Theater website has disappeared but here was the history on it:
The original permit to build, dated April 16, 1914, was for the purpose of “moving pictures, bowling alleys and billiards”, named the Richmond Theater, it was the first permanent theater constructed in Alexandria. The owners reportedly operated a vaudeville theater on the first floor and a dance hall on the second floor until around 1932. Around 1932, the theater closed for renovation, the second floor dance hall was removed, and a theater balcony constructed. The Richmond was used as a motion picture and vaudeville theater until sometime in the 1940s when vaudeville was phased out, and the theater was used exclusively for motion pictures. The Richmond operated as a motion picture theater until it closed in approximately 1972, when the city movie houses were failing to draw local residents. In 1976, the National Puppet Center applied for a special use permit to use for the performances and study of the puppet arts and it is not known how long the theater may have been used for this purpose. In 1980, the theater was renovated and re-opened as a double theater under a new name, the Old Town. The Old Town operated until October 1999 when it was again closed. On Valentines 2002, the Old Town was opened after renovations were completed bringing the bathrooms up to ADA approved code, bringing the balcony back, replacing the seats to a comfortable level and adding lighting and sound systems. The screen was removed opening the stage for live plays and a comedy venue. In December 2002, the theater was closed. The Old Town Theater has reopened as a multi entertainment center featuring all forms of the performing arts including film, theater, music and children shows.
JodarMovieFan, THX has a “find theater” function. Put in this zip code & it no appear. Here: http://www.thx.com/consumer/movies/find-a-thx-certified-cinema/
As famous stars appeared on their nightly TV shows, movie theaters went dark on those nights. 90% of movie theaters closed. Many neighborhood movie theaters closed during those years & some larger movie palaces closed, too. Before TV, people went every week to movies. Some went even daily. After TV, movie attendence decreased. With new devices, attendence continues to drop.
Interesting. Local operator will take it over but films will be booked by Clearview which currently operates on the East Coast. Clearview books many arthouse films, so audience members will be pleased.
I added to this site the video of the blade sign installation, http://cinematreasures.org/video/jenkintown-pas-hiway-theatre-vertical-sign-is-installed
HDTV, an early showing! As I’m listed in the credits, I’m kind of an official volunteer here. If you see outright “spam” email me directly so I will have it removed. There are trivial postings, can’t help that, but this website has more interesting postings than many other blogs.
As was blogged by the Paris on its Facebook site, a recent compliment from an acrtress-
“We’re here at the Paris Theatre, which is such a romantic, old-fashioned theater. This felt like a very appropriate dress,” actress Jessica Chastain said at Tuesday night’s New York premiere of Coriolanus as she smoothed the tissue-thin lace overlay of her floor-skimming Monique Lhuillier look. “
http://www.vogue.com/parties/the-new-york-premiere-of-coriolanus/?utm_medium=twitter&utm_source=Fashion+Instant
from Oct 25, 1999 Phila. Inquirer:
The United Artists Cinema at Oxford Valley Mall will expand and renovate its 10-screen theater complex early next year to include six new theaters.
Existing theaters also will be retrofitted with stadium-style seating and state-of-the-art sound, said Joseph C. Esposito, vice president of development for Kravco Co., the property’s manager and developer.
At a meeting last month, the Middletown Township Board of Supervisors voted, 5-0, to approve the expansion, which would increase seating from 2,456 to 3,584.
Enjoyed the new “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” at the Avalon on Wednesday. The surround system is excellent! Was the Swedish version of the movie shown here?
Saw Mission Impossible Ghost Protocol on Tuesday late afternoon, a nice crowd. Curtain hasn’t been used for a year or two because the motor is broke. Movie isn’t being projected on top & lower corner sections, a very minor effect but one that should be corrected. Christie 4 k dual projectors are used. The surround sound is astonishingly good!
