The theater will continue to show independent films.

The theater will continue to show independent films.
By GUY D'ASTOLFO
VINDICATOR ENTERTAINMENT WRITER
AUSTINTOWN -- How's this for a movie script:
A woman mounts a quixotic battle to save the thing she loves from a swift and certain demise. Hearing her plea, hundreds of people rally behind her and join in the fight. In the end, a white knight rides in to save the day.
It's hokey but true. And it's now playing at Austintown Movies.
In December, Michele McBride, a lawyer from Poland, began a grass-roots effort to save the Mahoning Valley's only independent-film theater from closing. On Friday, Chris Davis of Akron signed a one-year lease with the owners of Austintown Plaza to operate the theater, starting March 1. The theater is located in the plaza.
The current operator, Cleveland Cinemas, announced in early December that it would close the theater because of declining revenues. That's when McBride, an indie-movie buff, formed a nonprofit corporation called Save Austintown Movies/Keep It Reel.
She persuaded Cleveland Cinemas not to close the theater Jan. 2, as originally planned, to give her time to explore ways to keep it open.
McBride soon signed up 500 people and a handful of companies to membership pledges. The members sent checks for varying amounts that entitle them to multiple free admissions. The basic pledge is $50 for 10 movie passes.
Looking ahead
Davis, whose company, North Coast Theater Service, already operates several other theaters in Northeast Ohio, will close Austintown Movies for two or three days after the March 1 changeover, said Jessica Hoover, assistant manager of the theater.
Hoover said Davis plans to show a mix of indie and mainstream films at the three-screen theater, and he also plans to reduce admission prices. She wasn't sure whether the theater will change its name, or whether any major renovations or physical changes are planned.
The arrival of Davis on the scene was a direct result of McBride's efforts.
"We were just getting the word out [about our efforts], but that got the job done, because Davis heard about us and called me," she said. "I put him in touch with the theater's owners and they eventually worked out a deal."
McBride plans to meet with Davis soon to discuss the membership pledges.
"We want to ensure the smooth transition into a new operation with a strong commitment to bringing in the same quality indie films that have been presented in the past -- and perhaps even more captivating indie films," she said.
The turn of events was satisfying for McBride. "It definitely shows that if you get enough people interested in a worthwhile effort and make enough noise, something good will happen," she said.
Movies now playing at Austintown include "Capote," "Memoirs of a Geisha," "Looking for Comedy in the Muslim World," "The Matador" and "The World's Fastest Indian." Opening Friday are "Transamerica," "Brokeback Mountain" and "Mrs. Henderson Presents."
For more information about Keep It Reel, go to http://keepitreel.bluepub.net