Just three months ago, a swanlike make-over of the Park Theatre brought Cambie Street's old single-screen house into the 21st century. But a fire at the corner dry cleaner August 22 infused the new seats, curtain, screen, food, paint, and carpets with smoke damage.

The theatre is closed, until September 9, along with eight other businesses on the same street. "It's really unfortunate because everything is new," owner Schein told the Straight. The long-time Vancouver theatre owner said this is the first time one of his movie houses has been damaged as a result of a fire.

The screen, curtains, and fabric on the walls have to be replaced. The couchlike love seats are being shampooed and ozonated. It's thousands in damage, but the theatre was covered by insurance, with a $1,000 deductible.