by Jan Lazor

Created on: September 02, 2009   Last Updated: April 18, 2011

Some come alone. Some come in pairs. Still others come in small groups, talking in hushed tones as they slip past the red light beckoning visitors inside Cinestudio in Hartford, Connecticut.

Once inside the independent theater at 300 Summit Street in the Insurance Capital of the World, red plush carpeting and red walls wrap visitors in a cloak of ambience reminiscent of movie palaces built in the 1930's during the heyday of the moving picture industry.

Inside the converted lecture hall on the Trinity College campus, movie junkies and patrons of art films and independent releases come together to share their love and fascination with the industry. Whether the one-of-a-kind theater is showing independent releases, controversial films or classic picture shows no longer available in chain movie houses, movie lovers come nightly to be educated and entertained.

In 2009 Cinestudio celebrated its 40th anniversary. The theater, which seats 500 people, has come a long way from its humble beginnings. The concept for the independent movie house grew after students at Trinity College stretched two bed sheets along the wall of a large lecture hall in the Clement Chemistry Building and projected movies on the white background.

The event proved so successful, students and faculty officially formed Cinestudio in 1970. About 50 volunteers from campus and the surrounding community staff the theater during its nightly showings. Its day-to-day operations are supervised by James Hanley and Peter McMorris. Both men have been involved in the movie house since it started.

In 2002 Cinestudio earned the designation as a not-for-profit art organization under the tax codes of the United States. Contributions from individuals and corporate foundations along with ticket fees help keep the organization afloat and make sure the movie going public will be able to enjoy fine films in the future.

Cinestudio is no longer affiliated with Trinity College, although the theater still occupies space in the school's chemistry building. Since 2007 the movie house has been a stand-alone operation, separate from the school.

Walk through the doors at Cinestudio and step back in time to enjoy a movie classic. Be prepared to sink into the richness of the theater's interior. Whether you choose to sit on the first level or climb the stairs to the balcony, your eyes will automatically be pulled to the gold curtain shimmering across the screen. Be ready when the curtain rises to sit back and enjoy an entertaining show.

Star Trek is showing this week. Showtime is 7:30 p.m. Organizers recommend arriving about 15-minutes early to find your seat and settle in for the movie. Ticket prices are $10 each. To contact the theater, call 860-297-2544. For an updated movie listing and show times, call 860-297-2463.

Whether you visit Hartford or call the Connecticut capital home, Cinestudio is a must see on your list of things to do.

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