Hipsters and Beats

**Vitalis** · January-18-21, 10:32 PM

Dear Forum Phenoms,
Many years ago a contributor called eno asked in a post about Detroit coffee shops, if anyone knew of the spot called: The Cup of Socrates? No one responded. Kismet! Just today, while reading about the JFK inauguration in an old Free Press, I made a left turn into a movie review for a first run feature at the Fox, called "The Subterraneans." The film critic at that time, Miss Helen Bower, a dour and matronly appearing gal said this in her positive review of the film from the Kerouac novel: Patrons of The Cup of Socrates and the Minor Key, should move out in a body and see this ...Anyone who has failed to understand the "beat and the "offbeat" generation will find enlightenment in the picture.

Turns out, The Cup of Socrates was at 4415 Second Ave., in the retail space where that block long apartment building still stands. What I'm looking for is color. Got any? Any older contributors who long to once again put on their black rollback sweaters, or their Lee Cooper cuffed denim jeans - step up to the plate and dish the dish.

**old guy** · January-18-21, 11:02 PM

I’d like to see that movie.

**13606Cedargrove** · January-19-21, 10:54 AM

I see Cannonball Adderly was playing at a local club, too - The Minor Key. Too bad I was only 6 years old at the time.

**EastsideAl** · January-19-21, 02:44 PM

Originally Posted by old guy

I’d like to see that movie.

It shows up on TCM from time to time. Clips can be seen on YouTube. It's really a pretty goofy movie though, despite its Kerouac origins. By far the best thing about it is its jazz score, with a band led by Gerry Mulligan.

Man, I'm sorry I missed than Cannonball show too. But, yeah, I was a year old.