By Clementina Verge
Chelsea Altman still fondly remembers the first time she saw Grease in a movie theater—the excitement of picking out just the right candy and escaping into the world of the “hallowed” Sandra Dee.
David Maltby reminisces specifically about The Moviehouse in Millerton as part of his childhood memories, so when the opportunity arose to purchase the iconic landmark and preserve it for future generations of movie lovers, he and Altman did not hesitate.
“I went to The Moviehouse for 45 years,” Maltby reminisces. “I knew its unique history and knew It was an opportunity to save a legacy.”
The legacy dates back to 1903 when The Moviehouse was initially built as a grange and eventually converted into a movie theater with a ballroom on the second floor. For the next seven decades, it would become a Millerton landmark, attracting movie lovers of all ages. After facing hardships in the 1970s, it was purchased by a local couple—Carol and Robert Sadlon—who restored the historic building and kept the magic going for some 40 years. After Robert died in 2019 and the Covid pandemic forced closures, Carol knew it was time to pass the torch.
Purchasing a community hub with an enduring presence was not a light undertaking, but Maltby and Altman combined their love of the arts with their business and creative expertise.
She is a stage, screen, and television actress, and co-owns six bars and restaurants in Brooklyn. He, an award-winning drummer and theater producer, is a real estate investor and founding partner of Empire Square Group in New York City.
United in their desire to preserve the cultural center—listed on the National Register of Historic Places—they got to work. While the building’s exterior maintains its classic design—including the recognizable clock tower sitting atop Main Street—the interior has undergone a complete renovation, improving feel, comfort, and functionality, notes Maltby.
One of the largest independent cinemas in the Hudson Valley, The Moviehouse now features an elevator, a lounge and bar, three theaters with high-tech digital screens and between 100-150 seats each, and a fourth 25-seat lounge ideal for private events.
“The vibe is a glamorous Hollywood feel: vibrant, dynamic, and colorful,” explains Altman. “It is more invigorating to watch a movie in a theater than on a couch at home, to feel the people’s response around you and the collective energy. We wanted to create a community hub, an electric and exciting space that makes it fun and special to meet friends.”
A year into their adventure, Altman and Maltby are grateful for the “undeniable support” received from the community—ranging from small children to older patrons—and enthusiastic about creative future endeavors.
Dedicated to being “educational, unique, and a community theater for the long haul,” The Moviehouse is now also designated as a 501(c)3 non-profit organization poised to continue the area’s rich history of the arts. It offers an inclusive lineup, ranging from new releases, to cult-classics, documentaries, and live performances from the National Theatre, The Metropolitan Opera, and The Royal Ballet.—moviehouse.net
48 Main Street, Millteron