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The latest movie theater news and updates
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June 26, 2006
Theater pages are back online!
Apologies to those who were unable to access theater pages recently. Due to a database bug, the theater pages weren’t loading correctly.
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A&E to re-air ‘Breakfast with the Arts’ in August
Scott Kerbey, producer of the Loew’s Kings segments, has told PlanetPLG that due a large amount of positive feedback A&E has decided to rebroadcast the Loew’s Wonder Theaters piece on Breakfast With The Arts, Sunday, August 20th from 8am – 10am.
Dan
PlanetPLG.com -
Wanted: 5-Star Soundhead Cells
I am doing a little tinkering, and experimenting with some electronics.
I have use for several solar cells from the Simplex 5-star soundhead. I already have a couple, and want the new ones to match, hence why I want the ones from the old 5-stars.
I know many theatres are upgrading from thei old exciter/white light readers, to the reverse scan dye track readers, and are throwing out the old parts.
If anyone has any they’d care to donate, or know where I can find some, I’d be much appreciative.
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June 23, 2006
Strand Theater age?
BROCKPORT, NY — The Lyric Theater opened and showed motion pictures on the ground floor of the Winslow Block in downtown Brockport in 1907. It moved to the second floor and changed its name to Strand in 1916. In 1946, it was remodeled to occupy the entire building and added a modernist facade.
As next year is its centennial, I am trying to find out where it ranks agewise among continuously-operating motion picture theaters, especially in New York State.
I would appreciate any reports of older, continuously-operating movie theaters.
—Bill Andrews
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3 Penny Cinema now closed!
CHICAGO, IL — The 3 Penny Cinema closed last night.
The theatre had money troubles for years and with high taxes have forced it to close.
The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift opened on June 16th, and the theater also had ‘Art School Confidential’ plus ‘Friends with Money’.
But last night, Thursday June 22nd, the owner just closed the theater.
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June 22, 2006
Biograph Theater in Chicago
CHICAGO, IL — According to this report in the Chicago Tribune, the original marquee of the Biograph Theater has been discovered concealed underneath the existing marquee as apart of the theater’s conversion into a venue for live theater.
It is one of the most notorious marquees in the world, a sheet-metal backdrop to the slaying of Chicago’s Public Enemy No. 1 during an era that put the city on the map as a haven for gang crime.
Upon leaving Chicago’s Biograph Theater on July 22, 1934, bank robber John Dillinger attempted one last escape from the feds after the infamous “lady in red” tipped them off. He was gunned down as he tried to slip through a nearby alley.
On Wednesday, historians attempted to unseal the marquee of the Biograph Theater, which has been encased in what appears to be two marquees at the same location for more than a half century, they say. The marquee is being replaced as part of a $11.3 million renovation by Victory Gardens Theater, which acquired the shuttered Biograph two years ago.
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Cinema Treasures Tour
Hello Theatre Buffs,
While we continue our search for an historic theatre to refurbish or maintain in the Chicago area, I have a question for folks. Is there a travel agency/service offering national trips and tours of historic theatres?
Thanks!
Parker P -
Theatre seats for sale
I have about 600 theatre seats that came out of a high school auditorium. These are the flip up seats in excellent condition. You would need to make arrangements to pick up the seats in the panhandle of Texas. Email me for details, or call me at (863) 604-6289.
Kelly Forkner
Hall County Auction
email: -
June 21, 2006
Village Theatre Signs New Lease
CHICAGO, IL — The June 8, 2006 edition of THE SKYLINE (a free local Chicago newspaper) reports that the Village Art Theatret has extended its lease for another year.
Although a theatre preservationist had said that Alderman Burton Natarus (42nd Ward) told him that a pharmacy could possibly replace the theatre and the adjoining restaurant, the theatre will remain in business.
Jonathon Fine, president of Preservation Chicago had said that Natarus had informed him of the possible changes on the property. Fine had said that the group is firmly opposed to any changes to or demolition of the 1916 theatre’s facade.
Ron Rooding, CEO of Village Entertainment, said he recently signed a one year lease on the building with an option for a five-year renewal. Since signing the new lease, Rooding says that he hopes to make improvements to the theatre. The Village Theatre — apparently the “Art” designation has been dropped — has lost money over the past year or so because it hasn’t been able to steadily book good movies according to Rooding. He hopes to change all that, saying that when a good movie plays at the Village, it does very well.
Rooding, whose Village Entertainment has theatres in four states, says that he will talk to the owners about sinking big money into the theatre, adding stadium seating, and improving the sound system, washrooms, and facades. He adds that his company takes older theatres and renovates them and takes losers and makes winners.
(For the complete article, go to www.pioneerlocal.com.))
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Looking for live entertainment?
I am a theatrical director and producer located in the Midwest. I have one year of college left, before I enter the “real world.” I have successfully directed benefit shows for local charities, raising thousands of dollars in a matter of days. I am new to this business, but have a ton of energy to give.
I am very interested in revitalizing older theatres, finding talent and producing shows and concerts, in older venues, showing off the former glory that once lived there.
In a year, I will be looking to relocate basically anywhere in the country, and start working in this business, and now is the time to make the contacts and get paperwork underway.
Please contact me at or reply here.
Thanks, derek