I rode the “el” line daily about 1970-75 but was never able to pinpoint the theatre’s location from the train. The MGM Theatre Photograph and Report form for the Egleston calls it the “Egleston Square Theatre” and says it’s in Roxbury. One M&P Theatres lists says it’s in Jamaica Plain, while the Paramount Theatres list places it in Roxbury. As far as I know, Egleston Sq. is part of J.P. The photo, dated May 1941, in the MGM Report is very poor, but it shows an upright for the elevated structure on the sidewalk in front of the theatre. There is a rectangular marquee with “The Egleston” in huge bulbed letters on its front. The movie posted on the side of the marquee is “Western Union”. The Report states that the theatre has been a MGM customer for over 10 years, that it was built over 15 years ago (in 1941) and is in Poor condition. There were 1012 seats on the main floor and 210 balcony seats, total: 1,222 seats. It is described as a “Neighborhood” theatre. In the 1927 Film Daily Yearbook, the Egleston is listed as having only 500 seats – that seems incorrect.
The MGM Theatre Photograph and Report form for the Wellfleet Theatre has an exterior photo dated April 1941. The cinema was located in a wood-frame building with clapboard siding at least 2 stories high. There was a small, one-story projection at the front. The windows all have black shutters. The entrance is at the center— a single pair of French-style doors. Above the entrance is a large wooden board with 4 rows for posting attractions. Above that is small, lighted sign “Wellfleet”. There is a small poster board to the left of the doorway. The windows, one on each side of the doorway, are filled with more posters. The Report states that the theatre is on Main Street, that it has been showing MGM films for 10 years; that it’s less than 15 years old and in Fair condition, and has 225 seats. The 1927 Film Daily Yearbook has only “Union Hall” listed for Wellfleet, with 200 seats and open one day per week (probably Saturdays). It’s probable that Union Hall and the Wellfleet Theatre are one in the same.
The MGM Theatre Photograph and Report form for the Strand in Westborough MA has an exterior photo dated May 1941. The Strand was a free-standing building 2 stories high. The facade on the ground floor was decorated with alternating horizontal broad stripes; on the second floor, the stripes were vertical. I assume that they were painted in contrasting colors. There was a small triangular marquee over the center entrance; the marquee had a “S” at its apex, and there was a vertical blade sign above. On each side of the entrance there were very large poster cases. The Report states that the Strand is at 19 Sumner (sic) Street; that it has been a MGM customer for 20 years, that it was built in 1921 and is in Good condition, and has 490 seats. There are no competing theatres in town, and the 1940 population was 6,400. In the 1927 Film Daily Yearbook, the only cinema in Westborough is listed as “Town Hall” with 400 seats and open 4 days per week. The MGM Report photo certainly does not look like a typical Town Hall. In the 1942-43 Motion Picture Almanac, the Strand is listed as part of Fred Leiberman’s circuit.
The MGM Theatre Photograph and Report form for the Waldorf Theatre in Lynn has an exterior photo dated May 1941. The Waldorf had a notably handsome and very fancy ornamented facade. There was a 3-sided marquee above with “Waldorf” in big letters on the front panel. The attraction was Paul Muni in “Hudson’s Bay.” Below the marquee was a centered box-office with sets of double doors on each side. The Report states that the Waldorf had been showing MGM product for over 10 years; that it’s over 15 years old; in Good condition, with 700 seats on the main floor and 749 balcony seats; total: 1,449 seats. The 1942-43 Motion Picture Yearbook lists the Waldorf and the Warner theatres in Lynn as being part of the Warner Brothers theatre chain.
The Olympia Theatre in Lynn was included in the MGM Theatre Photograph and Report project. The form has an exterior photo dated May 1941. The theatre entrance was in the middle of a large commercial building at least 4 stories high. Above the entrance was a rectangular marquee with “Olympia” at the top-front in letters which probably had neon tubing. There is a large poster case on each side of the entrance with an elaborate frame. The Report states that the Olympia has been showing MGM films for over 10 years; that it’s over 15 years old; in Fair condition, with 1296 seats on the orchestra floor and 1240 balcony seats; total: 2,536 seats. The 1942-43 edition of the Motion Picture Almanac lists the Olympia, along with the Paramount in Lynn, as part of the M&P Theatres.
