Bringing Hollywood Home: The Last Picture house
- Khyaija Caldwell-B
- 5 days ago
- 7 min read
Our love of Iowa knows no bounds -- Scott Beck
Crafting a Quiet Success
Scott Beck and Bryan Woods are the founders of the Last Picture House. They have been close friends since they were about 11 years old. After years of making small films together, they took the next step in their creative journey after graduating from high school by studying communication studies and film at the University of Iowa. Their time at the university wasn’t just about learning camera angles and editing techniques but about shaping the way they think about storytelling. They’ve said that those years played a major role in developing their current style. It’s also where they met some of their earliest collaborators, like producer Shane Simmons and videographer Kevin Kelley. Both the university and their upbringing in Iowa, they say, encouraged them to be creative and think outside the box.
Even though they had already been involved in filmmaking for quite some time, their big break didn’t come until 2018 with A Quiet Place. Beck and Woods began developing the first drafts of the film in 2013–14, but didn’t start writing the script until around 2016. Once it was finished, they sold it to Paramount Pictures. The film became an instant hit, earning over $340 million worldwide. Aside from its box office success, it was also nominated for a Writers Guild of America Award and a Critics’ Choice Award, won the Saturn Award for Best Writing, and was named one of the Top 10 Films of the Year (2018) by the American Film Institute.
Since then, Beck and Woods have stayed busy. They have written and directed 65 in 2023, starring Adam Driver and Ariana Greenblatt, and most recently Heretic in 2024, staring Hugh Grant, Sophie Thatcher, and Chloe East. While these projects didn’t match the massive success of A Quiet Place, they continue to show how Beck and Woods are always exploring new ideas and pushing themselves creatively.
So, Why in Iowa?
In 2023, Beck and Woods took their love for film a step further by opening The Last Picture House. Their decision to build the theater in their hometown was an easy one. They spent their childhoods watching movies on VHS and making home videos, imagining extraordinary stories in ordinary Midwestern settings. Even films like A Quiet Place and 65 were written with familiar Iowa landscapes in mind. So, Building The Last Picture House in Davenport was their way of giving back to the community that shaped them and proving that passionate storytelling doesn’t have to start in Hollywood, it can start in your own backyard.
Behind the Marquee: My Interview with a Theater Insider
I decided to take things a step further and get an interview with the assistant general manager, Carlie Allison, to get a special look into the theater.
Where did the name “The Last Picture House” come from?
The name "The Last Picture House" was chosen for a couple of different reasons. The main one being that it is a nod to the 1971 classic Peter Bogdanovich film The Last Picture Show. The other reason is because it honors the throwback feeling that our cinema captures, with "picture house" being a vintage term used for cinemas in year's past, and geographically the building is the "last" on our block, as we sit on the corner lot.
What makes The Last Picture House different from other movie theaters in the area?
The Last Picture House is very unique in that it is not only a cinema, but also has a craft cocktail bar and lounge, and then as a very special feature, a rooftop cinema during the warmer months of the year.
When actress Chloe East visited the theater to promote the film Heretic, she remarked that they didn't have anything as cool as The Last Picture House in her hometown of Los Angeles. It's pretty remarkable that a small independent theater in the Quad Cities is a unique experience for someone who grew up surrounded in a city dedicated to cinema and movie theaters.
What kinds of movies do you typically show?
We try to have a good mix of new releases, repertory, and independent films that the general public would not be as aware of. In this month alone, we have had an interesting mix by playing large releases from major studios like Sinners, and we will soon play the new Mission: Impossible film. We have also played small independent films like No Other Land and The Shrouds; and then we have had the privilege of playing Singin' in the Rain and Double Indemnity. With rooftop season beginning, we have even more of a selection of what we can play as we have our third screen and play repertory films every weekend. Two of the films we will have this month include Star Wars and The Princess Bride, with many more to come! This variety provides something for many different audiences and what they are looking for in their movie-going experience.
How do you decide what films to show?
Most of what decides the booking schedule is the release calendar from the studios. We try to select newer films that we know audiences will want to see, but we also, when we can, make the time to fit in the repertory screenings and program smaller, more independent and arthouse films. We only have two theaters, so we are limited in how many films we are able to play, and many of the decisions depend on the flexibility of the studios and how they would like their films screened. We are expecting a very busy July at The Last Picture House with the release of major studio films like F1, Jurassic World: Rebirth, and Superman because these are major studio releases that will be opening within a few weeks of each other, we will not have much flexibility in what we can play. We are always taking into consideration what our audience would want to see at The Last Picture House.
Are there any special events like movie marathons, premiers, or themed nights?
We always try to have as many special events and themed- nights as we can. Last summer, during the release of the new film, The Fall Guy, we also screened the film Drive. So, that week, audiences were able to see two different Ryan Gosling films. We also recently had the new Bong Joon-ho film, Mickey 17, and we took the opportunity to also screen one of his earlier films, The Host, a movie that many in our audience had never seen on the big screen before. We hope to do more of this type of programming when we can.
We are very fortunate that two of our owners, Scott Beck and Bryan Woods, are filmmakers, and they make an effort to bring Hollywood to the Quad Cities. We have had many special guests at The Last Picture House, including the premiere of the Beck & Woods film Heretic, and we hosted some of the cast and crew. This month, we will also have the actress, Anna Lore, at the theater for a special Q&A for her new film, Final Destination Bloodlines, which we will be screening at The Last Picture House. We hope to continue to do more of these special events and give audiences special access to those who are directly working in the film industry. It is very important for us at The Last Picture House to create and foster a cinema-loving community.
Interior Design & Overall Vibe
The interior of The Last Picture House blends modern design with a vintage touch. From the vintage posters and film props to the sleek, comfortable seating and atmospheric lighting, contemporary elements, it’s a place that offers both style and comfort, making you feel right at home while still enjoying the unique charm of a classic theater.
Studio One, the larger of the two theaters, offers classic balcony seating along with its larger screen to ensures a great view from every seat. Both studio one and two are is equipped with the Dolby Atmos surround sound and both laser and 35mm projection systems, giving you a fully immersive movie-watching experience. The interior design of the lobby also follows into the theater with giant red sentence doors, red velvet ceiling, and wall accents.
Studio Two offers the same experiences as studio one but for smaller crowds. The space is perfect for those who want a more relaxed movie experience. Both theaters are also available for private events, making them great for special occasions or gatherings. Together, these two studios make The Last Picture House a unique and versatile place for movie lovers.
Rooftop Theater
For a truly unique experience, The Last Picture House features a stunning rooftop theater. During warmer months, movie lovers can watch films under the stars while enjoying spectacular views of the Mississippi River and the Arsenal Bridge. With seating for up to 80-90 people, the rooftop theater provides an incredible setting that combines the best of outdoor cinema and the cozy, nostalgic feel of a classic theater. Additionally, there is also a mini bar included upstairs for the older ones.
Beverages & Snacks
Along with the rooftop theater, one of the standout features of The Last Picture House is its full-service bar, designed specifically for the older crowd. Moviegoers can enjoy a wide variety of drinks before or after their film, or even if you’re not attending a screening, you’re still welcome to stop by and unwind.
And don’t worry, besides the bar, the theater also offers all your classic movie snacks, from buttery popcorn to refreshing slushies.
With its excellent selection of drinks, snacks, and films. The Last Picture House creates the perfect combination of comfort, style, and entertainment. Whether it’s a night out with friends or a casual evening, this theater has something for everyone.
