Perplexed at plexes
Bow of Euro creates headaches for exhibs
While most businesses remained shuttered in celebration of New Year's Day, movie theater managers came to work early to double-check credit card terminals and computer programs and bolster the confidence of nervous personnel.
UGC and Gaumont went so far as eliminating the late morning show in most of their theaters across Gaul.
"We wanted to allow personnel extra time to get their money in order and verify their computers," said Arnaud Janne, assistant manager at the 12-screen Gaumont Parnasse.
As patrons fidgeted in long, slow-moving lines, Janne announced via loudspeaker that people could purchase even a single 8.10 euro ($7.20) ticket with a credit card, something they could not have done the day before.
Though credit card payment is encouraged to eliminate conversion hassles, most Parisian theatergoers used francs, receiving change in euros. To the chagrin of those behind them in line, some parents actually urged their kids to use the ticket purchasing experience as practice using the new money.
Manager Andre Ehret stood over the shoulder of the Les Montparnos cashier who carefully calculated the change in euros on five tickets -- three kids and two adults -- paid in francs.Ehret spent the day scurrying among the five theaters he manages in the Cinemas Rytmann chain, making sure personnel have everything under control.
The biggest problem? According to the cashier at the MK2 Odeon, "It's the people."
Theatergoers resented waiting in line an average of 15 minutes longer than usual. "But I expected worse," MK2 asst. manager Bernard Gray said.
Expecting delays, the MK2 chain spread out its showtimes -- dropping from five to four shows daily -- to make sure people had plenty of time to get their tickets and reach their seats before the movie started. Exhib will continue this policy until franc usage is outlawed Feb. 17.
To make matters worse, French bank workers plan to strike today.
The euro is the most widely used money since the Roman Empire.
On Monday, the euro strengthened in international currency markets and reached a two-year high against the yen. It rose nearly 1% against the dollar to 89¢ but is still 25% weaker than it was three years ago.
