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Gerhard claimed that the average life of a theater in the United States was only about thirteen years due to fire. Though approaching retirement age, I have al

Gerhard claimed that the average life of a theater in the United States was only about thirteen years due to fire. Though approaching retirement age, I have always wondered why such a thing had its own phrase, “...’fire’ in a crowded theater.” I mean, c’mon, how often does that happen? Well, apparently, before any of us were born... Which brings to mind how many other idioms we have that haven’t been relevant in our lifetime. Heard a podcaster the other day ask his fellow hosts where the phrase he had just used came from: “nuke the site from orbit, it’s the only way to be sure.” He didn’t forget, he hadn’t even seen any of the movies. It is entirely possible that the source material is older than he is. (I saw it in the theater, which remained uncombusted, if I might bring this back on topic.)

yeldarb 7y ago
Interesting; I didn't know that was a movie reference. I had usually only seen it used in conjunction with "kill it with fire" (eg when fire wasn't enough). The first recollection I have of it is this reaction gif (which must be 15+ years old by now): https://tenor.com/view/stickman-nope-funny-crazy-destroy-gif-3430252 https://tenor.com/view/stickman-nope-funny-crazy-destroy-gif...
- mikestew 7y ago
  Well, FWIW, you’re missing a good action-filled sci-fi flick that still stands up well after 35 years, IMO. (And believe me, I know what it’s like to recommend movies to youngsters that, whoops, didn’t age so well. I’m looking at you, Eacape from New York.)
- dredmorbius 7y ago
  The original, though the full films are highly recommended: https://invidio.us/watch?v=nnHmUk_J6xQ https://invidio.us/watch?v=nnHmUk_J6xQ