Grand Illusion Cinema, Seattle

The Grand Illusion Cinema is the longest running independent cinema in the city of Seattle, Washington, and has become a landmark of the film community. Opened as The Movie House in March 1970 by Randy Finley at 1403 NE 50th St in a converted dentist's office the cinema became the city's first intimate arthouse and showcased foreign and revival films. The cinema's success led to Randy creating the Movie House in Portland, Oregon in 1973. He then took over the Guild 45th Theater and created the Seven Gables Theatre at 50th and Roosevelt in Seattle. They, and other theaters, became the Seven Gables Theatre Chain, which was later merged with Landmark Theatres. The Grand Illusion was never part of the Seven Gables chain and remained a popular independent venue. Non-profit film arts organization, the Northwest Film Forum, saved the theater from closure in 1997, remodeled it, and revitalized interest in the institution. ()