Michael France, left, and Chris Nickelsen get ready to serve popcorn at the Beach Theatre.
ST. PETE BEACH – Movies highlighting the sounds of the 1960s, first run favorites, independent and foreign flicks, classics, and kids films at least 10 years old can be found at the Beach Theatre on Corey Avenue in St. Pete Beach.
Screenwriter and St. Pete Beach resident Michel France is the theater’s new owner. He has given the historic landmark new life and wants to make sure there’s entertainment for everyone.
“This theater is the only one we’ve got on the beaches,” France said. “I’m trying to be mindful of that. I want to have something for everybody.”
Innovative to the core, France has made several changes. He is dedicated to introducing classic kids’ movies like “The 7th Voyage of Sinbad” to today’s youngsters.
“Actually, a lot of family movies made today stink,” France said.
The Web site is updated and patrons can buy tickets online. They also can vote for cult movies they would like to see.
France is a St. Petersburg native. He graduated from the University of Florida with a degree in English. Then it was on to Columbia University to study film.
“The movie business is in L.A.,” he said, “so I went out there and took a job as a script reader for five years. I finally buckled down and wrote the screenplay for “Cliffhanger.” I became known and even got to do the job I wanted my whole life – write a James Bond movie,” he added, referring to “Golden Eye.” Other well known movies France penned include “The Punisher and Hulk.”
But Hollywood wasn’t where France wanted to spend his life.
“I love it here,” he said, referring to the beaches.
“I don’t need to be in L.A. to write. I still have to go back occasionally, but my home is here.”
He lives with his wife Elizabeth and children, Tommy, 9, and twins Abby and Carly, 4.
Built in 1939 by Boston financier, Stephen Girard, the one screen Beach Theatre seats 250 with plenty of leg room. Known in the past for screening foreign and independent films and the cult favorite, “Rocky Horror Picture Show,” the Beach now caters to a diverse, 21st century audience.
Prices are well below those at the chain movie theaters and the refreshment stand sells more than candy. Wine, beer and more can be found along with the popcorn and hot dogs.
“We’ll be offering white Russians during the run of “The Big Lebowski” and shark sandwiches during “Jaws,” France said.
“Pirates of the Caribbean 3” and the independent film, “Away from Her,” are currently showing, along with a free kids Saturday morning matinee and “Rocky Horror” at 11:45 Saturday night.
Films include “Monterey Pop,” “Dirty Dancing,” “Young Frankenstein,” “Jaws,” “The Big Lebowski,” and “The Jerk.” A local band, The Hodaddy’s, will perform with a locally produced surf movie. He is also talking about showing major sports events and maybe even the Super Bowl in the future.
France said he paid $800,000 for the theater and has sunk another $50,000 to $75,000 into it this year.
“We plan on getting the seats replaced and just put in a new sound system and video equipment,” he added.
To find out what’s at the movies, call The Beach Theatre at 360-6697 or visit www.beachtheatre.com.
![[Image]](/content_images/071807_bhb-01.jpg)
