While there are many qualities that make Cinema 21 unique, it is most well-known for its programming. By showing primarily independent, foreign, and historic films, they have built a reputation for exhibiting movies outside the norm. This is not a new aspect of the theater, and was, in fact, even more risqué in the past. Throughout its existence, the theater has undergone many name changes, but have been consistent in premiering films that you could see nowhere else. Adult films, both exploitation and mature, have been shown since the building was named the State Theater, with advertisements highlighting the expulsion of anyone under eighteen. Some of these films included passionate love story "I, a Woman" (1967), Danish adult film "The Professionals" (1967), and "Repulsion" (1966). However, despite these films being labeled as "cinematic achievements" in advertisement, not all Portland movie-goers were pleased with the exhibition of these kind of projects.
"Repulsion", Roman Polanski's 1966 thriller, was labeled as "over-realism" in an Oregon Daily Journal article by Arnold Marks, who subsequently warned viewers of the graphic sounds of sex and violence. The film is described by the author as horrifying, morbid, and not suitable for anyone under eighteen, highlighting the effect on audience in the "Cinema 21 Drama". In another instance, a Cinema 21 showing of adult film "Little Girls" was pulled from the theater by the district attorney's office under the offense of being "legally obscene". The film was later seized from the Aladdin Theater, which raised questions, as it had been played at Cinema 21. However, as stated, the film was pulled without resistance at the district attorney's office's command. While there was no legal consequences for the owner of Cinema 21, the owner of the Aladdin was not so lucky, as it was a second offense. These are just two examples of both the critical and legal reception of "adult" films during an extremely different era than we know now. However, both these examples demonstrate how Cinema 21 has been a pioneer in showing controversial and unique films, pushing the boundaries of cinema and expanding the worldview of their audience.
