The Catlow Theatre — Attraction in Barrington

The Catlow is just an amazing old theater where local come to see $5 movies. It's origins were early in the 20th century when it was built as a glamorous silent movie house. It's interior has been restored, while not perfectly, well enough that you can get a feel of what it must have been like way back then.

After a successful round of fundraising, they avoided closing their doors by raising enough money to buy a digital projector. They were in some danger of closing as the newer films are being released in digital format, phasing out film, and making their projection equipment obsolete. As I understand it, the new equipment can be very expensive. But, the community came together to keep this valuable part of the local culture alive. I believe their next step is another round of fundraising to replace their aging seats.

We went to see Argo, the new movie about the CIA's top secret hostage rescue during the 444 day Iranian hostage crisis that was resolved in 1981. I won't review the film here, but if you remember those times, it is a great film to go see.

With near first run showings, the Catlow is a fine value that delivers a great experience. Where else can you go to see top movies at $5 surrounded by 1920s...

(Feb 2019) Catlow, you need to get your act together! We came in for the Tuesday matinee today, and when we got in the theater the ads were playing with no sound. Eventually I got up and told one of the workers to turn the sound on, and she said it would be on when the movie came on. Well, when the movie finally did come on, the sound was still off and I had to tell her again to turn the sound on. She then told me they would restart the movie. We waited 10 minutes through the movie in silence. It did not restart, but at least they turned the sound back on. We missed the first 10 min of the film! Also, a while back I saw a movie there, and it actually started early, which made me miss the first beginning of that movie, as well! 😡

(5 years ago) Just what everyone here has said... great PRICE, incredible atmosphere, quality food! The only down side is that there is only...

We saw "It's a Wonderful Life" in a wonderful theater!!! It was a real treat to see a classic B & W film that you might not have been able to see when it was originally released in such a beautiful venue. While The Catlow Theater was built in 1927 and still has much of it's original charm and beauty it's far from antiquated. The seating was comfortable and the sound and projector systems both seemed to have been updated making the whole veiwing experience enjoyable. This was my first time visiting The Catlow and I'm definitely looking forward to going again and hope to do so for some time...even if it's to see one of those new-fangled "Technicolor" movies they're making these days!!! Oh and FYI...the popcorn was...