Montauk’s Last Picture Show

After several attempts to continue operating the Montauk Movie Theater and subsequent Cinema Cycle classes, Montauk’s only movie theater will close its doors for good on Monday. The building will be available for lease.

A few years ago when movie theater owners all over were investing in new digital projection equipment, the Rutkowski family considered it, even though the costs were exorbitant. About 18 months ago they came up with the idea of offering Cinema Cycle spin classes, which, though popular, were not profitable enough to keep running on their own.

“We’ve enjoyed every minute of bringing movies and then cinema cycling to Montauk,” the Rutkowskis said in a release. “When we started cinema cycling we were confident but not completely sure what to expect and were pleasantly surprised by its success.”

Dave Rutkowski said on Tuesday that he looked at his financial records over the last 10 years and profits have dropped dramatically. “After 31 years, it’s so sad but so time to move on,” he said, adding that the number of people watching movies in theaters is dropping significantly.

The morning spin classes will continue until Monday, but the theater will be closed on Thanksgiving Day. On Saturday two final movies will be shown as a fund-raiser for the East Hampton High School girls softball team — “Elf” at 7 p.m. and “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” at 9. Admission is $5, and refreshments will be sold.

After that everything else in the building will be put up for sale, including bike equipment and cycling shoes, theater seats, popcorn and ice machines, and movie reels. Anyone interested in purchasing any of the items can email Mr. Rutkowski at [email protected].