HawaiiStories: The Varsity

March 28, 2003

The Varsity

Having moved to Honolulu from Atlanta, when somebody told Baz and I that we should check out The Varsity because it was in our neighborhood, I thought I'd died and gone to heaven. See, The Varsity is an Atlanta fast food historical landmark. A true car hop, you can sit in your yuppie mobile and be served the greasiest fries and orange creamsicle shakes by friendly car hops in oldey timey red paper hats that say Varsity in wonderful collegiate sports type across both sides.

When I found out that Honolulu's Varsity was a movie theatre, I was left hungry and disappointed. Until I actually drove by and saw the place....

I don't know about you, but I'm a sucker for old movie theaters. As soon as I turned onto University and saw the sign, I knew that this was going to be my theater. It reminded me so much of The Plaza theater in Atlanta, where I swear I saw Fellini's Nights of Cabiria 12 nights in a row. These old theaters and the movies they always seem to be showing are special. Lucky for me there has been one in every city I've lived in so far.

In Charleston it was called Stage One, and the owner, Jeff, was a huge influence on my life even though we only spoke maybe three times. His theatre is defunct now. It went out of business when The Roxy came to town. The Roxy is a new theater that was put into an old building, and wants to be an old theater, but can't help being new with it's cappucino machine and goat cheese pizza. Me, I'm a popcorn kind of gal when it comes to the movies, and good old Jeff at Stage One served popcorn with your choice of either Pabst Blue Ribbon or Guiness. The guy was some kind of sick genius!

The seats in Stage One were old church pews, and your ass would fall dead asleep halfway through even the shortest indie film, but that was just fine! Fine because Jeff stopped the film and turned the house lights on when it was time to change the reel anyway. Jeff introduced me to a whole big world of independent films (remember those??) and week after week I sat in the ass numbing little theatre drinking Pabst and slipping quietly into adulthood.

So, last week when Adrian Brody won the Oscar for Best Actor, I trotted down to the Varsity theater to see The Pianist. I'm glad I saw that particular movie in a theater like the Varsity. Warsaw during Nazi occupation, starving Jewish families, horrific acts of war and violence, and the amazingly close and intimate performance by Broday were better left in the small space with only one center isle dividing. Stadium seating would have seemed strangely Roman. I didn't mind all that much that I could hear The Quiet American slightly from the stage next door, and I actually enjoyed hearing the hushed conversations of other movie-goers as we all cheered Brody's character on under our breaths.

I loved The Pianist. Adrian Brody certainly deserved his Oscar for his portrayal of Wladislaw Szpilman, a true story about Szpilman's survival through WWII. He was charming and vulnerable, gracious but not afraid to show us a man falling apart. It was one of those movie experiences that stays with you, and our lovely landmark Varsity theater was a big part of that experience for me. I feel lucky to have it in my neighborhood, and can see that we're quickly becoming old girlfriends. With your retro charm and cushy seats, my ass and I thank you Lady Varsity, and look forward to escaping to your charms again soon!

The Varsity Vitals:
Varsity Theater
1106 University Ave.
Honolulu, HI, USA
Phone: 808-973-5834
This two-theater art house brings internationally acclaimed motion pictures to Honolulu.

Posted by Beth at March 28, 2003 10:55 PM

Comments

Posted by Beth on March 28, 2003 11:23 PM:

I swear I tried to embed the images in the story using the align= tag, and it looked great in the preview. I had to abandon it for the live version, since the align tag isn't allowed, I guess. Sorry!

Posted by aureservoir on March 29, 2003 12:08 AM:

Hey, Beth, I loved your post and pictures (did you know that UH classes used to be held at the Varsity Theatre?).Too bad you didn't get to see the "old" Waikiki Theatre...it had a real organ, stars on the ceiling, faux tropical plants, wonderful murals, and a ladies' room reminiscent of the glamorous '30s. I recommend taking a tour of the Hawaii Theatre if you haven't already been there.

Posted by Ryan on March 29, 2003 10:03 PM:

I love the Varsity. Ah, Beth, you'll find at least a couple more nostalgia-loving theater geeks here.

