Joseph J. Modleski buys Rhode Island Theatres
WARREN. R.I. —-Joseph J. Modleski has purchased two Rhode Island Theatres, the Lyric in Warren and the Pastime in Bristol, effective as of June 1. Modleski has been operating both of the situations on lease the last two years from the estate of Lon Vail.
Prior to leasing the Lyric and Pastime, Modleski had served as manager pf the Lyric for Vail until the latter’s death. Modleski broke into motion picture exhibition in August 1920 as an usher at the Lyric Theatre. He told BOXOFFICE that he plans to make alterations at both of the theatres.
The Orpheum Cinema, Danielson, Conn., concluded a summer film festival for regional junior high school age students, sponsored by seven industrial firms. Admission was free. Programs were screened on seven consecutive Tuesday afternoons. Attractions included “El Cid.”
The Providence Journal-Bulletin apologizes to the Gilbert Stuart. From Boxoffice magazine, August 17, 1964:
In a series of articles, published in the Providence Journal- Bulletin, dealing with the “demise” of business in the Riverside section of adjoining East Providence, it was stated “there used to be a movie house in Riverside.” Hardly before the ink was dry or the presses cold, Harry Horton, owner-operator of the cozy, well-operated Gilbert Stuart Playhouse in Riverside quickly protested that the Providence newspaper had made a grievous error—-there still WAS a motion picture theatre in Riverside! The newspaper editor was forced to acknowledge the mistake and apologize to the theatre and community for “belittling” the well-patronized movie house.
Sir, I could use those too! All I have are oblique references to this place in Boxoffice magazine!
I know the address of the current Chepachet Grange, but I don’t know if it was this building in 1942 or another.
From The Reel Journal (Boxoffice) magazine, August 8, 1925:
Second Release for “Sea Hawk” Sept. 1
“The Sea Hawk,” which First National took out of service at the end of May, for three months, has been released again for first run showings, beginning the first of September, Tom Byerle, local manager, announced this week.
The first of the new first run showings has been contracted by Thomas Spry, branch manager in Boston, for the week of September 6th, at the Rialto Theatre, Providence, R.I.
Flash Fire Empties Theatre
CRANSTON, R.I. – A flash fire emptied the Rainbo Theatre of 250 patrons, mostly children, during a recent afternoon performance. The fire broke out as Elmo Vendettuoli, the operator, was reloading the projection machine. The projector was damaged considerably. The theatre was emptied in an orderly manner when Joseph Santagata, the manager, gave the warning and assistants opened all exits. The show was resumed within an hour.
PROVIDENCE. —-The 37-year-old Wickford Theatre in nearby Wickford has closed for good after a two-year battle for survival. Up until two years ago, the Wickford operated seven nights a week, but since then it has operated only on weekends.
Manager Guy E. Renfro blamed television for the recent closing. but Meyer Stanzler, lessor of the Wickford in a prepared statement, denied that TV was responsible, claiming that his theatre could not stand the competition of the Quonset naval base theatre, which offers a 15-cent rate to defense workers.
Quonset authorities, however, denied that defense workers were allowed in the base theatre. They insisted that admission is granted only to servicemen. Stanzler denies that this is true and claims he can furnish proof to substantiate his claims.
[Note: “37-year old” would place the original opening of this theatre at around 1915.]
Studios sue Milton and Edward Bomes for false reporting of boxoffice receipts at their Liberty Theatre in Providence and Hollywood Theatre in East Providence.
Item in Boxoffice magazine, October 25, 1952: View link
Studios sue Milton and Edward Bomes for false reporting of boxoffice receipts at their Liberty Theatre in Providence and Hollywood Theatre in East Providence.
Item in Boxoffice magazine, October 25, 1952: View link
Item in Boxoffice magazine, February 17, 1958, relating to the upcoming run of The Miracle of Marcelino at this theatre:
Anticipating the forthcoming screening of “The Miracle of Marcelino,” Mrs. Ann Cohen, publicity director of the Art Cinema, has invited all of the Religious throughout the Providence diocese, pastors, priests, nuns, and sisters, to a special private screening. Those required to remain on duty while others attend have been invited to see the picture free during the run. Furthermore, it is the policy of Rhode Island’s newest art house to pass in members of the clergy of all denominations at all times. To tie in with the presentation of “The Miracle of Marcelino,” Mrs. Cohen is arranging for a special display of art in the lobby, though the courtesy of Salve Regina College, Newport. A special party for children from Catholic institutions is also being arranged. The youngsters will have the theatre to themselves and candy, ice cream and cakes will be served. Other facets of Mrs. Cohen’s extensive publicity campaign include special advertising in the Visitor, weekly diocesan newspaper, news breaks and printed invitations to church and state dignitaries.