The MGM Theatre Photograph and Report form for the Comique Theatre in Lynn has an exterior photo dated 1941. The Comique had a fairly narrow highly ornamented facade at least 2 stories high. There was a small rain canopy over the sidewalk with the theatre’s name above. There are narrow poster cases on each side of the entrance. A cloth banner hangs from the marquee advertising a film with the title of “Here is Ireland” or “There is Ireland”. The Report states that the Comique is on Munroe St., that it is not a MGM customer, that it was built about 1900, is in Poor condition, and has 800 seats.
In the 1942-43 edition of the Motion Picture Almanac, the Opera House in Bellows Falls VT is listed as being operated by Interstate Theatre Corp. of Boston.
The Boston Sunday Herald of Feb. 18, 2007 has an article titled “Le Grand David’s spectacular longevity no illusion” by Lauren B. Falcone which states that the matinee performance of Feb. 18th at the Cabot Street Theatre will mark the 30th anniversary of the Le Grand David magic shows on stage. There are Sunday matinees at the Cabot St. while a different show plays on Thursdays at the Larcom Theatre nearby.
The Orient Palace Th. in East Boston was included in the MGM Theatre Photograph and Report project. There is an exterior photo dated March 1941. The entrance spanned the width of a 2-story structure which was white or some other light color. There was a rectangular marquee, the design of which was influenced by a Beijing Imperial Palace roof line. Attractions are Gene Autry in “Melody Ranch” and Deanna Durbin in “Mad about Music”. There is a centered box-office and a pair of fancy-framed poster cases. The Report states that the Orient Palace has been presenting MGM films for over 10 years; that it was built about 1922, is in Good condition, has 820 seats and is a “neighborhood” house. In the 1942-43 Motion Picture Yearbook Marget Theatres of Boston is listed as operating the “Day Square Theatre” in East Boston, and I wonder if that is this theatre.
The MGM Theatrre Photograph and Report form for the Gem on Meridian St. in East Boston has an exterior photo dated March 1941. The entrance was at the left end of a large brick 3-story building. There are stores on the ground floor and either apartments or offices on the 2 floors above. The Gem’s entrance is interesting: many theatres of the period had a half-circle arch above the entrance, but the Gem has a pointed Gothic arch and window. Out in front of the arch is a short vertical sign and below that is a small marquee; the name “Gem” is repeated 5 times on this signage. There are at least 2 ddouble doors with poster cases on either side. To the left of the entrance is a brick wall behind which is a courtyard for the building to the left. The Report states that the Gem has been playing MGM films for over 10 years; that it was built about 1910; is in Poor condition; and has 502 orchestra seats and 203 balcony seats; total: 705 seats.
The MGM Theatre Photograph and Report form for the Central Square Theatre in East Boston has an exterior photo dated March 1941. The theatre entrance was at the left end of the building, and it appears that one walked in from the street and then turned right to face the screen. There is a rectangular marquee with the theatre’s name in big letters on the front and sides, but no room to post attractions. Above the marquee is a vertical blade sign. The entrance has 3 double doors; to its left is a narrow poster case; to its right are 2 wide poster cases and a fire exit door from the rear of the auditorium. The Report states that the theatre has been playing MGM product for over 10 years; that it was built about 1930; is in Good condition and has 1,100 seats.
The Lynn Auditorium was included in the MGM Theatre Report and Photograph project. There is an exterior photo dated 1941. The theatre had a fairly wide entrance in the middle of a commercial building at least 3 stories high. It had a rectangular marquee with “Auditorium” on the front, with a sun-burst above the name. Above the marquee was a vertical blade sign. There were poster cases on either side of the entrance. The building looks like a typical 1920-era business building. The Report states that the Auditorium is not a MGM customer; that it was built around 1890; that it’s in Poor condition, and has 443 seats on the main floor and 367 balcony seats, total: 810 seats. The Auditorium is listed in the 1942-43 Motion Picture Yearbook as being operated by Charles Morse theatres of Boston.
The Keith’s Theatre in Campello was included in the MGM Theatre Photograph and Report project. There is an exterior photo dated April 1941. The house had a big impressive facade at least 3 stories high, with a center entrance. There were 3 pairs of double doors above which was a 2-sided triangular marquee, and above that was a vertical blade sign. It’s not possible to read what’s on left panel of the marquee, but the right panel has “March of Time” and “Enamelware”. Above the doors is a sign reading something like “Matinees at 2PM” and “Evenings at 7…”. There are rows of poster cases on either side of the entrance. The Report states that Keith’s is at 1030 Main St. in Brockton; that it has been playing MGM films for 4 years; that it’s over 15 years old and is in Poor condition (but the exterior appears to be in good condition); and has 550 seats on the main floor and 240 in the balcony,total: 790 seats. Keith’s and the Rialto Theatre, also on Main Street, were the only two Brockton theatres included in the MGM Report project. A friend, now deceased, who worked for E.M. Loew theatres from the late-1930s to the early-1950s, told me that around 1939 he and E.M.’s brother were sent to Brockton to inspect Keith’s, but I don’t know the final result of their visit.