I've made it a point to bid a fond farewell to a number of wonderful old moviehouses in Honolulu as they have, sadly, one by one fallen in the name of progress. The Kuhio Twins in Waikiki (now a shopping complex), the Marina Twins also in Waikiki (now a Red Lobster), the Kapiolani Theaters on Kapiolani Boulevard (now a Papa John's Pizza and Blockbuster Video), the Kam Drive-In in Aiea (now a big, wide slab of asphalt), and the Cinerama Theater on South King (now an auto parts store).

My mournful mention of the Cinerama's passing prompted a wonderful remembrance by our very own Mitchell.

I was crushed when the venerable, historic, incredible Waikiki Theater (a.k.a. the Waikiki 3) shut down without notice last year. I wrote a protest letter to the editor and to the manager of Consolidated, but to no avail.

I'm so glad the Varsity has weathered the storm so far, even in the face of an ever weak art film market and the seemingly fatal conversion of the Restaurant Row theaters into an "Art House" screens showing only non-mainstream flicks. The fact that the last few shows I've seen at the Varsity were completely empty doesn't bode well for its future, but I'm going to cherish it for as long as I can.

And I echo the recommendation to visit the Hawaii Theatre soon. There's a rare but wonderful example of a gorgeous, historic venue being brought back from the dead with style and class. (Here's the official page.)

Posted by aureservoir on March 30, 2003 3:59 AM:

ah, if I had plenny money, I would buy the Zamboanga Theatre and fix it up!

Don't forget these theatres: Kuhio, Kapahulu, Princess, Kaimuki, Toyo, Kokusai, Haleiwa, Kapiolani Drive-In, Waialae Drive-In...I don't miss the Marina Theatres at all.

If you like old films, check out The Movie Museum in Kaimuki (you can book their little screening room for private movie parties).

Posted by Linkmeister on March 30, 2003 8:11 AM:

Ryan, to be fair, the Kam drive-in was a slab of asphalt even when it showed movies. ;) My aunt and uncle used to run a drive-in theatre in Bagdad, Az. (yes, there is one) which had a dirt parking lot. I once saw three straight nights of The Outsider with Tony Curtis and James Franciscus at that theatre. Good movie, touching story of the descent into alcoholism of the American Indian Marine who was one of the four flag-raisers at Iwo Jima, but one viewing was enough.

Posted by macpro on March 30, 2003 8:31 AM:

There are a few older theaters still in operation on the Big Island. Two that come to mind are Hilo's Palace Theater and Honokaa's Peoples' Theater.

I also mourn the passing of the old stand-alone theaters in Honolulu... Waikiki 1, 2 & 3, the Cinerama and Kapiolani. They were my favorite theaters in this city.

Posted by Albert on March 30, 2003 8:51 AM:

"ah, if I had plenny money, I would buy the Zamboanga Theatre and fix it up! "

I can't help but think that everytime I visit that area (which, thanks to the Hawaii Check Cashing place being across the street, is twice a month).

And I'd restore the Varsity to its former one-auditorium grandeur.

Posted by 7train on April 14, 2003 3:59 AM:

I saw "Rabbit-Proof Fence" at the Varsity when I visited my 'ohana last Christmas and am glad to see it's still standing. I hope it stays around for a while. I too am sad to see the old 'movie palaces' go. Somehow I thought the Waikiki 3 would stick around due to historical value, though it lost a lot of its unique flavor when the palm trees and twinkling star ceiling were removed. And who could forget the organist? Then there was the Kuhio, which had the best neon in Waikiki. And how could I forget the Cinerama, where I saw Grease and all of the original Star Wars movies? I remember there was a bookstore(Froggies? It eventually became Interlude) on the corner and my friends and I would go in and browse while waiting for the show to start. I wonder what they did with those funky masks when they turned it into an auto parts store? I would probably buy one if it turned up on eBay. Ho, da memories...

Posted by Paul Honda on July 28, 2003 3:33 AM:

I AM UTTERLY SHOCKED AND PAINED by the news that Consolidated has decided to sell the Varsity Theater/Building property. The theater, which is one of the few remaining landmarks of my small-kid neighborhood, is slated for demolition, it seems.

It'll be great for students to have a brand-spanking-new dorm complex so close to stores and restaurants. Heck, I dormed one year, and being at Anuenue made life convenient.

