Service Above Self: A crazy coincidence?

By Medicine Hat Rotary Club on January 30, 2024.

The Monarch Theatre, Canada’s oldest still-operating cinema opened its doors in 1911. In 1918, the first of three Rotary clubs in the city was founded. Now, 112 years later, three city Rotary clubs are co-owners of the indomitable Monarch. It’s a community match made in – Medicine Hat.

Your intrepid Rotarians wondered why the Monarch is such a vital centre of community life. So out they trudged into the city. Malcolm Sissons, former chair of the Historic Resources Committee of Medicine Hat, was the first target. As historian extraordinaire, he responded, “When I was approached by Brian Robinson to join the Monarch 1911 Special Committee to revive the theatre, I jumped at the chance. Bravo, Rotary!”

Leap back in time to 1911, just before The Great War. Medicine Hat’s population was about 12,000. To be seen at the Monarch was to be seen.

Yes, courting lads and lasses, “seen.”

Fellow movie goers were keen observers and unpaid chaperones even into the 1990s when the city’s population was four times that. While the movie theatre may once have been next to a manly billiards hall, girls were safe. Even sharing popcorn was a strangely intimate treat – hands could accidentally touch. If a lad flexed his shoulders by putting his arm over the back of the seat where his movie date was, that action would not be unobserved.

Restaurateur Stan Sakamoto can attest to that.

His first date with now wife and artist Susan Sakamoto was at the Monarch on Dec. 27, 1988. A significant moment in his life? Apparently.

“We saw ‘Rain Man’ with Dustin Hoffman and Tom Cruise,” Stan says. “I remember holding Susan’s hand briefly while standing in line as it was a chilly night. I was nervous to put my arm around Susan during the movie. She was radiant and wore a light blue hooded Linda Lundstrom winter coat.”

Yeah, Stan!

Another Monarch enthusiast who was happy to share without credit commented, “I remember the Monarch for its elegant theatre décor, the great admission prices, the best theatre popcorn (generous with butter) and the kindly gentleman that greeted us at the entrance and bid us good evening on departure.”

If the film broke, “We didn’t mind, as it gave us an opportunity to visit with our theatre neighbours or head out for more of that delicious popcorn!”

Theresa Eisenbarth, an artist known among her many works for her paintings of Medicine Hat doors, said, “My fondest Monarch Theatre memory is from the age of six years old. My uncles came down for a visit, and they paid for all us kids to go see the opening day of the Walt Disney movie called ‘The Jungle Book.’ It was the first time I saw a movie on the big screen, and I was in awe – the popcorn and licorice rounded out the movie experience.”

A 1960 newcomer to Canada from Germany, retired Medicine Hat College language instructor Elvire Eberhardt, had a novel memory.

“I was at the Monarch with my brother and a baby less than a year old. We were excited to be seeing ‘Swiss Family Robinson,’ except I didn’t get to see it. The baby started crying.”

Ironically, at the Jan. 4 screening of “Your Cinema Needs You,” a crying wee one was carried into the lobby just moments after Eberhardt shared her story.

Throughout the years, not all the shows were standard fare, especially with the Society of the Friends of the Monarch Theatre helping. Matt Klimaszewski remembers two splendid fundraisers.

“We did a Casablanca Night around 2010-ish. Everyone dressed up as if they were going to ‘Rick’s Café Americaine,’ in the 1940s. Lots of white and black dinner jackets and white Panama hats. Too bad cigars weren’t allowed. We had wine before the show, then everyone watched that grand old Classic.”

There were also double Oscar events.

“Everyone showed up dressed for the paparazzi, and, in fact, there even were several paparazzi circulating and taking photos. Lots of champagne and snacks beforehand in the building just beside the Monarch. There was a red carpet outside, as well, for those who arrived in style. Then when the Oscars came on the TV, we all trooped over to the Monarch where we sat and watched. It was a lovely affair”- both times.

Judy Morris added two “Titanic” events. “Everyone dressed up according to their class of ticket.”

She had researched menu options for each class, so that the food was close to what had actually been served on board the ship. “Everyone was excited.”

She also described a wedding gown event held at the Monarch.

“I was given access to dozens of lovely wedding gowns, the oldest was from 1883,” Morris said.

“That event had model brides coming down the stairs from the ladies’ lounge, then strolling down the left aisle, crossing the stage and walking up the other aisle to go and change and bring another gown downstairs.”

There was another memorable evening outside the theatre on Second Street, with a small car show, barbecue, dancing on the street and a movie.

Would you not want to open your wallet or beaded purse to support such fun?

Remembering lyrics from Ralph Freed and Burton Lane’s classic, “Holding hands in a movie show, when all the lights are low, may not be new,” but we liked it. How about you?

Help the Rotarians support the Monarch!

This column was contributed by the Medicine Hat Rotary Club

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