by Cyn Lee

Created on: August 31, 2009   Last Updated: April 18, 2011

Cinestudio of Hartford Connecticut transports the film buff of today into what the theater were like years ago. Located at 300 Summit Street on the campus of Trinity College, Cinestudio is an independent film house showing the best films of yesterday and the controversial of the present. As you take your seat in this theater you will feel you are viewing a film during the 1930's. Stars such as Greta Garbo and Paul Newman were known to sneak in and enjoy the show in this historic movie palace.

Cinestudio is known for its extra large screen, flowing gold curtain, dark red walls and balcony seating. Its decor sets the atmosphere for an enjoyable movie- watching experience. The theater seats approximately 500 patrons and was founded in 1970 by Trinity College students. Despite being on campus, the venture was always seperate from the college. The building that houses the famed theater, was once used as a lecture hall in the Clement Chemistry building. Founding students, James Hanely and Peter McMorris are still the managers of this Not For Profit 501(c) (3) Arts Organization. For over forty years they have guided this historic venue.

The original goal for the film house, was to recreate a movie theater from the 1930's. The students wanted a movie house that showed movies not considered part of the norm. Their success is known throughout Connecticut as the place to enjoy vintage films and from time to time, the controversial.

The Cinestudio earned its fame during the 70's when they repeatedly showed the cult film, The Rocky Horror Picture Show. As a Boston College student during the 70's and 80's friends and I always enjoyed the trip south to Hartford to enjoy great vintage or foreign films.

As you sit before the massive screen, the hugeness and beauty of yesterday grab your attention. The golden curtain is majestically ruffled, yet allows a view its massive lion embroidered in front. Like back in the day, the curtain is raised when it is show time. The curtain, borrowed from the films of Hartford's own film hero, Katherine Hepburn, embraces theatrics. The film you will see in this movie house will be a classic, cult, foreign or vintage film chosen for the allure movie goers. The state of the art sound and art projection will definitely transport you into the film. Anyone visiting or living in the Hartford area has put the Cinestudio as a must see. You will not view the typical, you will enjoy the unique.

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