Theater website has disappeared but here was the history on it: The original permit to build, dated April 16, 1914, was for the purpose of “moving pictures, bowling alleys and billiards”, named the Richmond Theater, it was the first permanent theater constructed in Alexandria. The owners reportedly operated a vaudeville theater on the first floor and a dance hall on the second floor until around 1932. Around 1932, the theater closed for renovation, the second floor dance hall was removed, and a theater balcony constructed. The Richmond was used as a motion picture and vaudeville theater until sometime in the 1940s when vaudeville was phased out, and the theater was used exclusively for motion pictures. The Richmond operated as a motion picture theater until it closed in approximately 1972, when the city movie houses were failing to draw local residents. In 1976, the National Puppet Center applied for a special use permit to use for the performances and study of the puppet arts and it is not known how long the theater may have been used for this purpose. In 1980, the theater was renovated and re-opened as a double theater under a new name, the Old Town. The Old Town operated until October 1999 when it was again closed. On Valentines 2002, the Old Town was opened after renovations were completed bringing the bathrooms up to ADA approved code, bringing the balcony back, replacing the seats to a comfortable level and adding lighting and sound systems. The screen was removed opening the stage for live plays and a comedy venue. In December 2002, the theater was closed. The Old Town Theater has reopened as a multi entertainment center featuring all forms of the performing arts including film, theater, music and children shows.
Managing Partner
Roger Fons
JodarMovieFan, THX has a “find theater” function. Put in this zip code & it no appear. Here: http://www.thx.com/consumer/movies/find-a-thx-certified-cinema/
As famous stars appeared on their nightly TV shows, movie theaters went dark on those nights. 90% of movie theaters closed. Many neighborhood movie theaters closed during those years & some larger movie palaces closed, too. Before TV, people went every week to movies. Some went even daily. After TV, movie attendence decreased. With new devices, attendence continues to drop.
I see some movies at muliplexes. There are problems, but nobody herds me in or out like cattle.
I was never there, but I like that there’s a photo of the stairs & escalator.
The new owner says he has is looking for community input- http://www.boston.com/yourtown/news/quincy/2012/01/quincys_wollaston_theater_sold.html
Interesting. Local operator will take it over but films will be booked by Clearview which currently operates on the East Coast. Clearview books many arthouse films, so audience members will be pleased.
I added to this site the video of the blade sign installation, http://cinematreasures.org/video/jenkintown-pas-hiway-theatre-vertical-sign-is-installed
HDTV, an early showing! As I’m listed in the credits, I’m kind of an official volunteer here. If you see outright “spam” email me directly so I will have it removed. There are trivial postings, can’t help that, but this website has more interesting postings than many other blogs.
As was blogged by the Paris on its Facebook site, a recent compliment from an acrtress-
“We’re here at the Paris Theatre, which is such a romantic, old-fashioned theater. This felt like a very appropriate dress,” actress Jessica Chastain said at Tuesday night’s New York premiere of Coriolanus as she smoothed the tissue-thin lace overlay of her floor-skimming Monique Lhuillier look. “ http://www.vogue.com/parties/the-new-york-premiere-of-coriolanus/?utm_medium=twitter&utm_source=Fashion+Instant
Is Dark Knight to be shown here in digital projection or 70mm?
Ed, if it isn’t custom built, it is fake IMAX. Sony opened Lincoln Square with a real one.
Very nice photo! That’s the auditorium built with 61 feet wide screen. Its twin is now the IMAX auditorium that you’ve also photographed.
Chris, Who’s operating the Chinese 6? If it is a separate operator, it should have a separate page here.
from Oct 25, 1999 Phila. Inquirer: The United Artists Cinema at Oxford Valley Mall will expand and renovate its 10-screen theater complex early next year to include six new theaters.
Existing theaters also will be retrofitted with stadium-style seating and state-of-the-art sound, said Joseph C. Esposito, vice president of development for Kravco Co., the property’s manager and developer.
At a meeting last month, the Middletown Township Board of Supervisors voted, 5-0, to approve the expansion, which would increase seating from 2,456 to 3,584.
1996 Courage Under Fire photo of theater exterior: http://www.flickr.com/photos/channaher/2853736923/
The former auditorium. See other photo for the theater’s front.
Enjoyed the new “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” at the Avalon on Wednesday. The surround system is excellent! Was the Swedish version of the movie shown here?
Saw Mission Impossible Ghost Protocol on Tuesday late afternoon, a nice crowd. Curtain hasn’t been used for a year or two because the motor is broke. Movie isn’t being projected on top & lower corner sections, a very minor effect but one that should be corrected. Christie 4 k dual projectors are used. The surround sound is astonishingly good!
Meant “setting up”
Is Ziegfeld projection still 2k or upgraded yet to 4k?
Email stated they have a curtain now! Bill refers above to a curtain. Used before & after each movie?
Well, that sure is decorated for the holidays!
Which is the multiplex only a mile away?
Long holiday hours as the Times Square flagship of the toy mecca: http://money.cnn.com/2011/12/19/pf/holiday_money_toys_r_us/index.htm?source=cnn_bin