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Polishing The Film Legacy Of The Senator

By Sam Sessa , sam.sessa@baltsun.com|June 26, 2009

The historic Senator Theatre isn't just steeped in cinema history - it's surrounded by it.

About 100 commemorative sidewalk blocks bearing the autographs of film stars such as John Travolta and director Barry Levinson sit outside the city's last single-screen theater. Since the writing on those blocks has faded with time, weather and foot traffic, theater officials are throwing a sidewalk painting party from noon to dusk Saturday and Sunday, weather permitting.

Popcorn and soda will be provided to volunteers, and films will be screened inside the theater. The blocks will get a fresh coat of UV-resistant paint just in time for the Theatre Historical Society of America's tour of the Senator on July 10.


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The first block was unveiled in 1982, when the theater played host to the world premiere of Levinson's film Diner, set in the director's hometown of Baltimore. For owner Tom Kiefaber, the blocks are reminders of the theater's remarkable history.

"The blocks are part of the theater's legacy, and they will hopefully survive us all," Kiefaber said. "They stir up a lot of memories."

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