The MGM Theatre Photograph and Report form for the Strand in Malden has an exterior photo dated April 1941. The entrance was in the right end of a commercial building at least 3 stories high. There was a big, boxy 1930-era marquee with a vetical sign above. Ginger Rogers and James Stewart are posted on the marquee front, along with “100 Bank Night Every Mon Eve”. Hanging from the bottom edge of the marquee is a big cloth banner advertising Joan Blondell in “Topper Returns”. The Report says that the Strand has been showing MGM films for over 10 years; that it’s over 15 years old; in Fair condition, and has 1080 seats on the main floor and 620 in the balcony, total: 1,700 seats. In the 1927 Film Daily Yearbook, the Strand in Malden is listed as being open 6 days per week and having 1,500 seats.
The Orpheum in Malden MA was included in the MGM Theatre Photograph and Report project. There is an exterior photo dated April 1941. The entrance was on the right end of a large old brick commercial building at least 3 stories high. There was a sign reading “Orpheum” mounted just under the windows on the second floor and a one-line strip to post attractions running just above the wide entrance. There was a center ticket booth with sets of doors on each side. The Report states that the Orpheum has been presenting MGM films for over 10 years; that it’s over 15 years old; in Fair condition, and has 542 seats on the main floor and 243 balcony seats, total: 785 seats. The Orpheum is listed in the 1927 Film Daily Yearbook as being open 6 days per week and having 800 seats.
The MGM Theatre Photograph and Report form for the Maplewood Theatre in Malden has an exterior photo dated April 1941. Th entrance was within a one-story commercial block. It had a bright 2-sided triangular marquee with Maplewood at the top in neon letters. Below were 3 lines of black letters on a white background. The attraction posted was Ginger Rogers in “Kitty Foyle”. The Report states tht the Maplewood has been showing MGM films for over 3 years; that it was built about 1937, is in Good condition and has 661 seats. The type of patronage was described as “neighborhood”. The Maplewood was listed in the 1942-43 edition of the Motion Picture Almanac as part of the Middlesex Amusement Co. circuit (Ramsdell brothers).
The Champ Theatre in Spencer was included in the MGM Theatre Photograph and Report project, but no one filled out the form. There is an undated exterior photo. Judging from one of the cars in the photo, it dates from the late-1940s. The Champ was a free-standing building 3 stories high with an attractive facade. There was a 2-sided triangular marquee with the name “Champ” in big letters, but with no space to post the movie titles. On either side of this marquee was an ornamental coach lantern. There were some poster cases along the front wall. It would be interesting to know how the theatre got its unusual name. It’s not listed in the 1942-43 Motion Picture Almanac, which means that it was either independently run, or belonged to a circuit of 4 or fewer houses.
The Methuen Theatre was included in the MGM Theatre Photograph and Report project. The form has an exterior photo dated April 1941. The theatre was a 2-story free-standing building with a center entrance and a store on each side. There is a small, rectangular marquee posted above which is a sign which says “Get Rich Nite”. At the top center of the facade is a fancy emblem but the photo quality is too poor to read what is inscribed there. The Report states that the theatre is at 13 Pelham St., that it has been showing MGM films for over 10 years; that it’s over 10 years old and in Good condition, and has 600 seats. Someone crossed that figure out and wrote in “711” seats. There were no competing theatres in Methuen and the 1940 population there was 21,800. The Methuen Theatre is listed in the 1942-43 Motion Picture Almanac as being part of Graphic Theatres of Boston.
The MGM Theatre Photograph and Report form for the Hudson Theatre has an exterior photo dated April 1941. The Hudson was a prominent free-standing building about 3 stories high. There is a marquee along the front which is interesting because instead of having side panels facing up and down the sidewalk in both directions, it has a panel only on the right side. In the center of the marquee is the year “1920” or “1930” . Under the marquee are 4 sets of double French-style doors. On either side of the doors is a large and elaborate poster case. The Report states that the Hudson has been showing MGM films for over 10 years; that it’s over 10 years old, is in Fair condition, and has 570 seats on the main floor and 292 in the balcony, total: 862 seats. Nearest competing theatre is in Marlboro MA. The 1940 population of Hudson was 8,000.
