The Rocky Mountain Collegian

Media Credit: Brandon Cartwright/The University News An hour prior to the first show of the day, the Moolah Temple bar opens for business. Guests can prime themselves before the show here or return after to discuss its merits and flaws over a beer. [Click to enlarge]

It's a 20 by 45 foot behemoth, St. Louis' grandest single movie screen, and when Ben Stiller's head plays against it, his forehead spans four feet, from brow to peak. You could slide down his nose. And "Meet the Fockers" happens to be the current feature.

The Moolah Temple, St. Louis' newest theatre experience is molded with excess in mind-boasting gushy leather loveseats and couches, a full-bar, a lounge and a bowling alley. And it's right across the street, at 3821 Lindell Blvd.

Much like its forbearers', the Chase Park Plaza Theatres, the Moolah Temple's configuration sidesteps the compact, row-upon-row seating, opting instead for spaciousness and luxury-without being haughty. Tickets for students are $6.

"We wanted to generate some excitement in the city, and I think we've done that," Harman Moseley said. "The movie theatre is like no other in town. We are catering to those who are looking for an alternative to massive movieplexes by offering personal touches you can't find anywhere else."

Moseley, operator of the Chase Park Plaza theatre and his daughter, Julia, who helped manage at the Chase, carry with them years of experience in crafting unique moviegoing venues.

The Galleria Cinema, too, owes its family-friendly status to Moseley's work. The Moseleys will jointly operate the Moolah Temple.

Amrit and Amy Gill, developers who have collaborated in the restoration of numerous historical properties-most recently, Coronado Place-performed the $17.2 million facelift on the one-time home of the Shriners. And, after years of neglect, it was badly needed.

"When we first toured the Moolah in 2002, it was in extreme disrepair," Amy Gill said. "Pigeons were living in every crack and crevice. The paint was peeling and the floor was cracked and damaged. It was heartbreaking. But even with all that was wrong with the building, we knew it could be rescued."

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