Comments on: Dennis Skaggs, Co-Founder of Camera Cinemas, Dies at 67

By: Mark Rokovich

Mark Rokovich — Mon, 06 Dec 2021 22:34:58 +0000

Dennis was the coolest beatnik you could have as a neighbor. We would drink and share our food like people used to do before well before it got weird. Such great times on 13 th Street! Hope your in the movie theater in the sky Sir!

By: Econoclast

Econoclast — Sun, 19 Sep 2021 04:52:01 +0000

While I never met Skaggs, Zuur or NyBlom, I was a regular at Camera Cinemas and reveled in the cinematic artistry they promoted. I was fond of the film selection, engrossed by the old downtown locations (One and Three) and thrilled to have such cultural fixtures in my town. Along with the former Upstart Crow Bookstore and Cafe (Pruneyard), Mighty Like a Rose Cafe (Downtown Campbell) and the old San Jose State University library, the Camera Cinemas were islands of sanity and cultural fermentation in the 1970s in a town and region mostly devoid of such things. The obliteration of such venues, and thousands like them all over the country, is attributable to the overpowering and destructive influence of the business and pecuniary values that promote the commercial, the least common denominator and the profitable over all else. To counter such a wave we would have had to have city, county and state government promoting non-commercial cultural production, activities and venues in a significant ways, something our political leadership has shown itself time and again incapable of sustaining.

By: Econoclast

Econoclast — Sun, 19 Sep 2021 04:45:11 +0000

While I never met Skaggs, Zuur or NyBlom, I was a regular at Camera Cinemas and reveled in the cinematic artistry they promoted. I was fond of the film selection, engrossed by the old downtown locations (One and Three) and thrilled to have such cultural fixtures in my town. Along with the former Upstart Crow Bookstore and Cafe (Pruneyard), Mighty Like a Rose Cafe (Downtown Campbell) and the old San Jose State University library, the Camera Cinemas were islands of sanity and cultural exploration and fermentation in the 1970s in a town and region mostly devoid of such things. The obliteration of such venues, and thousands like them all over the country, is attributable to the overpowering and destructive influence of the business and pecuniary values that promote the commercial, the least common denominator and the profitable over all else. To counter such a wave we would have had to have city, county and state government promoting non-commercial cultural production, activities and venues in a significant ways, something our political leadership has shown itself time and again incapable of sustaining.

By: AJ

AJ — Fri, 17 Sep 2021 19:48:10 +0000

Still remember reading in The Metro that William Friedkin (The French Connection, The Exorcist, To Live and Die in LA) was coming to speak in person to The Camera Cinemas after showing The Sorcerer. A film I had only seen the last 2/3rds of after waking up late at night after falling asleep watching TV about 30 years ago. It was mesmerizing with Roy Scheider. What a movie AND we get a question and answer with a top director. Probably will not see that again, thanks to Dennis, et al for making me much more of a movie buff years after being a kid watching just the big box office main stream movies and not the ones most didn’t see but we’re so much more engaging. RIP.

By: Richard B Ajluni

Richard B Ajluni — Fri, 17 Sep 2021 16:21:27 +0000

Dennis was interesting and kind. He is forever embedded in the modern history of San Jose, a cultural founding father.

RIP Dennis.

By: Rebekah Davis-Matthews

Rebekah Davis-Matthews — Thu, 16 Sep 2021 18:30:09 +0000

I have such fond memories of the Camera Cinemas, including Rocky Horror Picture Show at Camera One. End of an era when a legend like this passes.

By: Scott Knies

Scott Knies — Thu, 16 Sep 2021 18:21:32 +0000

Thank you for recognizing Dennis Skagg’s place in downtown’s cultural landscape. His impact was significant whether opening one of his beloved movie theaters early in the morning for a public event or helping launch the Downtown Doors student artist project. You are remembered and missed, Dennis.

By: Tony Gualtieri

Tony Gualtieri — Thu, 16 Sep 2021 05:45:33 +0000

The Cameras where a big support for bohemians such as Bruce Meisel, Meg Murphy, Bret Marion, and the like. Dennis was great. I painted a few murals for them and am eternally grateful for the support of Dennis, Jack, and Jim. I learned so much about great cinema sitting in that theatre.

By: Robert Cortese

Robert Cortese — Wed, 15 Sep 2021 22:58:46 +0000

Camera Towne was where I saw my first Anime (Fists of the North Star) in a theatre. From there I was hooked seeing things that would never see the light of day in Century.

I didn’t know Dennis, but I appreciated his work. RIP

By: Nanci Williams

Nanci Williams — Wed, 15 Sep 2021 22:30:26 +0000

Dennis was the heart of the Cameras and a downtown icon. He will be missed.