40 Years After

Historical pop culture with Rick Campbell

2001: A Houston Odyssey — Looking back at the future

Chronicle files




A major achievement in cinematography and special effects, ’2001′ lacks dramatic appeal to a large degree and only conveys suspense after the halfway mark. Despite the enormous technical staff involved in making the film, it is almost entirely one man’s conception and Kubrick must receive all the praise — and take all the blame.




Courtesy of John Oeland


Courtesy of John Oeland









Categories: General
Rick Campbell

7 Responses

  1. Philip Booth says:

    I remember seeing both 2001 and A clockwork Orange at the Windsor. For 2001 my friends and I had seats on the front row of the balcony, no obstruction at all. and the curved screen made you feel like you were in the middle of the show.

  2. craig says:

    2001 was great entertainment as was the original series of Star Wars movies (forget the later ones) but the one that struck me as equally as good was the original 1979 movie Alien. Creepy.

  3. laura says:

    This theatre was originally owned by some wealthy oilmen my dad worked with- they also owned the Gaylynn theatre and the Terrcar theatre- named after their daughters.

  4. Bill says:

    You are so right about the Windsor…and the “2001 Space Oddity” movie itself. It was one of those ‘rare’ moments that becomes embedded in our memory cels! I was one of the ‘invited’ guests for the opening and the theatre was packed with ‘Houston’s insiders’. The dynamics of almost boringly long, quiet sequences contrasted with the roller coaster ‘freak out’ with ear shattering intensity near the conclusion left me physically shaking as I walked to the car. Could not get my mind off of the movie for weeks. Thanks for the reminder.

  5. David in Chester says:

    I believe I saw a rescreening of “Gone With the Wind” there, too. And dare I say it? The “squeal like a pig” scene in “Deliverence” was almost too much for me to handle. In 1968 we were living on the east side of town, however, and I saw 2001 at the Gulfgate Cinema I & II. and missed out on the Windsor experience.

  6. Paul says:

    I remember going to see 2001 at the Windsor in 1968, probably as part of a friend’s birthday party (we were 12). Great experience.

  7. JOHN says:

    Add Paint Your Wagon and Grand Prix to the list. Grand Prix was wild on that screen