The Portal Theater

The Portal is a classic movie theater showing public domain movies on select Thursdays and Fridays at 7:00 pm in Martha’s Ballroom (the upper level of Café Amulet). Showings will start in October 2025.

Martha’s Ballroom is only accessible by stairs. Accessible, small crowd showings on a TV on the lower level may possibly be scheduled by contacting us directly.

The Great Dictator (1940)

January 30 & 31 - 7:00 pm

A bold move when it premiered, The Great Dictator became Chaplin’s biggest box office success. The film was nominated for five Academy Awards nominations and still boasts a 92% Certified Fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Both a satire and a plea for our shared humanity, the film invites you to laugh and to reflect. Witness Chaplin’s first-ever speaking role and one of cinema’s most powerful calls for unity.

The film entered public domain in the United States in the late 1990s because the copyright was not renewed.

My Man Godfrey (1936)

February 26 & 27 - 7:00 pm

A potent cocktail of romantic repartee and social critique. Irene, an eccentric, wealthy Manhattanite, wins a society-ball scavenger hunt after finding an apparent down-and-out drifter at a dump. She gives him work as the family butler and soon falls head over heels for him. Her attempts to both woo Godfrey and indoctrinate him in the household’s dysfunction make for a string of madcap high jinks. The film was the first to garner Oscar nominations in all four acting categories, and it is slated as one of Hollywood’s greatest commentaries on class and the social unrest of the Depression era.

The film is based on the 1935 novel, 1101 Park Avenue by Eric S. Hatch.

The film's copyright was not renewed, entering it into the public domain. The novel's copyright, however, was properly renewed so the storyline remains protected.

Food at The Portal

This isn't your average movie theater in a lot of ways. Here, you are welcome to bring in dinner and eat while you watch. We even have tables in the viewing area for you. We request you clean up your own mess to the best of your abilities.

It wouldn't be a movie theater without popcorn though, so we've got you covered there. Unlimited popcorn is included per ticket while supplies last.

And of course, the bar downstairs will be open for your refreshment needs. Grab a cocktail or two to sip while you view!

Ticket Cost

Tickets are $3 and can be paid by cash or card at the door. Unlimited popcorn is included with ticket, while supplies last.

Pre-ordering tickets is now available by request only. Contact us to make arrangements if needed.

Interested in sponsoring?

Sponsoring the theater offers businesses and organizations an opportunity to advertise before film showings, includes a featured spot on our website, and inclusion in several social media promotions for the theater. Sponsorships are reasonably priced and we do have bundle options available. Nonprofits are eligible for reduced pricing.

About Our Theater

We are able to provide this affordable entertainment option because we only show movies that are in the public domain. You won't see new releases here, but you will find a movie night out that won't break the bank.

We do try to look for movies that draw inspiration from or are inspired by books, but since we are limited to public domain titles, that won't always be the case.

Public domain movies are widely available and can be viewed without cost relatively easily from the comfort of your home, if desired.

Then why do we charge?

The cost, which we strive to keep reasonable and affordable, is less about the movie itself, and more about the effort, time, and organization that goes into the theater. We are providing a community gathering spot, cleaning and maintaining the space, providing equipment, often paying fees to remove outside advertisements, etc.

Thank you for supporting our small business!

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