Changes and Development

Known locally as the "theatre with the couches," this independent and foreign film theatre did not always enjoy its popularity among the art crowd, students of Brown University and the Rhode Island School of Design. The theatre actually opened a lonely night in 1976 when not a single person showed up. Although South Main Street had been at the heart of Providence's waterfront commerce during the 19th century, by the 1970's and early 80's it had become an extremely dangerous neighborhood. Eric Bilodeau, nephew to Raymond and general manger since 1990, remembers the early 80's when the cinema locked its doors after ticket sales in order to ensure the safety of its movie viewers. Eric recalls that the Cable Car took six to seven years to establish itself. Because most small movie houses have been replaced by multiplex theatres, the Cable Car Cinema and Cafe is one of the few remaining independent theatres in Providence and Rhode Island. The cinema welcomes local musicians to perform before shows, and works with local universities and organizations to house independent and foreign film festivals such as the annual French Film Festival. With its faithful clientele and dedication to its cause, the cinema's progress simultaneously grew out of and contributed to South Main Street's renewal.