Tarantino saves struggling cinema
Quentin Tarantino to the rescue. New Beverly Cinema, famed for its showings of classic and cult films, has been saved from closing down by the Pulp Fiction filmmaker.
The cinema, which was first built in 1929 - before the Torgan family took it over in 1979, was in threat of being closed down in 2005. However, Tarantino has stepped in to ensure its survival.
Tarantino explained, "It was going to be turned into a Super Cut. I'd been coming to the New Beverly ever since I was old enough to drive there from the South Bay - since about 1982. So, I couldn't let that happen.
"Since I'm a print collector and I screen movies at my home, I heard from other collectors and projectionists that Sherman might have to close down."
When the Inglourious Basterds director phoned Sherman Torgan to enquire how much it would cost to keep the theatre running, they said $5,000 (£3,206).
"So, I just started paying him that per month. I considered it a contribution to cinema."
However, following Sherman's death, Tarantino has bought the space outright.
Sherman's son, Michael, said, "Within a week of my father's death, the Landlord had a buyer bidding for the theatre space. Fortunately, I found a copy of our original lease, and it said that the family had the right of first refusal if we could find another buyer. Quentin couldn't be a better landlord. He's involved with suggesting movies when he likes, but he lets us do most of the booking."
Source: Yahoo! Movies