The Daily Herald Editorial Board
In a world of sleek movie multiplexes, Barrington’s Catlow Theater was something special.
Younger visitors might not have appreciated its charm. After all, the seats weren’t the cushy recliners you find in newer theaters. The bathrooms were cramped. Hot new films took longer to get there.
But film buffs didn’t flock to the Catlow to see superhero flicks on their opening weekend or catch the latest rom-com in comfort. They were there to soak up the place’s unique character, to enjoy a sense of community and to embrace the history of a movie house that dates back to the dawn of the talkies.
Last week, Tim O’Connor announced he had sold the Catlow, a theater he had owned for 41 years. Taking over is Brian Long, a Barrington resident and owner of Long & Co. Jewelers on Main Street. That he has strong ties to the community — and has been a champion of the Catlow — is reassuring.
“My main concern with selling the theater was that somebody would keep it as the Catlow,” O’Connor told reporter Steve Zalusky last week. “We had planned on maybe putting live music in there and maybe showing movies at the same time. He seems to be on board with it. This is going to keep going for generations.”
We hope he’s right.
The Daily Herald editorial continues here.
Editorial note: We wholeheartedly agree with the spirit of this and prior Daily Herald commentaries. But, the cold hard reality is parking is so severely limited to potential movie patrons by the Village of Barrington, Jewel and other retailers that it’s doubtful the Catlow will open again as a movie theater.
In fact, the Village of Barrington is considering closing Park Avenue (see “Barrington Village Unveils Plans for Proposed Park Avenue Plaza with Outdoor Dining, Gathering, Green Space”) a block an a half away from the Catlow, and eliminating parking for retail businesses.
Nonetheless, we wish the new owners of the Catlow the best of luck, and this publication will do everything possible to help them succeed.
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