Anachronism

One that is out of its proper or chronological order, especially a person or practice that belongs to an earlier time.

I am prone to anachronisms. I like hand sewing. I like using calligraphy even when it not necessarily called for. I play medieval in the mother of all anachronistic groups, the SCA. But I was caught off guard when I went to the movies last night on Cedar Lane. As previously mentioned, Cedar Lane is the main drag in Teaneck. Movie City on Cedar Lane is the place to go to watch a movie for $4.75. They aren't going to have the big films on opening night, but less than ten days after its premiere, they did have Sherlock Holmes, so Anthony and I went to see it last night.

Movie City is where I used to go in high school to see movies for a dollar. Over the last 13 years the price of admission has gradually increased. While there are several screens, this is no traditional multiplex. You know that you're going to be sitting in an outdated theater with decor that looks like it might charitably be from the Forties. Velvet curtains hang on all the walls, the seats are uncomfortable and awkwardly spaced, but that is part of Movie City's charm. The screen is up on an actual stage, with flags on either side. Before the movie starts, you get to watch this...



But last night, as we entered the theater, there was something that years of going to Movie City had not prepared me for: live music. In most modern movie theaters, there is some kind of canned radio station with a high advertising-to-music mix that drives you insane until the previews start. Last night, we had a guy playing the organ. The organ looked like it shared its vintage with the rest of the theater. He played right up until the previews started. It was kind of awkward, but you had to appreciate it. It is little things like this that I love about my town.

Thank heavens for anachronisms. Life would be so much duller without them.