The MGM Theatre Photograph and Report form for the Capitol in Malden has an exterior photo dated 1941. The theatre’s entrance was in a large commercial building at least 2 or 3 stories high. There was a rectangular marquee with a large capitol dome on the front and smaller domes at the top of each side. The wide entrance contains 3 steps up from the sidewalk. There are poster cases on each side, and hanging from a line along the bottom edge of the marquee are cloth or paper flyers. The Report states that the Capitol has been a MGM customer for 15 years, that it was built about 1910, is in Fair condition and has 320 seats on the main floor and 300 in the balcony, total: 620 seats.
The 1942-43 edition of the Motion Picture Almanac lists the Capitol in Lynn, as well as the Lynn Open Air Theatre, as being operated by the E.M. Loew theatre circuit.
ConnSwampYankee- thanks for responding to my question regarding the rail tracks. In the photos I have seen, some in color, the theatre had a big stage, the roof of which towered over the auditorium. I didn’t realize that there were two theatres there, side by side.
Shoeshoe14- the next time you’re in downtown Quincy, go back to the intersection of Hancock St. and School St. Walk north on the west side of Hancock a few steps, with a pub on your left, until you’re at the intersection of Hancock Court, a side-street on your left. Go up this street just a few steps. On your left the blank one-story wall, with a couple of exit doors, is the old left auditorium wall of the Adams Theatre. The screen was at the east end, the rear of the auditorium was at the west end; the lobby out to School St. was on the south side. I don’t know what’s in it today, but it’s all still intact.
shoeshoe14 was correct in his observations- there is no balcony in the Wollaston Th. There is an orchestra pit, with a small organ console in it. The projection booth is high up on the rear wall. While I don’t think I saw “Spartacus” at the Wollaston, I did see other movies there in the 1940s-50s and the theatre was very well patronized and popular.
I rode the “el” line daily about 1970-75 but was never able to pinpoint the theatre’s location from the train. The MGM Theatre Photograph and Report form for the Egleston calls it the “Egleston Square Theatre” and says it’s in Roxbury. One M&P Theatres lists says it’s in Jamaica Plain, while the Paramount Theatres list places it in Roxbury. As far as I know, Egleston Sq. is part of J.P. The photo, dated May 1941, in the MGM Report is very poor, but it shows an upright for the elevated structure on the sidewalk in front of the theatre. There is a rectangular marquee with “The Egleston” in huge bulbed letters on its front. The movie posted on the side of the marquee is “Western Union”. The Report states that the theatre has been a MGM customer for over 10 years, that it was built over 15 years ago (in 1941) and is in Poor condition. There were 1012 seats on the main floor and 210 balcony seats, total: 1,222 seats. It is described as a “Neighborhood” theatre. In the 1927 Film Daily Yearbook, the Egleston is listed as having only 500 seats – that seems incorrect.
The MGM Theatre Photograph and Report form for the Wellfleet Theatre has an exterior photo dated April 1941. The cinema was located in a wood-frame building with clapboard siding at least 2 stories high. There was a small, one-story projection at the front. The windows all have black shutters. The entrance is at the center— a single pair of French-style doors. Above the entrance is a large wooden board with 4 rows for posting attractions. Above that is small, lighted sign “Wellfleet”. There is a small poster board to the left of the doorway. The windows, one on each side of the doorway, are filled with more posters. The Report states that the theatre is on Main Street, that it has been showing MGM films for 10 years; that it’s less than 15 years old and in Fair condition, and has 225 seats. The 1927 Film Daily Yearbook has only “Union Hall” listed for Wellfleet, with 200 seats and open one day per week (probably Saturdays). It’s probable that Union Hall and the Wellfleet Theatre are one in the same.
