You can hardly open up a newspaper or turn on the television without some sentimental type longing for the way things were back when people were good and a quarter went a long way. (How world wars, the Depression, and racial inequality fit into the rosy picture never comes up.) But a quarter still goes a long way at Frenchy’s, a combination store and cinema on State near Oak Street with 25-cent movies.
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There’s a $1 charge at the door, but it’s refunded with any purchase. You can’t buy popcorn, but there are countless magazines and home videos in the lobby, as well as what are sometimes known as latex novelties. The movies are in the back in eight booths that line a wall, though you don’t pay with quarters; instead you buy tokens up front for the eight 25-cent movie booths that line one wall. (Across from these booths are booths that take only $7 tokens.)
The 25-cent genre has deep historical roots, but the videos played here are not only new–they’re up-to-date in a way television and more expensive movies never have been and might never be. In a few minutes in a 25-cent movie booth you’re likely to see more nonwhite performers than you would if you spent an entire hour watching television. And a surprisingly high proportion of the characters are gay or lesbian, especially lesbian.
