Bringing Cinema Back Will Have Benefits

What may have seemed impossible following the fiery destruction of much of the Sag Harbor Cinema in December now appears, if not a sure thing, then increasingly likely. The prospect is exciting.

The old Sag Harbor movie theater was a hoary favorite. Cavernous and dark and with a distinctive musky scent wafting from red-upholstered seats, it was as far from a modern multiplex as one might get. Its programming, too, was different, being mostly art films and independent titles not regularly seen in the big chain movie houses in East Hampton and Southampton. As charming in its own quirky way as it was, the crowds were never large; on a winter’s night you might be the only one in the place taking in the new French film you read about in The Times. How it kept going seemed a mystery, which was part of its appeal. It would be fair to say that as a cultural institution it had plenty of unrealized potential.

What the Sag Harbor Cinema might become is what makes the effort to resurrect it compelling. The plan put forward by devoted members of the community calls for the restoration of its iconic facade, behind which would be three screens, two in large theater spaces, the other in a space more appropriate for private events or classes. Those backing the effort include boldface names, such as Billy Joel and Julie Andrews, and local cultural leaders, such as Anne Chaisson of the Hamptons International Film Festival and Andrea Grover of Guild Hall. 

A deadline of July 1 has been set to reach a $6 million milepost, agreed to by the cinema’s owner, which would move the project closer to reality. The artist Eric Fischl has offered $1 million, the biggest pledge so far.

This is an ambitious project to be sure, but one well worth the effort. Sag Harbor has a distinguished artistic history, including in film. The cinema, if it can become the institution now envisioned, would be an important cultural anchor for the entire South Fork.

One more thing should be said. Though the cinema’s entrance and lobby were lost, Sag Harbor firefighters, aided by many others from neighboring departments, were able to limit damage along Main Street and save the auditorium itself from total loss. Their efforts are to be remembered and commended.