I may sound a bit too dramatic and nostalgic, but I'll do (almost) anything to see Varsity Theater preserved. Can't the developers/architects come up with a Camden Yards type of approach and absorb the existing architecture into new plans? It could actually work. It could be beautiful if they use their creativity ... we've seen enough cookie-cutter architecture in Hawaii. It's time for a solution that doesn't smash Varsity Theater into smithereens.

Is anyone listening? Help . . .

Posted by Ryan on August 4, 2003 9:30 AM:

Hey, Paul! I know you! Welcome!

Alas, yes, as was reported in July:

Varsity Theater may fall to make way for housing
Dorm vision for Varsity site
Dorms proposed for Varsity Theater site

Vincent Shigekuni of PBR Hawai'i (speaking for developer Peter Savio) said the theaters will likely come down to build student housing and a commercial complex. "People said they would be sad to see it come down but would like the development to include another movie theater," he said.

I, for one, would be sad to see those theaters come down. I don't need another postage-stamp screen shoved into a strip mall.

And while Savio told the Star-Bulletin that the theater marquee would be preserved in the design of the dorm... it's just not the same.

Posted by Jane H on August 23, 2003 12:44 PM:

Stationed in Hawaii from 1976 to 1990. Live across da Kam Drive In. Use to go Varsity, Waikiki 1, 2, & 3, an' Pearl Ridge, alla time! Line up ev'ry Wensday afta noon in fron' da Cinerama to see Empire Strikes Back. Now all gone. Sad, Sad, Sad. I, too, would restore the Zamboanga & the Queen in Kaimuki, when I win da lottery! Ato de. h

Posted by 7train on August 26, 2003 5:48 AM:

At least the Queen is still there in some form(who knows for how long, with the continuing 'beautification' of Waialae Ave.). Does anybody remember the Kaimuki Twin a little bit further ewa on Waialae? I remember during the mid '80s before it was torn down my stepbrother and I would go there to see cheap double features (movies about zombies, that sort of thing). It was a termite palace, but it had lots of 'atmosphere', perfect for watching B-movies.

Posted by Troy on August 29, 2003 10:03 PM:

Honolulu in the 70's and 80's had some of the best cinema around! Chinese and Japanese cinema Downtown at the Toyo, Liberty, Empress, and Golden Harvest! Art cinema at the Varsity, UH cinema societies, and Honolulu Academy of Arts!
The big Hollywood movies at the "big three", the Cinerama (stood in line for three hours to see "Empire Strikes Back"), the Kapahulu, etc. etc. The Kailua drive in was a family favorite - laughed so hard with my dad at "Blazing Saddles" my sides ached. Godzilla movies at the Toyo. Sign. Flew back into Honolulu last week and saw the auto parts store where "Star Wars" once stood. Waikiki isn't worth stepping into without the Waikiki theatres (remember "The Deer Hunter? "Close Encounters"?) My love of moviemaking started there. Now its all a dream...

Posted by Troy on August 29, 2003 10:09 PM:

Speaking of termite traps...anyone remember the King theatres downtown? They used to show shlock like "Grizzly" and "Eat My Dust". A real dingy place, but great popcorn and that special "atmosphere". Also downtown: the Aquarius on Hotel street, which seemed to play "Deep Throat" and "Devil in Miss Jones" FOREVER (or at least until they gutted it).

Posted by Troy on August 29, 2003 10:20 PM:

To 7train - I remember the Kaimuki theatre when it was ONE SCREEN! Saw "Gator" with Burt Reynolds, 1975 I think. Very funky place with balconies. Remember the tapa pattern slides they projected at the Kapahulu theatre? I remember the handwritten posters for "Midnite Express" there: "this is what happens to you if you do drugs in Turkey." Used to be a little Japanese restaurant nearby.
Let's keep those Hawaii movie memories flowing!

Posted by helen on August 30, 2003 1:01 PM:

I remember the Kaimuki being a single screen theatre in the summer of 1980. I sort of remember when friend and I went to it, it normally had double features playing in it.

Posted by Albert on August 31, 2003 3:30 PM:

Of course, one thing about what now seems the inevitable disappearance of the Varsity is the fact that I very, very rarely went there.