In Boxoffice magazine, July 2, 1949, the Manley Popcorn Company saluted the opening of the new Boro Drive-In in their ad: View link
The theatre must have opened in the summer of 1949.
Another related item in Boxoffice magazine, November 19, 1938:
“Captive of Nazis” is Providence Roadshow
BOSTON—-Harry Segal, Imperial Pictures head, who has taken over the New England distribution of “I Was a Captive of Nazi Germany,” opened a roadshow engagement at the Play House in Providence which he leased for the occasion.
Item in Boxoffice magazine, November 19, 1938:
“The Playhouse has temporarily dropped its vaude-film policy and is playing "I Was a Captive of Nazi Germany” with authoress-star Isobel Lillian Steele making a personal appearance with the film over the weekend."
I noticed this with certain other films in that period with “adult content.” Apparently it was a type of local blue-law restriction on certain entertainments deemed inapropriate for Sundays.
Another related item I found was that later in 1951 the manager of the Delavan Theatre in Delavan, Wisconsin, quit after the Lions Club protested the showings of “Bitter Rice.” Many locals expressed indignation and suggested that the theatre should be boycotted.
Item in Boxoffice magazine, December 30, 1950:
“Mario Votolato and his wife, who recently leased the Johnston Theatre in Thornton, R.I., from Sam Richmond, were in [boston] booking at Monogram.”
Item in Boxoffice magazine, June 12, 1961:
Joseph J. Modleski buys Rhode Island Theatres
WARREN. R.I. —-Joseph J. Modleski has purchased two Rhode Island Theatres, the Lyric in Warren and the Pastime in Bristol, effective as of June 1. Modleski has been operating both of the situations on lease the last two years from the estate of Lon Vail.
Prior to leasing the Lyric and Pastime, Modleski had served as manager pf the Lyric for Vail until the latter’s death. Modleski broke into motion picture exhibition in August 1920 as an usher at the Lyric Theatre. He told BOXOFFICE that he plans to make alterations at both of the theatres.
Item in Boxoffice Magazine, September 18, 1967:
The Orpheum Cinema, Danielson, Conn., concluded a summer film festival for regional junior high school age students, sponsored by seven industrial firms. Admission was free. Programs were screened on seven consecutive Tuesday afternoons. Attractions included “El Cid.”
The Providence Journal-Bulletin apologizes to the Gilbert Stuart. From Boxoffice magazine, August 17, 1964:
In a series of articles, published in the Providence Journal- Bulletin, dealing with the “demise” of business in the Riverside section of adjoining East Providence, it was stated “there used to be a movie house in Riverside.” Hardly before the ink was dry or the presses cold, Harry Horton, owner-operator of the cozy, well-operated Gilbert Stuart Playhouse in Riverside quickly protested that the Providence newspaper had made a grievous error—-there still WAS a motion picture theatre in Riverside! The newspaper editor was forced to acknowledge the mistake and apologize to the theatre and community for “belittling” the well-patronized movie house.
Sir, I could use those too! All I have are oblique references to this place in Boxoffice magazine!
I know the address of the current Chepachet Grange, but I don’t know if it was this building in 1942 or another.
From The Reel Journal (Boxoffice) magazine, August 8, 1925:
Second Release for “Sea Hawk” Sept. 1
“The Sea Hawk,” which First National took out of service at the end of May, for three months, has been released again for first run showings, beginning the first of September, Tom Byerle, local manager, announced this week.
The first of the new first run showings has been contracted by Thomas Spry, branch manager in Boston, for the week of September 6th, at the Rialto Theatre, Providence, R.I.
The theatre opened on December 22, 1967.
Item in Boxoffice magazine, April 2, 1949:
Flash Fire Empties Theatre
CRANSTON, R.I. – A flash fire emptied the Rainbo Theatre of 250 patrons, mostly children, during a recent afternoon performance. The fire broke out as Elmo Vendettuoli, the operator, was reloading the projection machine. The projector was damaged considerably. The theatre was emptied in an orderly manner when Joseph Santagata, the manager, gave the warning and assistants opened all exits. The show was resumed within an hour.
Article in Boxoffice magazine, April 12, 1952:
Theatre in Wickford Closed by Stanzler
PROVIDENCE. —-The 37-year-old Wickford Theatre in nearby Wickford has closed for good after a two-year battle for survival. Up until two years ago, the Wickford operated seven nights a week, but since then it has operated only on weekends.
Manager Guy E. Renfro blamed television for the recent closing. but Meyer Stanzler, lessor of the Wickford in a prepared statement, denied that TV was responsible, claiming that his theatre could not stand the competition of the Quonset naval base theatre, which offers a 15-cent rate to defense workers.
Quonset authorities, however, denied that defense workers were allowed in the base theatre. They insisted that admission is granted only to servicemen. Stanzler denies that this is true and claims he can furnish proof to substantiate his claims.
[Note: “37-year old” would place the original opening of this theatre at around 1915.]
Item in Boxoffice magazine, October 25, 1952:
“The Miracle of Our Lady of Fatima” packed them in at the Majestic. It was scheduled to move to the Carlton for an undetermined period."
Item in Boxoffice magazine, October 25, 1952:
“The Miracle of Our Lady of Fatima” packed them in at the Majestic. It was scheduled to move to the Carlton for an undetermined period."
Item in Boxoffice magazine, October 25, 1952:
“An Italian film, ‘Al Telefono con Te’ regaled good houses at the Uptown…”
Studios sue Milton and Edward Bomes for false reporting of boxoffice receipts at their Liberty Theatre in Providence and Hollywood Theatre in East Providence.
Item in Boxoffice magazine, October 25, 1952:
View link
Studios sue Milton and Edward Bomes for false reporting of boxoffice receipts at their Liberty Theatre in Providence and Hollywood Theatre in East Providence.
Item in Boxoffice magazine, October 25, 1952:
View link
Item in Boxoffice magazine, February 17, 1958, relating to the upcoming run of The Miracle of Marcelino at this theatre:
Anticipating the forthcoming screening of “The Miracle of Marcelino,” Mrs. Ann Cohen, publicity director of the Art Cinema, has invited all of the Religious throughout the Providence diocese, pastors, priests, nuns, and sisters, to a special private screening. Those required to remain on duty while others attend have been invited to see the picture free during the run. Furthermore, it is the policy of Rhode Island’s newest art house to pass in members of the clergy of all denominations at all times. To tie in with the presentation of “The Miracle of Marcelino,” Mrs. Cohen is arranging for a special display of art in the lobby, though the courtesy of Salve Regina College, Newport. A special party for children from Catholic institutions is also being arranged. The youngsters will have the theatre to themselves and candy, ice cream and cakes will be served. Other facets of Mrs. Cohen’s extensive publicity campaign include special advertising in the Visitor, weekly diocesan newspaper, news breaks and printed invitations to church and state dignitaries.
“Racial Film Opens Strong at Houston Majestic"
About the showings of Home of the Brave, in Boxoffice magazine, July 16, 1949:
View link
An item on the renovation of the Revere Theatre in 1949 can be read on this page of Boxoffice magazine, July 16, 1949:
View link
Gang in front of house, Boxoffice magazine, July 16, 1949:
View link
Small photo of entrance and marquee from Boxoffice magazine, July 16, 1949, during run of Home of the Brave.
View link
…and a story with more photos, Boxoffice, July 2, 1949:
View link
In Boxoffice magazine, July 2, 1949, the Manley Popcorn Company saluted the opening of the new Boro Drive-In in their ad:
View link
The theatre must have opened in the summer of 1949.
Another related item in Boxoffice magazine, November 19, 1938:
“Captive of Nazis” is Providence Roadshow
BOSTON—-Harry Segal, Imperial Pictures head, who has taken over the New England distribution of “I Was a Captive of Nazi Germany,” opened a roadshow engagement at the Play House in Providence which he leased for the occasion.
Item in Boxoffice magazine, November 19, 1938:
“The Playhouse has temporarily dropped its vaude-film policy and is playing "I Was a Captive of Nazi Germany” with authoress-star Isobel Lillian Steele making a personal appearance with the film over the weekend."
I noticed this with certain other films in that period with “adult content.” Apparently it was a type of local blue-law restriction on certain entertainments deemed inapropriate for Sundays.
Another related item I found was that later in 1951 the manager of the Delavan Theatre in Delavan, Wisconsin, quit after the Lions Club protested the showings of “Bitter Rice.” Many locals expressed indignation and suggested that the theatre should be boycotted.
Item in Boxoffice magazine, December 30, 1950:
“Mario Votolato and his wife, who recently leased the Johnston Theatre in Thornton, R.I., from Sam Richmond, were in [boston] booking at Monogram.”
Small photo of marquee on election day, Boxoffice magazine, December 16, 1950:
View link