The MGM Theatre Photograph and Report form for the Strand in Westborough MA has an exterior photo dated May 1941. The Strand was a free-standing building 2 stories high. The facade on the ground floor was decorated with alternating horizontal broad stripes; on the second floor, the stripes were vertical. I assume that they were painted in contrasting colors. There was a small triangular marquee over the center entrance; the marquee had a “S” at its apex, and there was a vertical blade sign above. On each side of the entrance there were very large poster cases. The Report states that the Strand is at 19 Sumner (sic) Street; that it has been a MGM customer for 20 years, that it was built in 1921 and is in Good condition, and has 490 seats. There are no competing theatres in town, and the 1940 population was 6,400. In the 1927 Film Daily Yearbook, the only cinema in Westborough is listed as “Town Hall” with 400 seats and open 4 days per week. The MGM Report photo certainly does not look like a typical Town Hall. In the 1942-43 Motion Picture Almanac, the Strand is listed as part of Fred Leiberman’s circuit.
The MGM Theatre Photograph and Report form for the Waldorf Theatre in Lynn has an exterior photo dated May 1941. The Waldorf had a notably handsome and very fancy ornamented facade. There was a 3-sided marquee above with “Waldorf” in big letters on the front panel. The attraction was Paul Muni in “Hudson’s Bay.” Below the marquee was a centered box-office with sets of double doors on each side. The Report states that the Waldorf had been showing MGM product for over 10 years; that it’s over 15 years old; in Good condition, with 700 seats on the main floor and 749 balcony seats; total: 1,449 seats. The 1942-43 Motion Picture Yearbook lists the Waldorf and the Warner theatres in Lynn as being part of the Warner Brothers theatre chain.
The Olympia Theatre in Lynn was included in the MGM Theatre Photograph and Report project. The form has an exterior photo dated May 1941. The theatre entrance was in the middle of a large commercial building at least 4 stories high. Above the entrance was a rectangular marquee with “Olympia” at the top-front in letters which probably had neon tubing. There is a large poster case on each side of the entrance with an elaborate frame. The Report states that the Olympia has been showing MGM films for over 10 years; that it’s over 15 years old; in Fair condition, with 1296 seats on the orchestra floor and 1240 balcony seats; total: 2,536 seats. The 1942-43 edition of the Motion Picture Almanac lists the Olympia, along with the Paramount in Lynn, as part of the M&P Theatres.
The MGM Theatre Photograph and Report form for the Comique Theatre in Lynn has an exterior photo dated 1941. The Comique had a fairly narrow highly ornamented facade at least 2 stories high. There was a small rain canopy over the sidewalk with the theatre’s name above. There are narrow poster cases on each side of the entrance. A cloth banner hangs from the marquee advertising a film with the title of “Here is Ireland” or “There is Ireland”. The Report states that the Comique is on Munroe St., that it is not a MGM customer, that it was built about 1900, is in Poor condition, and has 800 seats.
In the 1942-43 edition of the Motion Picture Almanac, the Opera House in Bellows Falls VT is listed as being operated by Interstate Theatre Corp. of Boston.
The Boston Sunday Herald of Feb. 18, 2007 has an article titled “Le Grand David’s spectacular longevity no illusion” by Lauren B. Falcone which states that the matinee performance of Feb. 18th at the Cabot Street Theatre will mark the 30th anniversary of the Le Grand David magic shows on stage. There are Sunday matinees at the Cabot St. while a different show plays on Thursdays at the Larcom Theatre nearby.
The Orient Palace Th. in East Boston was included in the MGM Theatre Photograph and Report project. There is an exterior photo dated March 1941. The entrance spanned the width of a 2-story structure which was white or some other light color. There was a rectangular marquee, the design of which was influenced by a Beijing Imperial Palace roof line. Attractions are Gene Autry in “Melody Ranch” and Deanna Durbin in “Mad about Music”. There is a centered box-office and a pair of fancy-framed poster cases. The Report states that the Orient Palace has been presenting MGM films for over 10 years; that it was built about 1922, is in Good condition, has 820 seats and is a “neighborhood” house. In the 1942-43 Motion Picture Yearbook Marget Theatres of Boston is listed as operating the “Day Square Theatre” in East Boston, and I wonder if that is this theatre.
The MGM Theatrre Photograph and Report form for the Gem on Meridian St. in East Boston has an exterior photo dated March 1941. The entrance was at the left end of a large brick 3-story building. There are stores on the ground floor and either apartments or offices on the 2 floors above. The Gem’s entrance is interesting: many theatres of the period had a half-circle arch above the entrance, but the Gem has a pointed Gothic arch and window. Out in front of the arch is a short vertical sign and below that is a small marquee; the name “Gem” is repeated 5 times on this signage. There are at least 2 ddouble doors with poster cases on either side. To the left of the entrance is a brick wall behind which is a courtyard for the building to the left. The Report states that the Gem has been playing MGM films for over 10 years; that it was built about 1910; is in Poor condition; and has 502 orchestra seats and 203 balcony seats; total: 705 seats.
