Bantam Cinema & Arts Center

115 Bantam Lake Road,
Bantam, CT 06750

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Roger Katz
Roger Katz on November 23, 2021 at 8:16 am

The Bantam Cinema reopened for occasional showings in October and November of 2021. It appears they are ramping up to their full schedule beginning in December. Their new website is https://www.bantamcinema.org/.

Joe Vogel
Joe Vogel on September 20, 2017 at 7:12 pm

I wonder if the barn-like, utilitarian exterior remodeling can be undone, and the handsome brick front the Bantam sported when it opened in 1927 as the Rivoli restored?

Granola
Granola on August 24, 2015 at 6:49 am

OPENED AS RIVOLI THEATRE

Trolleyguy
Trolleyguy on November 4, 2014 at 6:44 am

According to the website, the Bantam has gone digital.

Scragglewart
Scragglewart on September 19, 2008 at 12:12 pm

I used to own a house in Litchfield (2000-2006)and would go to the Bantam Cinema every now and then. It was often drafty and cold, the sound wasn’t the greatest, but what it lacked in technology it more than made up in charm. It seemed as if the treats at the concession stand were all homemade…old fashioned bags of popcorn, home baked cookies and that sort of thing. I havent been back in a few years but hope it never changes.

kencmcintyre
kencmcintyre on September 26, 2007 at 7:24 pm

In 1970 the operator was Lightstone Theater Enterprises, Inc. President was Morty Lightstone, booker was Hank Lightstone.

Roger Katz
Roger Katz on January 5, 2007 at 6:38 pm

The Bantam Cinema was just sold by longtime owner Lisa Hedley to Syndey Koch earlier this week. He plans to continue to run it as an art cinema.

edwardguinea
edwardguinea on February 23, 2006 at 4:14 pm

They used to have revivals into the ‘80’s such as The Marx Brothers and Bogart. I certainly doubt that it is the only continuously operating movie house in CT…for years it was only open on Fridays and Saturdays. The theatre in Watertown deserves that title.
It was a comfortable place until they sliced in half sideways. The screens are too high.
edguinea

DamienB
DamienB on December 3, 2005 at 10:21 am

The Bantam Cinema became an art house in the late ‘60s — my guess would be 1968 — which, if memory serves, was also when it was renamed Cinema IV. I saw Bergman’s Hour Of The Wolf here in '68 or '69.

RickKeeler
RickKeeler on July 13, 2005 at 4:46 pm

My family has owned a property on Bantam Lake for over 100 years (just down from Keeler’s Cove), and my very first recollection of going to see a show at the Bantam Cinema was when I was 8, maybe 9 years old.
My parents took us to see Lillies of the Field – Sidney Poitier, and even at that age, I realized that I had just witnessed a treasure.
Two of my other favorites were The Old Man and The Sea, and Dr. Zhivago, although not seen there at Bantam.
Nice place and my wife Myra and I are still planning on going there again this summer. She really enjoys it there!!!

BobBrown
BobBrown on January 23, 2005 at 9:34 am

My family use to summer at near by Bantan Lake and a fond memory is riding with my best friend on one bicycle to the Bantam Theater. One evening in 1963 after the rather exhausting ride (seems I always peddled) we arrived at the Bantam to see King Kong vs Godzilla. After purchasing some of that wonerfull buttered popcorn we settled down full of anticipation (we were 12 & 13)to see this thriller. Much to our surprise and dissapiontment the movie shut off half way through and we were asked to leave! Maybe it had to do with the fact that we were the only two people in the theater!

Patsy
Patsy on December 3, 2004 at 10:40 am

While looking at theatres, by state, I decided to click on CT and found this one in Litchfield. The town has been in the news as it is the home of Dick and Susan Ebersol who recently lost their 13 year old son to a plane crash that involved both her older son and husband, NBC executive Dick Ebersol. May our thoughts be with them at this most difficult time.

Gerald A. DeLuca
Gerald A. DeLuca on June 21, 2004 at 3:23 am

I was here yesterday to see that remarkable Italian film “I Am Not Scared.” What an unlikely little twin cinema in an unlikely place, an art house on a country road! Also currently in program is “Supersize Me” and the Korean gem “Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter…and Spring.” It’s a likable place with comfy seats, good sound and projection, memorabilia and posters, including one of Bertolucci’s “Stealing Beauty” in the men’s room.

Roger Katz
Roger Katz on June 12, 2004 at 7:11 pm

Bantam is a borough within the town of Litchfield.