Berkeley has had a long involvement with movies and has made its own mark on national film history. Like other American cities, its fascination with film began with the showing of the first silent films in vaudeville theaters and storefronts. The first theaters built exclusively for showing movies included the Elmwood, the California, and the UC Theater. By the 1930s, Berkeley had its own “movie palace”— the art deco United Artists Theater. Sadly, all that is left of Berkeley’s wonderful heritage of movie theaters are the Elmwood and the Pacific Film Archive theater—sign of the changing social, technological, and economic times.

The exhibit will include, among other elements:

• The Rise and Fall of Berkeley’s Movie Theaters (information, images, and a map of 34 venues over 123 years)

• Berkeley and the Emergence of Repertory Theaters

• History of the Pacific Film Archive and Film Studies at UC

• Saul Zaentz and His Impact

• Independent Filmmaking in Berkeley

• Movies Partially Filmed in Berkeley

The exhibit is open, with free admission (donations appreciated), during regular BHSM hours: Thursday to Saturday, 1 to 4 pm.