Toby Talbot: The Legacy of an Art House Cinema Icon

Toby Talbot, a revered advocate of art house cinema, has died at age 96 in Manhattan. She and her husband, Dan Talbot, were instrumental in advancing the art film industry, distributing international works and elevating movies to high culture.

The Talbots' influence was profound during the 1960s and '70s, especially through their distribution company New Yorker Films. Their cinemas, such as The New Yorker and Lincoln Plaza, became cultural hubs for cinephiles and notable filmmakers like Martin Scorsese and Wim Wenders.

The Talbots played a crucial role in introducing directors like Jean-Luc Godard and advancing retrospectives of classic Hollywood figures. Despite the closure of The New Yorker theater in 1973 and New Yorker Films in 2009, their impact continues to be felt in the world of cinema.

(With inputs from agencies.)