More than 10 years ago, one of the craziest cinemas in France, where you can hear the subway passage and the lines of the film, closed its doors.

The Courtesan with Greta Garbo. Nighthawk, with Sylvester Stallone. The gods fell on their heads. Also Victor Victoria, Cabaret and Diva by Jean-Jacques Beineux. These were the first six films, heterogeneous to say the least, scheduled for June 1, 1983 at the UGC Orient-Express, Forum des Halles. Don’t you know this amazing Parisian cinema that closed its doors on January 21, 2014, after just over a decade in existence? Then you are missing something fantastic!

The seven-room Orient-Express, which was handed over to the UGC after the short-lived nightclub closed, left its mark on thousands of Parisian spectators. Those who have visited his lair for almost 10 years (a term that suits him perfectly) know very well what is going on here: an absolutely incredible cinema, tucked away in the somewhat disturbing corners of the fourth basement of the Paris Forum.

Feature films at the (very) end of production, completely obscure productions, high-end films, manga, limited American comedy releases… The UGC Orient-Express was a complex that allowed moviegoers to enjoy a different “other” cinema. Offered by a big brother and a wider community located above, the prestigious UGC Les Halles.

When the Paris RER switches to movie replicas!

If the UGC Orient-Express is an iconic cinema for the large number of movie lovers of the Ile-de-France, it is also because, in addition to its extraordinary programming, it offered viewing conditions that we would describe as… amazing! You know, those of you who have been to the Forum des Halles -4 many times: when you go there to see a film, you could watch it like at home on a small screen. But you can also hear a bit from the next room, or even hear the wonderful passage of the RER during one of the main lines of work that you decided to discover with passion in this obscure establishment!

With more than 10 years of experience, brilliant moviegoers paid tribute to him at the complex’s last showing (the one showing Albator, on January 21, 2014, to be exact). Sparkling and a few tears at the show, proof that the Orient-Express has left its mark on film lovers like never before… quite a moving moment to discover below.

The Paris UGC Orient-Express with its seven small rooms (200, 87, 95, 98, 102, 80 and 39 seats) was a unique cinema. Absolutely unique atmosphere. Those who ran there were true movie lovers, admirers of the greatest masterpieces, as well as the (hilarious) guilty pleasures of evil people. Enthusiasts can appreciate the film both in a vast and magical space, and in a very narrow place, on the bleak confines, like we’re talking about here.

There was work, but the Orient-Express, which clearly did not meet French operating standards, was closed, much to the dismay of moviegoers. After that, eight screens were added to the Ciné-Cité des Halles, which today is the largest cinema complex in France.

“Fuck You Freddy” trailer, my great memory at UGC Orient-Express: