Cowboys and outlaws ruled the screen at Harbor Theater’s Classic Movie Night last week, but the real story was the theater’s own comeback. Even with a modest crowd for One Eyed Jacks, co-owner Matthew Unzeitig remains determined to bring the magic of the movies back to Two Harbors.
“That’s kind of our practice night for the bigger shows,” he said. “It’s an old movie and it was the first night of it, so we’ll see after a few months if that one’s going to take off or not, but we’re just going to keep trying stuff.”
Beyond Tuesday’s Classic Movie Nights, Harbor Theater is gearing up for weekend showings that Unzeitig hopes will pack the seats.
“It’s probably going to be Friday and Saturday nights that are going to be the most popular, I would imagine, but I’d like to do weeknight things too,” Unzeitig said. “That’s just going to be a matter of getting it right. The right movies during the right times.”
To figure out which movies will draw the biggest cheers, Unzeitig recently posted a poll on Harbor Theater’s Facebook page. The early results make one thing clear. The area loves its 80s favorites just as much as its timeless black-and-white classics. May I just say you all have good taste!
Movie lovers have plenty to look forward to in the coming weeks at Harbor Theater. Classic Movie Night on July 29 will feature 1942’s Rudyard Kipling’s Jungle Book.
The western Boot Hill (1969) rides in on August 5, followed by the spirited musical This is the Army (1946) on August 12. Returning to the western genre, Sundowners will be featured on August 19.
Wrapping up the month on August 26, The Cape Town Affair (1967) will bring drama and suspense with Jacqueline Bisset in the lead.
For only $5, Tuesday nights at Harbor Theater offer a cozy, affordable escape into classic films. Shows begin promptly at 7 PM. Just a heads-up, the theater currently accepts cash only, so be sure to bring some along for your ticket and snacks!
Feature Film Nights bring beloved favorites to the big screen. On August 1, fans of The Dude can catch The Big Lebowski with two showings at 4 PM and 7 PM, so you can abide twice in one day. Then, on Friday, August 8, the charming animated story An American Tail invites audiences of all ages to join the adventure.
Tickets for Feature Film Nights are priced at $5 for kids and $10 for adults, a fantastic deal for a night of entertainment without breaking the bank.
Of course, the real star is the Harbor Theater, a historic gem that’s shining bright again thanks to some serious TLC.
Restoring the building has been a true labor of love, and with a background in urban and regional planning, Unzeitig is well-equipped to tackle the challenges of renovating an old classic like Harbor Theater. Originally opening its doors in 1940, the theater operated through the 1980s. After a brief reopening in 2014, it sat vacant for several years, during which a leaky roof caused significant damage to the building’s interior.
“The building would not have lasted five more years, but we saved it,” Unzeitig said. “The roof doesn’t leak anymore, and we fixed the damage from the water inside, mostly the ceilings, and got everything working.”
Bringing in karaoke and upgrading the sound system, the theater is shaping up to be a versatile community space. Unzeitig plans to rent it out for private parties, concerts, and family events, making it more than just a movie house.
Unzeitig is currently relying on the community and volunteers to keep the Harbor Theater running. He has partnered with Two Harbors High School’s DECA Entrepreneurs club to help with business operations and hopes to involve even more local residents.
“To keep it open, people need to use it,” Unzeitig said. “So, we’re going to try to get things going that people want here. Come and let us know and come help out. There’s opportunities here to get involved and to actually be part of it. It’s been fun for me so far.”
Unzeitig admits there’s a learning curve. “I’m just learning how to do this. I’m good at saving buildings, but now I have to learn how to run a theater. There’s lots to it.”
If you’re interested in getting involved, reach out to Matthew Unzeitig through the Harbor Theater’s Facebook page. Be sure to share your movie requests in the poll on their page, and check there for the full schedule and event updates.
