Grand opening events have been set for The Last Picture House – a boutique cinema and cocktail lounge – located at 325 E. Second St. in downtown Davenport.
The new business will host its grand opening Saturday, Dec. 9, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 5:30 p.m., followed by a reception and a special advanced screening of the movie, “The Iron Claw.”
That film, to be released nationally on Dec. 22, stars Zac Efron, Jeremy Allen White, Harris Dickinson and Lily James, and is the true story of the inseparable Von Erich brothers, who made history in the intensely competitive world of professional wrestling in the early 1980s. (The movie is being released by the entertainment company A24.)
“We are above honored for the Quad Cities to be one of the first audiences ever to see this beautiful film from A24,” Scott Beck and Bryan Woods, filmmakers and co-owners of The Last Picture House, said in a news release Monday, Dec. 4.
The screening will be an invite-only event, with any remaining tickets available to the public as first come, first served. The public is invited to take part in the reception, ribbon cutting, and visit the venue. An afternoon screening Saturday of the movie “Field of Dreams” also will be open to the public, with tickets on sale at lastpicturehouse.com.
Nestled along the Mississippi River in the Motor Row District of Davenport, The Last Picture House presents an art-deco inspired movie-going experience that has been carefully designed and crafted for film lovers of all ages and tastes by Mr. Beck and Mr. Woods. The cinema is home to two state-of-the-art studios, a luxurious cocktail lounge, a collection of rare film art and props, and a seasonal rooftop bar and outdoor screening space that overlooks the historic Arsenal Bridge, Mississippi River and the Motor Row District.
With a curated calendar of first-run movies playing alongside independent, international, classic and cult films, The Last Picture House offers a cultural and artistic space to encourage its audiences to engage with their friends, family and community – all while celebrating a passion for film.
Featuring Dolby Atmos surround sound, laser and 35mm projection, and balcony seating, The Last Picture House harkens back to classic movie palaces of yesteryear.
The new venture is a project by Mr. Beck and Mr. Woods, two Iowa natives best known as the writers and creators of “A Quiet Place,” starring Emily Blunt and John Krasinski, which grossed over $340 million worldwide.
Beck & Woods’ other credits include writing and directing Sony Pictures’ “65,” starring Adam Driver, which was released worldwide and later debuted as the No. 1 film on Netflix; the acclaimed thriller “Haunt”; writing and producing the Stephen King adaptation of “The Boogeyman” for 20th Century Studios; and writing, directing and producing the upcoming “Heretic” for A24 starring Hugh Grant.
For more information about the filmmakers, visit www.beckandwoods.com.
AT A GLANCE
WHAT: The Last Picture House grand opening
WHERE: 325 E. Second St., Davenport
FESTIVITIES: The new boutique cinema and cocktail lounge venue will officially open Saturday, Dec. 9. The venue will officially be open to the public and will be christened with a ribbon cutting at 5:30 p.m., followed by a reception and a special advanced screening of A24’s “The Iron Claw,” starring Zac Efron, Jeremy Allen White, Harris Dickinson and Lily James.
THE FILM: The film is the true story of the inseparable Von Erich brothers, who made history in the intensely competitive world of professional wrestling in the early 1980s. Through tragedy and triumph, under the shadow of their domineering father and coach, the brothers seek larger-than-life immortality on the biggest stage in sports.
TICKETS: “The Iron Claw” screening will be an invite-only event, with any remaining tickets available to the public as first come, first serve. Tickets on sale at lastpicturehouse.com.
For more information regarding showtimes, operating hours, special events and rentals at The Last Picture House, visit www.lastpicturehouse.com.
