Parc in the dark

Thanks for giving a bit of information on the closing of the Cinéma du Parc ["No Parc-ing," Mar.4]. But it wasn't enough. I phoned Crown Life and was told Oxford is in charge. Oxford answered with a frightened receptionist who knew nothing. I still want to reach Thierry Martin to ask what the neighbourhood can do to protest.

Cinéma du Parc had become a neighbourhood institution. Hundreds of us could cross the street or walk a few blocks for inexpensive, congenial and relaxing entertainment.

What happened? What can we do?

-Lucia Kowaluk

What is happening with Cinéma du Parc? Is it really over? Just like that?

Two Fridays ago, I wanted to see a movie there (Trainspotting, third time). When me and my friend got there, three security guards told us in a pretty rude manner that the cinema was closed and that it would be closed over the weekend. They made "friendly" suggestions that we stop asking questions and get lost.

I cannot believe this! The Parc is the best repertory theatre in Montreal--sort of a landmark, cult place--and the only one in English. Is it possible that it's gone just like that?

There are many of us who will feel a great loss if this theatre disappears. Is there anything that can be done?

-Milana Horvat

Doors for porters

While complimenting you on the publication of the article "Riding the rails" [Feb. 4], I would like to clarify a few points.

In referring to the February 15 event at Windsor Station, when a plaque was unveiled to commemorate Canada's black porters, Philip Preville described the site as being, "beside the station's back doors, the entrance the porters were required to use..."

The Peel and St-Antoine entrance was not a back entrance but rather one of the main entrances to the station and also the entrance to the Bank of Montreal and within walking distance of the Queen's Hotel, one of the best hotels in the city at the time. This same entrance was used by many patrons of the Alouette dining room located in Windsor Station. One has only to look at the gold-plated clock above the entrance to realize that this was one of the main entrances to the station.

The porters were never asked to use this entrance. In fact, they owned a building nearby on what was then known as Osborne street (now de la Gauchière) where they socialized.

Mary McLeod Bethune said of Dr Carter G. Woodson, the organizer of the Negro History Week in 1926 (now Black History Month), on the occasion of his death: "With the power of cumulative fact, he moved back the barriers and broadened our visions of the world and the world's vision of us." It is therefore important that we keep those facts accurate.

-Richard Lord

Hot dog hero

I think you get into heaven by how much happiness you bring into the world. And Spanky Horowitz is sure to get himself in the door. I laughed my wiener off and my wife's buns shook with glee ["Hot dog hangover," Mar. 4]. Great epic adventure in two hours--a modern-day hot dog hero!

Now, if he's ready to try souvlaki, pea soup, beans or a chili "rush" marathon, let him go. Better still, don't be around when he does.

This is one toxic warrior that won our hearts. Way to go, Spanky!

-Grant M. Campeau

Missing TV

I read in a British newspaper that TV archives--especially at the BBC, but also in the U.S.--lack episodes of many series of the '50s and '60s. A lot of old movies of the classic era are also lost or not available to the public. In an era when channels are proliferating, we have a right to variety. Our collective movie and TV heritage is something we should all be proud of--we cannot afford to lose a single movie or documentary due to neglect.

If old episodes are lost or erased from TV or network libraries, copies should be acquired from private collectors and duplicates with multiple back-ups must be made. It enrages me to see this ignored in your otherwise good paper. This needs publicity now!

-Melvin Renaldo