Senator in peril

I got an email with that title line from a friend today, and I thought for sure that something had already gone devastatingly wrong for Hillary Rodham Clinton, John McCain, Barack Obama, John Edwards, etc. I did not expect the message to contain the news that one of my most beloved hometown landmarks--the Senator Theater--is in danger of foreclosure.

I blogged about this theater last summer, particularly some of its challenges as related to clearance, a little-known cinema practice that prevents certain theaters from screening certain movies.

The owner is ardently trying to salvage the theater, reports Bmore journalist Michael Olesker. And the whole thing seems particularly sad because the owner seems like such a genuine advocate for Baltimore and what makes it great--the guy even tries to expose kids to classic movies that relate to their curriculum through a "Classics for Kids" program.

Fundraising efforts are in full-swing, among organizations and individual citizens (Lynda Lambert shares personal memories and why this is something every true Baltimorean should support).

The necessary cost is about $91,000, or it will be sold at auction. Personally, I'm hoping that John Waters, Jada Pinkett Smith, and Edward Norton could each kick in some Ks for the cause. In the meantime, I'm seriously considering writing a check. I'll keep you posted.