Only in Theaters

I finally saw the film on Apple+ (sorry I missed it in a theater here in San Diego). As a former stock analyst who covered the entertainment and exhibition sector and appreciates the history of the business, I loved it. And as an avid filmgoer I also loved it. Not so much as the story of the determination to survive, as inspiring as that storyline is. But rather as a series of nested love stories: the love of the movies; the LA and broader cinema world's love for the Laemmle chain, and especially the various love stories across the generations of the Laemmle family. And then there's Alyse! How wonderfully precious she is!!!! Thank you to all involved for this delightful film!

This documentary film about a family-owned art house theater circuit in California has great Hollywood history, great film exhibition history, and a really interesting story to tell.

Such incredible passion was put into the making of this film. It gives the inspiring history of the theater chain owned by the Laemmle family and I instantly cared about the theaters and the family that owned them for over 80 years. It focused on the struggles of Laemmle theaters as well as the struggles of all independent theaters. This film shows the passion of independent filmmakers and theaters and we are reminded of how important they are in our culture. Nothing beats the experience of seeing a movie in a theater and theaters need our support now more than ever. I was in such suspense for this entire movie, hoping that Laemmle theaters would pull through the challenges. I also loved seeing the history of movies and theaters as well as the passion everyone has for them. This film was so well done and I highly recommend it.

We loved this touching story of Hollywood history...and the real people behind it! Sbarge has done an excellent job at getting to the heart of this story and paced it well so it moves you and moves along to keep you on the edge of your seat.

This is a heartfelt story about one family's journey to save their beloved movie theater chain in Los Angeles, but it speaks to universal struggles faced by so many small, independent businesses. Greg and Tish Laemmle share their story in a remarkably honest way that will win your heart and challenge your assumptions. I'd consider this a must-see film for all lovers of independent films and theaters.

Saw this last night in Berkeley and it was great! The film covers a lot of ground. The challenges facing independently owned theaters pre/during/post Covid. Family history of theater owners. Its funny, its sad, its heartbreaking and ultimately hopeful. I was struck by how much of a difference Independently owned theaters and art houses dedicated to showing independent films can make on a community. It certainly made me appreciate the independent art house we frequent more after seeing this film. In the past 12/18 months, Berkeley as lost all of its theaters with the exception of the one that showed this film last night. Not due to streaming really but due to gentrification. The buildings are being torn down. Please go see this movie, and see it Only in Theaters.....

I am an avid arthouse movie goer, and I have always gone to the Laemmle Theatres in Southern California to get my fix of indie, international and other specialty films that no other theatres will screen. This documentary is emotional for me to watch as I know how important the Laemmle family and their cinemas are to our community. It kept me on the edge of my seat, and I'm still praying for a full comeback, and it has prompted me to buy a "Laemmle Card", which as a senior gives me wonderful discounts and perks and allows me to see anything I want. This movie is essential watching for anyone who believes that film is an artform worth saving and supporting.

Great movie - a must see for any film lover!

Raphael Sbarge's "Only in Theaters" is a stirring love letter to the legacy of the Los Angeles-based Laemmle theater chain and a family in the American film business since it began. While filmmakers Ava DuVernay, James Ivory, Allison Anders, and Cameron Crowe insist we see films as they are meant to be seen – in a theater with an audience - the film shows the enormous toll running the 85 year-old business has on Greg Laemmle and his family. The film is as compelling as the indie features championed by the Laemmle theaters and a must see for Angelenos and film lovers alike.

I live in Los Angeles and was excited to see "Only In Theaters:" a wonderful documentary about the Laemmle family!! They've been involved in the movie industry for many, many years, as far back as 1930!!! They own and operate many theatres here showing the best movies; art house movies, independent movies, documentaries and the like. I have always gone to the Laemmle theatres and after seeing "Only In Theatres," I appreciate the experience more after learning about this family.