That time Harold and Maude ran at Edina theater so long that people picketed

In “Held Over,” Minneapolis author John Gaspard recounts the extraordinary 115-week screening of “Harold and Maude” at the Westgate Theater, where he served as an usher during its historic run. The Westgate Theater, which opened in 1935, transitioned to showing offbeat films and developed a devoted audience in Edina, Minnesota. Initially, “Harold and Maude” struggled to find success, but its prolonged engagement led to protests from local residents seeking new films. Gaspard attributes the film's eventual cult status to its unique run in a suburban theater, drawing comparisons to college town venues. He also reflects on the significant changes in moviegoing, noting that neighborhood theaters have largely disappeared.

The book features insights from community members, including Betty Owen, whose protests highlighted the changing landscape of film exhibition. Gaspard's narrative serves as a reminder of how cinema once fostered strong local connections. This exploration of the past captures the nostalgia of a bygone era in film history.