by Chuck Thurman

Desolation Rows

It''s hardly surprising that Resort Theaters of America decided to pull the plug on the Galaxy Six Cinemas in Del Monte Center. Last year was a miserable one for movie theaters all across the country, and Resort Theaters was one of about a dozen movie exhibitors to file for bankruptcy.

Of course, Resort Theaters'' cited all the usual stuff about their decision being based on Galaxy Six''s current financial feasibility. Undoubtedly, that''s all true. But what''s also true is that the Galaxy Six''s future has been cloudy ever since last year when Century Theaters (which operates 700 screens in 11 states including the Northridge and Century Park theaters in Salinas) proposed plans for a giant 16-screen multiplex at Del Monte Center. When Goliath comes to town, you have to decide whether to pick up your slingshot or run like hell. In this case, it looks like Resort decided discretion was the better part of valor... and Goliath wasted no time in seizing the opportunity.

Cris Bremner, Del Monte Center marketing director, confirms that Century Theaters has taken over the Galaxy Six''s former digs on an interim basis. Although you can look for some general housekeeping and maintenance, don''t look for any major improvements at the venue. With Century''s 16-screen proposal still hanging fire, it wouldn''t make much sense to spend too much moola on a theater with a limited future. On the other hand...

When Century announced its 16-screen behemoth, it encountered fierce opposition from some neighborhood groups. With a little spit-and-polish and maybe some make-nice promotions, Century might be able to convince people of how they''re really, really great guys and gals who care about the community. And if Century folks aren''t thinking that way, maybe they should.

That movie theaters have fallen on hard times is inarguable. Most people blame some combination of Hollywood drek and the added competition from videotapes/ DVDs, computers and cable TV for the decline. But I can''t help think the movie houses themselves make their own negative impact on audience numbers.

By and large, projectionists are poorly trained to properly present a film and are expected to man the concession stand at the same time they should be paying attention to the screen. Equipment is poorly maintained, theaters are allowed to remain filthy and staff has the attitude that audiences are a nuisance.

Century Theaters has an opportunity to step up to the plate and show us how a respectable movie exhibitor does business. We''ll be watching.

Gift Horse''s Teeth?

You never like to look a gift horse in the mouth, even if it''s someone else''s gift. But sometimes you have to wonder. Congressmember Sam Farr sent out a press release that fairly quivered with delight in announcing that the National Endowment for the Arts had awarded $10,000 to El Teatro Campesino for its upcoming production of La Pastorela. We wholeheartedly congratulate the NEA for its largesse and El Teatro for its good fortune. At the same time, it points up one of the big criticisms of the NEA. El Teatro has been presenting excellent productions of La Pastorela for years, and audiences flock to see the show. Why wasn''t the money used to stimulate some newer work, either at El Teatro or another company? It''s because grantors usually take a very conservative stance, favoring groups or projects that have a proven track record over those who may have a greater need for the money.

Dancing in Seaside

It''s been years since there''s been any sort of live performance in a Seaside bar/nightclub. I''ve talked to god-only-knows how many promoters who whine about how dangerous the city is, and how nobody from the rest of the Peninsula would go there, and how it just isn''t feasible. My response: Pigstink. The good news is that the folks at Cuz''s Sportsman Club--which, despite its outward appearance, is a friendly neighborhood bar--are giving live music a chance this Saturday. Local rock singer/songwriter Diane Wegner will be opening the show, followed by the acoustic-rock trio Dharma Bums (Troy O''Shamm, Blake Mallory and David Garth). Mallory says the Bums play about a 50/50 blend of originals and cover songs by everyone ranging from Jimi Hendrix to Edwin McCain. If things go well, the Sportsman is reportedly willing to try live music a couple times a month... so show up, be on your best behavior (or at least second-best) and maybe, just maybe, we can prove the whiners wrong. The Sportsman''s Club (394-2666) is located a couple blocks up from Del Monte on Broadway.