Rex Theatre gets two thumbs-up from community

It's good to feel appreciated, and supporters of the Rex Theatre in Thompson Falls turned out with open wallets to show their appreciation for the historical venue that was the location for decades of first dates, family movie nights and, more recently, live performances and stage plays.

"We are very humbled by the turnout and the generosity of the community," said Rex owner, Doug Grimm. He appeared to hold back a shrink wrapped tear (or maybe it was dust in his eye) as he reported that the fundraiser to keep the doors open brought in over $4,000. "It's not like I'm going to go out and buy a new boat or anything," said Grimm, "this old theater has needs and that is where that money will go."

A Thursday matinee and a Saturday evening show of a vintage, made in Montana film was the draw for the crowd – and the heaviest snowfall in recent memory did not hold them back. Grimm guessed the evening showing brought in about 150 people to the 220 capacity building, while the matinee attracted about 70 attendees. "Some of the people in attendance had seen the movie when it was released in 1955," shared Grimm, who worked with Falls alumni Dick Komberec to organize the fundraiser, "and the movie isn't available on DVD or anywhere else that were able to find."

Timberjack was filmed in 1954 in the Polson and Missoula areas. The fanfare during its release in Montana was as big as any parade at the time. Interestingly, the dream to show the film came when Grimm found original promotional posters beneath the floorboards during minor renovations. "I had no idea where to acquire the film, until I talked with Komberec," Grimm explained, "he's got quite a collection of films on 35 and 16mm reels. We were able to make this work pretty smoothly, so hopefully we'll be doing it again soon."

The theater's troubles began not long after the Grimms purchased the building, "As soon as the economy started to tank and Spring Creek Lodge closed, that's when we noticed a drop off in movie goers," explained Grimm, "and then the digital switch came with cumbersome licensing fees and a $35,000 projector that is connected to the movie companies so they can see who is playing what films and how often. It was kind of funny the way it happened: theaters had been doing things one way for a hundred years, then I buy a theater and they changed everything."

He related that the switch was something the Rex could not afford, as well as many other small theaters across the nation. He shared that other Rex Theatres that he has visited had found private donors or city ordinances to help keep the doors from being boarded up. Rather than fold to the movie company demands and take a risk investing in a system that might not see any returns, Doug and Karen Grimm set out to make the most of the venue. An updated sound system and quality digital projector were installed, as well as new lighting. Rows of seats were ripped out to create a dance floor area and a large stage was constructed to accommodate live bands and stage plays.

Even with the innovative ideas, the Rex continued to struggle and staying afloat is still at the forefront of Grimm's mind. "I've lost a lot of sleep over the years trying to brainstorm how to make this work," he shared, "it costs $500 a month for this building to do nothing – add heating for events in the cold months and that jumps quite a bit." As for the success of this fundraiser, Doug said it was good to know that people do care enough about the venue to show as much generosity as they did. "I really hate asking for money," said Grimm, "but I've been told we provided an appreciated service, so I guess I can try to even it out in my mind." One couple showed their support with a $600 donation. A former employee who worked the ticket booth in her high school days called Doug up to let him know she'd be sending $50. "It's a really neat thing when something like that happens," Grimm shared, "people from the theater's past came out and helped in their own ways for their own reasons, and we appreciate it."

Prior to the showing of the film, previews were run from the year of Timberjack's release. Faces from the days of the true 'silver screen' made their appearance on the Rex's screen for the first time in over a half century. Jimmy Stewart and June Allyson shared desperate embraces and dramatic confessions of love amidst airplanes and bombers during the Strategic Air Command reel (Stewart served in the Air Force in real life, though he rarely spoke of his heroics as lieutenant general James T. Stewart). The classic cartoon character Barney Bear showed his savvy for child psychology (long before Dr. Spock or other childrearing experts had hit the scene), as he tried to show gentle discipline to an unruly neighbor kitten. The nostalgia for those who remembered those days was thick, and the genuine feel of the retro-themed theater took goers back to the days of fast talking announcers and popcorn that was less than the $8 bags available at the big chain cineplexes of modern times.

Grimm noted that the theater has become a labor of love – an expensive one. It started out as a retirement plan, but fate had different plans. "If it weren't for this theater, Karen wouldn't have to work fulltime," shared Grimm, "I'm not able to mechanic anymore and I'm not really specialized like an accountant or anything, so we are always trying to find ways to make sure the theater keeps going." So, when a fundraiser like this shows the success that it did, Doug is overwhelmed, "I knew we'd make some money, but I had no idea it would be like this." Grimm is already working with Komberec to peruse his semitrailer full of old reels to figure out what to do next, "We don't want to burn everyone out on old movies, so we'll probably only do this quarterly or twice a year." And, if support for the theater, demand for nostalgia, and acknowledgement of the Grimms' efforts continue the Rex Theatre will keep hosting some of the most talented musical acts, high school plays and vintage, royalty-free films.

The next event scheduled for the Rex will feature the High Country Cowboys, as the talented country crooners grace the Rex stage for the fourth time.