MOVIE ETIQUETTE
Basic courtesies that
make going to the movies
fun for everyone

By DIANE GOTTSMAN

What could be more fun than escaping in the middle of the day, or after a great evening meal, and taking a trip to the movie theatre?

On the other hand, nothing is worse for your fellow moviegoer than YOU, standing at the counter with a blank look, still trying to decide which movie you would like to see, or digging around for your wallet when you have been in line 15 minutes, or making idle conversation with the movie attendant, who is anxiously eyeballing a line three miles long and out the door.

By following a few simple rules, your movie experience can be great for everyone.

Decide which movie you’ll see before you arrive, not while you are standing in front of the cashier. If you are meeting friends at the theatre, and there are more than a football team, have one or two people stand in the ticket line for the whole group so that the line is less crowded and moves more smoothly for everyone waiting.

Remember that seating is “first come, first served.” Make sure you allow plenty of time to get to the theatre, buy your tickets, make any necessary restroom stops and load up on goodies from the snack bar. Finding a seat is much easier before the movie starts!

If you do have to arrive after the lights have been lowered, you should take whichever seat you can find closest to the aisle to avoid “hopping and scooting” in front of the other moviegoers.

Never, ever kick the seat in front of you or use it as a footrest. Feet should stay on the floor. If you happen to accidentally bump the woman in front of you with the tip of your shoe, don’t hesitate to acknowledge the faux pas with an audible and sincere apology.

Talking during a movie is distracting to the person you’re with and to thosearound you. If you have questions or comments, save them for later.

Keep in mind the actors in the movie cannot hear you, but your seatmates can, so never yell violently or throw popcorn at the screen. Also, a not-so-gentle reminder that cell phones should either be turned off, or the ringer should be silenced. If you must take a call, walk outside so you do not irritate or distract others.

Make sure to take advantage of the cup holder on your armrest. Drinks placed on the floor are easily spilled, causing aggravation to those seated anywhere nearby who may have their personal belongings on the floor.

By the way, the cup holder and armrest are the boundary line for your arms and legs. Don’t “hog” the seat next to you, especially if you do not know the person.

When the movie is over, exit in a nice, orderly way. Don’t push your way through the crowd or run around others for the sake of saving a few extra seconds.

Be sure to pick up and throw away any of your leftover wrappers and drink cups. The reason the movie theatre smells like it does is because of people who don’t respect the “throw away your own trash” request.

Watch what you say! Once you leave the theatre, talking about the movie can be fun, but remember not to spoil the movie’s ending for others who may not have seen it yet. There is nothing worse than anticipating a great movie and learning the ending before you ever have the opportunity to see the beginning.

These simple reminders will benefit people of all ages, and it doesn’t hurt to review a few common courtesies. Pass this along to your children.

Diane Gottsman is director of the Protocol School of Texas and appears regularly on San Antonio Living on WOAI.

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