Far Removed From the Multiplex

Far Removed From the MultiplexWith an array of devices at their fingertips, youths don't always think of theaters as the place to see a flick.

The scores of footprints in front of Grauman's Chinese Theatre chronicle Hollywood's history. What David Gale witnessed inside the auditorium on a recent evening may help predict the industry's future.

LEAH GARCHIK

LEAH GARCHIKSurfacing from the garage at Union Square on Thursday night, we found ourselves at an outdoor party -- all over the piazza, couples were stepping and swaying to swing music. There was no sign-up sheet, no cover charge.