The MGM Theatre Photograph and Report form for the Central Square Theatre in East Boston has an exterior photo dated March 1941. The theatre entrance was at the left end of the building, and it appears that one walked in from the street and then turned right to face the screen. There is a rectangular marquee with the theatre’s name in big letters on the front and sides, but no room to post attractions. Above the marquee is a vertical blade sign. The entrance has 3 double doors; to its left is a narrow poster case; to its right are 2 wide poster cases and a fire exit door from the rear of the auditorium. The Report states that the theatre has been playing MGM product for over 10 years; that it was built about 1930; is in Good condition and has 1,100 seats.
The Lynn Auditorium was included in the MGM Theatre Report and Photograph project. There is an exterior photo dated 1941. The theatre had a fairly wide entrance in the middle of a commercial building at least 3 stories high. It had a rectangular marquee with “Auditorium” on the front, with a sun-burst above the name. Above the marquee was a vertical blade sign. There were poster cases on either side of the entrance. The building looks like a typical 1920-era business building. The Report states that the Auditorium is not a MGM customer; that it was built around 1890; that it’s in Poor condition, and has 443 seats on the main floor and 367 balcony seats, total: 810 seats. The Auditorium is listed in the 1942-43 Motion Picture Yearbook as being operated by Charles Morse theatres of Boston.
The Keith’s Theatre in Campello was included in the MGM Theatre Photograph and Report project. There is an exterior photo dated April 1941. The house had a big impressive facade at least 3 stories high, with a center entrance. There were 3 pairs of double doors above which was a 2-sided triangular marquee, and above that was a vertical blade sign. It’s not possible to read what’s on left panel of the marquee, but the right panel has “March of Time” and “Enamelware”. Above the doors is a sign reading something like “Matinees at 2PM” and “Evenings at 7…”. There are rows of poster cases on either side of the entrance. The Report states that Keith’s is at 1030 Main St. in Brockton; that it has been playing MGM films for 4 years; that it’s over 15 years old and is in Poor condition (but the exterior appears to be in good condition); and has 550 seats on the main floor and 240 in the balcony,total: 790 seats. Keith’s and the Rialto Theatre, also on Main Street, were the only two Brockton theatres included in the MGM Report project. A friend, now deceased, who worked for E.M. Loew theatres from the late-1930s to the early-1950s, told me that around 1939 he and E.M.’s brother were sent to Brockton to inspect Keith’s, but I don’t know the final result of their visit.
The MGM Theatre Photograph and Report form for the Strand in Malden has an exterior photo dated April 1941. The entrance was in the right end of a commercial building at least 3 stories high. There was a big, boxy 1930-era marquee with a vetical sign above. Ginger Rogers and James Stewart are posted on the marquee front, along with “100 Bank Night Every Mon Eve”. Hanging from the bottom edge of the marquee is a big cloth banner advertising Joan Blondell in “Topper Returns”. The Report says that the Strand has been showing MGM films for over 10 years; that it’s over 15 years old; in Fair condition, and has 1080 seats on the main floor and 620 in the balcony, total: 1,700 seats. In the 1927 Film Daily Yearbook, the Strand in Malden is listed as being open 6 days per week and having 1,500 seats.
The Orpheum in Malden MA was included in the MGM Theatre Photograph and Report project. There is an exterior photo dated April 1941. The entrance was on the right end of a large old brick commercial building at least 3 stories high. There was a sign reading “Orpheum” mounted just under the windows on the second floor and a one-line strip to post attractions running just above the wide entrance. There was a center ticket booth with sets of doors on each side. The Report states that the Orpheum has been presenting MGM films for over 10 years; that it’s over 15 years old; in Fair condition, and has 542 seats on the main floor and 243 balcony seats, total: 785 seats. The Orpheum is listed in the 1927 Film Daily Yearbook as being open 6 days per week and having 800 seats.
The MGM Theatre Photograph and Report form for the Maplewood Theatre in Malden has an exterior photo dated April 1941. Th entrance was within a one-story commercial block. It had a bright 2-sided triangular marquee with Maplewood at the top in neon letters. Below were 3 lines of black letters on a white background. The attraction posted was Ginger Rogers in “Kitty Foyle”. The Report states tht the Maplewood has been showing MGM films for over 3 years; that it was built about 1937, is in Good condition and has 661 seats. The type of patronage was described as “neighborhood”. The Maplewood was listed in the 1942-43 edition of the Motion Picture Almanac as part of the Middlesex Amusement Co. circuit (Ramsdell brothers).
Hank- I don’t know anything about the Methuen Th. other than what’s in the MGM Report.
The Champ Theatre in Spencer was included in the MGM Theatre Photograph and Report project, but no one filled out the form. There is an undated exterior photo. Judging from one of the cars in the photo, it dates from the late-1940s. The Champ was a free-standing building 3 stories high with an attractive facade. There was a 2-sided triangular marquee with the name “Champ” in big letters, but with no space to post the movie titles. On either side of this marquee was an ornamental coach lantern. There were some poster cases along the front wall. It would be interesting to know how the theatre got its unusual name. It’s not listed in the 1942-43 Motion Picture Almanac, which means that it was either independently run, or belonged to a circuit of 4 or fewer houses.
The Methuen Theatre was included in the MGM Theatre Photograph and Report project. The form has an exterior photo dated April 1941. The theatre was a 2-story free-standing building with a center entrance and a store on each side. There is a small, rectangular marquee posted above which is a sign which says “Get Rich Nite”. At the top center of the facade is a fancy emblem but the photo quality is too poor to read what is inscribed there. The Report states that the theatre is at 13 Pelham St., that it has been showing MGM films for over 10 years; that it’s over 10 years old and in Good condition, and has 600 seats. Someone crossed that figure out and wrote in “711” seats. There were no competing theatres in Methuen and the 1940 population there was 21,800. The Methuen Theatre is listed in the 1942-43 Motion Picture Almanac as being part of Graphic Theatres of Boston.
The MGM Theatre Photograph and Report form for the Hudson Theatre has an exterior photo dated April 1941. The Hudson was a prominent free-standing building about 3 stories high. There is a marquee along the front which is interesting because instead of having side panels facing up and down the sidewalk in both directions, it has a panel only on the right side. In the center of the marquee is the year “1920” or “1930” . Under the marquee are 4 sets of double French-style doors. On either side of the doors is a large and elaborate poster case. The Report states that the Hudson has been showing MGM films for over 10 years; that it’s over 10 years old, is in Fair condition, and has 570 seats on the main floor and 292 in the balcony, total: 862 seats. Nearest competing theatre is in Marlboro MA. The 1940 population of Hudson was 8,000.
The MGM Theatre Photograph and Report form for the Capitol in Malden has an exterior photo dated 1941. The theatre’s entrance was in a large commercial building at least 2 or 3 stories high. There was a rectangular marquee with a large capitol dome on the front and smaller domes at the top of each side. The wide entrance contains 3 steps up from the sidewalk. There are poster cases on each side, and hanging from a line along the bottom edge of the marquee are cloth or paper flyers. The Report states that the Capitol has been a MGM customer for 15 years, that it was built about 1910, is in Fair condition and has 320 seats on the main floor and 300 in the balcony, total: 620 seats.
The 1942-43 edition of the Motion Picture Almanac lists the Capitol in Lynn, as well as the Lynn Open Air Theatre, as being operated by the E.M. Loew theatre circuit.
ConnSwampYankee- thanks for responding to my question regarding the rail tracks. In the photos I have seen, some in color, the theatre had a big stage, the roof of which towered over the auditorium. I didn’t realize that there were two theatres there, side by side.
Shoeshoe14- the next time you’re in downtown Quincy, go back to the intersection of Hancock St. and School St. Walk north on the west side of Hancock a few steps, with a pub on your left, until you’re at the intersection of Hancock Court, a side-street on your left. Go up this street just a few steps. On your left the blank one-story wall, with a couple of exit doors, is the old left auditorium wall of the Adams Theatre. The screen was at the east end, the rear of the auditorium was at the west end; the lobby out to School St. was on the south side. I don’t know what’s in it today, but it’s all still intact.
shoeshoe14 was correct in his observations- there is no balcony in the Wollaston Th. There is an orchestra pit, with a small organ console in it. The projection booth is high up on the rear wall. While I don’t think I saw “Spartacus” at the Wollaston, I did see other movies there in the 1940s-50s and the theatre was very well patronized and popular.