By Clinton Sosna
Photo by Clinton Sosna

“I’m a survivor. That’s what I do.” That’s what Alen Nero, the owner of the Gilson Cafe and Cinema in Winsted, tells customers and fans. Amid the uncertainty of these times, the Gilson reopened in mid-August with a weekend screening of “A Streetcar Named Desire.”

The dinner theater carefully follows the protocols set by the state. Masks are required upon entering and exiting, and they are worn at all times by servers and staff. The public areas are thoroughly sanitized before and after each showing. Customer capacity is reduced to accommodate social distancing, but there is still adequate space for up to 80 moviegoers counting both the upstairs and downstairs screening spaces. 

Nero chose “A Streetcar Named Desire” for the reopening in part because the 1951 adaptation of the Tennessee Williams classic is a favorite of his, but also because Covid-19 has had a profound impact on major movie studios, halting new releases. It may not seem that the entertainment industry has been affected, with all the streaming platforms presenting a virtually unlimited array of entertainment. But in reality,  film and television production has been brought to a screeching halt. So, expect to see more classic movie titles splashed across the Gilson’s marquee. The Paul Newman/Robert Redford hit “The Sting” is next on the program, and Nero plans to show “Casablanca” at some point. He says, “We’re going to be more of an art house cinema for the time being.”

The Gilson Theater opened in 1985. It has operated as a cafe and cinema for its entire history. An interesting fact about the iconic Gilson logo is that its font and graphic design were the creation of the owner’s brother, Joe. He is a designer and sculptor who lives in Manhattan.  A family atmosphere pervades the Gilson and contributes to its charm. 

The Gilson Cafe and Cinema is a unique venue in northwestern Connecticut. While it is now showing art house films and classics, the theater normally screens new releases and even cutting-edge documentary films. “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?,” a 2018 documentary about Mr. Rogers, was a huge success. “Three Identical Strangers,” a gripping tale about identical triplets separated at birth and reunited in their late teens, also released that year, was the other half of the double bill. Normally, the Gilson shows two films, one upstairs and one down. Owing to social distancing restrictions and capacity limits, only one film will be showing for the foreseeable future, but opening the second screen is an option. 

Some changes have been made to the usual dinner menu. It has been simplified to appetizers like chips and dip, tortillas and salsa, and vegetable plates; a variety of salads and sandwiches; and soups including New England clam chowder and a soup du jour. Many desserts are on the menu such as carrot cake, tuxedo mousse cake, and a hot fudge brownie sundae. A full bar and, of course, hot buttered popcorn are also available. 

Following state protocols and maintaining a safe and sanitized environment, the Gilson Cafe and Cinema provides a fantastic entertainment choice as the state, with a watchful eye for its residents’ security, slowly reopens. And who doesn’t welcome a few more entertainment choices?