The Richmond’s 4 Star Theater (phone 415.666.3488) is one of our favorite places to see movies in San Francisco. We’ve spent many a night gorging ourselves at one of the zillions of great places to eat up or down Clement Street, then staggering up to Clement at 23rd for great alternative and world movies.

The 4 Star has a great history, as it opened on 2200 Clement Street in 1919 as the La Bonita Theater. Its future is in jeopardy, however. The owners, Frank and Lida Lee, have been trying unsuccessfully to buy the theater from their landlords since 1996. However, in 2001, the theater was sold to the Canaan Lutheran Church, who plan on occupying the space when the 4 Star’s lease runs out in May of 2005.

It’s a tough issue for both sides, and there are no “bad guys” in this story. As members of the Richmond/Sunset community, however, we will definitely mourn the loss of the 4 Star. Until then, however, you can find us at their Midnites for Maniacs series the rest of this summer. This weekend is Jackie Chanerific, with The Big Brawl on Friday, and Supercop on Saturday night.