1948 Arlington Virginia
Linda Mackey ( Nini )
Born 1943
Arlington, Virginia
Interviewed on January 28, 2025
By Kamal Mahamud
Interviewer: What is the first movie you remember seeing?
Nini: The first movie I remember seeing is The Red Shoes.
Interviewer: How old were you, approximately, when you saw it?
Nini: I must have been around four or five years old.
Interviewer: What do you remember about the movie?
Nini: I remember it was a very tragic tale about a ballerina who ended her own life. The story was dark, although I was too young to understand everything.
Interviewer: What did you think of the characters, the actors, and the story?
Nini: I didn’t quite understand all the complexities at that age, but I recall feeling a mix of sadness and wonder. The characters seemed larger than life, and even though I couldn’t follow every detail, the performance and the mood of the story left a strong impression on me.
Interviewer: Who was with you when you saw the movie?
Nini: I went with a friend of mine. I remember she wasn’t very clever, but we both enjoyed the experience very much.
Interviewer: How did you get to the theater or venue?
Nini: We lived very close to the theater in Arlington, so we would simply walk there. Sometimes, if I was lucky, I even got a ride with my young uncle who’d let me climb onto his shoes—just a little joke we used to share.
Interviewer: Was there a concession? Did you have a favorite candy or snack?
Nini: Tickets were 25 cents, so we didn’t have a lot of money for snacks. However, I do remember enjoying a little treat called a Junior Mint—a tiny mint covered in chocolate with a white filling. And, of course, there was always the aroma of popcorn in the air.
Interviewer: Do you remember the name of the theater, or anything about its features like the ushers?
Nini: I don’t recall the exact name of the theater, but it was an old, charming place with a touch of the vaudeville era. There were ushers in uniform who greeted us politely, and the theater boasted a small stage, velvet carpets, marble stairs, and even balconies. It felt very elegant and special.
Interviewer: What town and year was this?
Nini: This all took place in Arlington, Virginia, around 1935, when I was just a little girl.
Interviewer: I understand you have a favorite movie as well. Could you tell me about that?
Nini: Yes, while The Red Shoes was my very first movie, my favorite film is The Wizard of Oz. I remember it vividly. It began on a bleak, black-and-white farm, and then—almost magically—it burst into color when Dorothy arrived in Oz. The costumes, the characters, and even little Toto made the whole experience magical.
Interviewer: How did that early experience with movies shape your love for cinema?
Nini: Those early outings, with the excitement of walking to the theater, the thrill of a double feature, and sharing the experience with a friend, really instilled a lifelong love for movies in me. Every detail—the sights, sounds, and even the simple treat of a Junior Mint—remains a cherished memory.
Interviewer: Do you recall any specific sensory details from that day that still stick with you?
Nini: I can still remember the cool evening air mixed with the smell of popcorn, the soft hum of the crowd, and even the sound of the ushers calling out as we entered the theater. It all combined to create an unforgettable experience.
Interviewer: Thank you so much for sharing these wonderful memories, Nini.
Nini: It was my pleasure, Kamal. I’m flattered that you’re interested in what I have to say.
Relationship to the Interviewee: Nini is my best friend’s grandmother.
