Classic movies to roll for Paramount’s final weekend

KELOWNA – As the curtain drops for the final time at Kelowna’s oldest movie theatre, the Paramount is set to host several movies which commemorate the more than 65 years it’s been entertaining movie lovers.

From March 25 until the last day it is open, March 28, the downtown theatre will show five movies from milestone years in its history.

To honour those years, Abbott and Costello’s Africa Screams and Orson Welles’ Academy Award winning The Third Man will be shown. Both films had their debut in 1949, the first year the theatre was open.

There will also be special showings of Beverly Hills Cop, Harry and the Hendersons and Innerspace, which were released the same year Landmark purchased the theatre.

Ticket prices for the theatre's final presentations are $3 with $1 from each ticket going to Kids Help Phone, Landmark president and CEO Neil Campbell says in a media release.

President and CEO of Landmark Cinemas Canada Neil Campbell says many Kelowna and area residents have made special memories at the iconic old theatre over the many years.

“From first dates, to first kisses, and of course unforgettable movie moments,” he says. “We wanted to rekindle those memories as we prepare to dim the lights for the last time. We extend our 'thanks' to the thousands of Kelowna and area movie-lovers that we have had the privilege to entertain since we began operating the Paramount in 1987.”

The 14,000-square-foot site is billed as having a superb location in the waterfront tourist area near Okanagan Lake on Kelowna’s original Main Street and plans are moving forward to preserve the original marquee.

To contact a reporter for this story, email Adam Proskiw at aproskiw@infonews.ca or call 250-718-0428. To contact the editor, email mjones@infonews.ca or call 250-718-2724.