[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 55 (Thursday, April 16, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E511]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE PRYTANIA THEATER

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. CEDRIC L. RICHMOND

                              of louisiana

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 16, 2015

  Mr. RICHMOND. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 100th 
anniversary of the The Prytania Theater, the crown jewel of the New 
Orleans' art scene and the only single- screen motion picture theater 
in the state of Louisiana.
   The Prytania Theater first opened its doors on December 20, 1914 and 
has witnessed the evolution of cinema from silent pictures, to talkies, 
to the current digital landscape. The owners of the land and building, 
John and Gayle Gish, placed the Prytania in a protected trust so that 
future generations could benefit from its historical value. It is 
currently operated by the Brunet family, who has continuously operated 
theaters in the New Orleans area for over 100 years.
   For the Brunet family, the Prytania is arguably the most important 
venture they have pursued to date. Rene Brunet Sr. operated several 
neighborhood theaters beginning in 1907. And after his death in 1946, 
his son, Rene Brunet Jr., took over the family business and operated as 
many as six neighborhood theaters at one time. Although the movie 
industry has changed enormously over the last century, Rene Jr. and his 
son Robert continue to carry the torch. Currently, Robert oversees the 
daily operations of the theater alongside his daughter Paige, while 
Rene Jr. remains an important part of the Prytania operation. On 
several days of the week, one may find all three generations of the 
Brunet family at work inside the Prytania, and the Brunets intend to 
run the theater for as long as possible.
   Like all movie theaters, the Prytania brings communities together 
for the unparalleled and magical experience of collectively viewing a 
movie on the silver screen. The Prytania is also an anchor for the 
surrounding community. After the devastation of Hurricane Katrina in 
2005, the Prytania was the first theater to re-open after the Hurricane 
in October 2005; and upon re-opening, Rene Brunet Jr. extended his hand 
in generosity and offered free admission to the first responders.
   The Prytania is a centerpiece of New Orleans' vibrant arts scene. It 
has hosted movie stars like Sandra Bullock, Brad Pitt, Nicholas Cage 
and Quentin Tarantino; New Orleans Saints players; the New Orleans Film 
Festival; the French Film Festival; the Irish Film Festival and 
numerous premieres and film community events.
   The Prytania's history of hosting world-famous movie industry 
figures and smaller, independent filmmakers shows that the Prytania is 
a unique institution that continues the tradition of old Hollywood 
glitz and glamour while also serving as a bastion of the independent 
film community. I would like to congratulate the Brunet family on this 
historic milestone, and I wish them many more years of providing New 
Orleans residents and visitors a positive movie experience.

                          ____________________