The Nabes

The "nabes," or neighborhood movie theatres were a phenomena which peaked in the 1940s. Every neighborhood in Toronto and in almost every major city throughout North America had a "nabe" which became the center for entertainment, enjoyment, cinema. People organized their entertainment lives to attend their "nabe" on a weekly basis -- to watch movies, to see the newsreel, to meet friends, even to collect the "gifts" which were common as a premium give-away. The "nabes" were an important part of North American culture. Alas, these movie houses fell into decline during the 1970s and are now virtually extinct. See for yourself in a large section of interesting "then and now" photo spreads. John Sebert, the renowned photographer, has now researched these landmark sites in Toronto's archives. He has tracked down original photographs of the "nabes" in their heyday and taken photos of the way they are today. Numerous well-known personalities have contributed texts which document their own 'love affairs' with their local "nabes." This book is an important visual record