Alas, this probably is not so rare.

Posted by Paul Honda on October 11, 2003 2:00 PM:

Ryan, thanks for the info regarding Savio. I'm very happy to hear that they'll preserve the facade ... as for the rest of the theater, I've been told by a source at Consolidated that the foundation of the building is very poor. The time is probably right to start from scratch, build a solid foundation and a new theater connected to the facade.

I don't have nostalgic feelings for the other old-time theaters of the past. When the Waikiki theaters were closed down, I didn't feel the pain that many of my friends (nearby and away on the mainland) felt. Same with the closing of Kapiolani, Queen, Kaimuki ... Toyo, Asian Cinema (Keeaumoku gas station now) ... It's Varsity that's near and dear to my heart.

Now, if only Savio can entice Big City Diner to build a new restaurant on the property, heheheh....

Posted by Albert on October 11, 2003 2:14 PM:

I don't see any point in preserving the facade. It is in no way distinguished. And if they get rid of that ugly circular building next to the theatre, good riddance.

But "nostalgic feeling for the other old-time theaters of the past" .... I'd much rather see someone launch a campaign to save Waikiki 3 than the Varsity.

Posted by Paul Honda on October 11, 2003 3:26 PM:

Albert, I have to confess, my affection for Varsity Theater goes back to my childhood, when I saw "Rocky" there. Grew up in the neighborhood. It's the lone landmark in Moi'ili'ili aside from Star Market. (I can agree with anyone who says Puck's Alley is akin to having a face only a mother could love.)

I've always enjoyed the architecture and design of Waikiki Theater. I just hated the parking scam.

Most recent movie I saw at Varsity was "American Splendor," which is awesome, but not for everybody. (See link)

Posted by CGee on October 13, 2003 5:34 AM:

I worked for Consolidated for 10 years. Started at the Waikiki 3 after the renovations in 1983. In those years I worked as a manager at all the walk in houses and even the Kam DI a few times. I still have many good friends from those days gone by, and even met my wife at the Koko Marina Theatre (she worked for me there...hehehe). I mourn the loss of the Waikiki 3 and the Cinerama the most. They were my favorites to see a movie at as well as to have worked as a manager. I live in Virginia now and of all things there is a Consolidated Theatre chain here in VA and NC. Thank goodness there is no relation to the Consolidated in HI as they have gone down the tubes. Too bad, the company had such a great and proud history in Hawaii, now its all being run out of LA at Consolidateds parent company, Pacific Theatres.

Posted by Paul Honda on October 13, 2003 1:56 PM:

CGee, I hear you about Cinerama. As kids, we camped there overnight before "Return of the Jedi." I'm not even a big Star Wars fan, but somebody had to babysit my baby brother.

There's hope for Cinerama ... the building is intact, but as always, parking was a problem. Between Cinerama and the block in the ewa direction, I've always thought there's good potential. However, the last business across the street on that vacant space was Diner's ... followed by a couple other things, including a politician's campaign headquarters.

If location is everything, I wonder why those two blocks are so so-so.

Posted by helen on October 13, 2003 8:28 PM:

I think parking was Cinerama downfall. The place could hold around 600 people but only 50 or so parking spaces.

It did however had a good number of bus routes serving it like the #1, #2, #5, #6, and #13 (and City Express B if the Cinerama was still around when that route went on-line).

The Varisty on the other hand seems to have just enough parking for it.

Posted by Pukaua on March 10, 2004 3:25 PM:

Anyone interested in hopefully reviving business back to Varsity? To start off with short films? Please let me know.

Posted by sig@movietreasures.com on August 13, 2004 1:13 PM:

Can someone put Dwight Damon in touch with me/

Im in Capt Cook

808-328-8119

I have lots of old movie books-posters0memorabilia for his Movie Museum
Sig Goode

Posted by Paul Honda on July 12, 2006 9:46 PM:

Well, it's been awhile since any news has been out on Varsity Theater ... or maybe I just missed it. Is there anything new? "An Inconvenient Truth" and "A Prairie Home Companion" are playing there right now. I plan on seeing the former.

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The Varsity

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