If you are a fan of movies and crosswords, you might have encountered the clue “Bygone theater chain” in the New York Times crossword puzzle. This clue has appeared several times in the past, most recently on October 2, 2022. The answer to this clue is LOEWS, a name that might evoke nostalgia for some moviegoers.

What was Loews?

Loews was a theater chain that operated in the United States and Canada from 1904 to 2006. It was founded by Marcus Loew, a pioneer of the movie industry who also owned Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) studios. Loews theaters were known for their lavish architecture, featuring ornate lobbies, chandeliers, and murals. Some of the most famous Loews theaters were the Loew’s State Theatre in New York City, the Loew’s Paradise Theatre in the Bronx, and the Loew’s Cineplex Odeon in Toronto.

What happened to Loews?

Loews faced many challenges and changes throughout its history. It merged with other theater chains, such as Cineplex Odeon and Sony Theatres, and expanded its operations to other countries, such as Mexico and Spain. It also faced competition from other theater chains, such as AMC and Regal, and from new technologies, such as home video and streaming services. In 2006, Loews was acquired by AMC, and the Loews name was gradually phased out from the theaters. Today, only a few Loews theaters remain, mostly as historic landmarks or cultural venues.

Why is Loews a crossword clue?

Loews is a crossword clue because it is a four-letter word that ends with S, which makes it a convenient filler for crossword grids. It is also a word that is familiar to many crossword solvers, especially those who are movie lovers or who have lived in areas where Loews theaters were located. Loews is not the only theater chain that has appeared as a crossword clue. Other examples are ODEON, REGAL, ALAMO, and IMAX. These clues are a way of testing the solvers’ knowledge of movie history and culture, as well as their crossword skills.