New York's Historic Paris Theater Reopening for Netflix's 'Marriage Story'

The Manhattan single-screen venue closed Sept. 1, but is getting a reprieve for Noah Baumbach's film about a couple going through a divorce, starring Scarlett Johansson and Adam Driver.

The historic Paris Theater in New York City is getting a reprieve after Netflix on Friday said it has booked the cultural landmark for a limited run for Noah Baumbach's Marriage Story starting Nov. 6.

The limited run follows the 581-seat Paris Theater in August ending a seven-decade run as a Manhattan single-screen mecca for film screenings and premieres with a closure by parent Reading International after its lease on the property ran out. But Netflix, which has screened its movies at the Paris Theater in the past, has successfully negotiated with the building's owner, New York real estate developer Sheldon Solow, to go forward with the Marriage Story run.

And sources indicate the stay of execution for the Paris Theater may be longer if Netflix can get Solow's organization to agree to screen more of its Oscar contenders in the cultural landmark at 4 West 58th Street while it remains available and likely not under redevelopment.

The Paris Theater run for Marriage Story comes in part from Netflix being hard-pressed to screen its theatrical movies in major chains because the streaming giant doesn't abide by the traditional theatrical window of 74 to 90 days. So Netflix also booked Martin Scorsese's The Irishman for a one-month run in the Belasco Theater in New York City, starting Nov. 1.

Marriage Story will also play in New York City at the IFC Film Center, Landmark 57th West and Nitehawk Prospect Park. In Los Angeles, Baumbach's latest film will play at Netflix's go-to indie cinema, The Landmark, and The Vista.

Marriage Story tells the story of a couple, played by Scarlett Johansson and Adam Driver, going through a divorce and negotiating custody of their son (Azhy Robertson). Laura Dern, Alan Alda and Ray Liotta round out the cast.

Los Angeles-based Reading International, parent company of Paris operator City Cinemas, was not available for comment.