business, moderated by Variety reviewer and author Joe Leydon. A wonderful party for supporters rounded out the evening, all made possible by many volunteers and a fabulous chair committee spearheaded by Kelli Kickerillo.
For more information, email Jeff Mills or visit the Interstate Theatre website.