I think the Columbia Theatre mentioned in the 1916 Motion Picture World was the Columbia Airdome located at 6230 Columbia. My research shows this operating from 1914 to 1917.
The Globe-Democrat of 11/28/47 said: “Virginia Mayo, St. Louis film star from Hollywood, attended the dedication of the Crest Theatre, and left the imprints of her hands in a block of wet cement in front of the theatre for posterity.” Since the theatre did not open until July 1948, it would seem “dedication” means “ground breaking.”
One cannot help but wonder whatever happened to this cement block.
The above photo illustrates one problem with the house…the seats are not staggered. I remember trying to read the subtitles on a foreign film one evening.
Fanchon & Marco came into the St. Louis-market in October 1933 when they took over operation of the St. Louis Theatre. In January 1934 they took over operation of the Fox Theatre. Along the line they contracted with St. Louis Amusement for the operation of that firm’s theatres. In 1948 F&M acquired St. Louis Amusement. In 1957/58 the Arthur brothers acquired the St. Louis holdings of F&M, becoming Arthur Enterprises.
As for the Granite City Washington, it was first noted as a St. Louis Amusement operation late in 1929.
Correct address is 10441 St. Charles Rock Road. As it now stands, the address given is on the wrong side of the street…and not adjacent to the 4-Screen drive-in.
Venue closed Sept. 1, 1980 with “Coal Miner’s Daughter.”
Definitely not in Chesterfield. My research has shown the theatre to be open from 1948 to about 1958. When opened, operated by the Goldman & Levanthal group. Seating capacity mentioned in trades as anywhere from 300 to 500. I have not found a definitive address for this venue.
Seating capacity was 555 in 1927. Theatre’s success led to the opening of the West End Lyric, later known as the West End. As a movie house it closed in December 1957; theatre reopened as a burlesque house in January 1958 with this policy continuing until the ultimate closure in May 1958. Theatre demolished in early 1963.
We might as well ignore the fact that Stanley Warner’s five-year sublease of Ambassador ended in February 1959. Besides, what other Cinerama films were in the can after “South Seas Adventure”? The theatre was hardly abandoned and reopened in August with a subrun of “South Pacific.”
As for the Lindell Blvd. Cinerama house, it was not even announced until May 1962 that it was to be erected.
It’s not missing, it’s just in Ferguson, Mo. and not Florissant, Mo. as the article misstates.
The name change from Majestic to Majestic Gardens occurred in November 1918.
“The Robe” was not shown at the Fox but at the St. Louis up Grand Avenue.
I think the Columbia Theatre mentioned in the 1916 Motion Picture World was the Columbia Airdome located at 6230 Columbia. My research shows this operating from 1914 to 1917.
The Globe-Democrat of 11/28/47 said: “Virginia Mayo, St. Louis film star from Hollywood, attended the dedication of the Crest Theatre, and left the imprints of her hands in a block of wet cement in front of the theatre for posterity.” Since the theatre did not open until July 1948, it would seem “dedication” means “ground breaking.” One cannot help but wonder whatever happened to this cement block.
Right across the street from the train station.
“The Command” was WB’s first release in CinemaScope…not in 3-D or VistaVision.
The above photo illustrates one problem with the house…the seats are not staggered. I remember trying to read the subtitles on a foreign film one evening.
…and then there was the Sunset Hills I & II which were operated by General Cinema. A bit further west on Watson Road (Highway 66).
After various managements and becoming a “dollar house”, theatre shuttered in March 1994.
Informed last night by staff member that the final day of operation is slated to be May 31st.
Theatre closed May 15, 1955 with double-bill of “The Caine Mutiny” & “On the Waterfront.”
The St. Louis Post-Dispatch has reported the theatre is being demolished.
The theatre was still standing in July 1998. By July 1999 it had been demolished. The photo above represents the plot today.
The King Bee had an adjacent airdome which could seat 1297 patrons.
Fanchon & Marco came into the St. Louis-market in October 1933 when they took over operation of the St. Louis Theatre. In January 1934 they took over operation of the Fox Theatre. Along the line they contracted with St. Louis Amusement for the operation of that firm’s theatres. In 1948 F&M acquired St. Louis Amusement. In 1957/58 the Arthur brothers acquired the St. Louis holdings of F&M, becoming Arthur Enterprises.
As for the Granite City Washington, it was first noted as a St. Louis Amusement operation late in 1929.
According to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch the city of Granite City will be taking over management January 1, 2012.
Dateline of the numberous name changes of this theatre:
1913 – Victoria; 1918 – Fox Liberty; 1924 – Liberty/Liberty Music Hall; 1932 – World; 1932 – Liberty (again); 1932 – World (again); 1936 – Lotus Club; 1942 – Hi-Hat Club; 1943 – 400 Club; 1950 – Sun; 1950 – Lyn.
The last theatrical use I could find was on New Years' Eve 1956.
Last ad for the Southway I could find dates from May 1956.
Correct address is 10441 St. Charles Rock Road. As it now stands, the address given is on the wrong side of the street…and not adjacent to the 4-Screen drive-in. Venue closed Sept. 1, 1980 with “Coal Miner’s Daughter.”
Correct number in shopping center is #68.
An address of 4491 Lemay Ferry Road. Named “South City” after the shopping center, not the physical location.
Definitely not in Chesterfield. My research has shown the theatre to be open from 1948 to about 1958. When opened, operated by the Goldman & Levanthal group. Seating capacity mentioned in trades as anywhere from 300 to 500. I have not found a definitive address for this venue.
Seating capacity was 555 in 1927. Theatre’s success led to the opening of the West End Lyric, later known as the West End. As a movie house it closed in December 1957; theatre reopened as a burlesque house in January 1958 with this policy continuing until the ultimate closure in May 1958. Theatre demolished in early 1963.
We might as well ignore the fact that Stanley Warner’s five-year sublease of Ambassador ended in February 1959. Besides, what other Cinerama films were in the can after “South Seas Adventure”? The theatre was hardly abandoned and reopened in August with a subrun of “South Pacific.”
As for the Lindell Blvd. Cinerama house, it was not even announced until May 1962 that it was to be erected.
The William and Marcella Magnan book on St. Louis street names says Green Street is now known as Lucas.