Neptune Theatre

I tried to visit this place during my trip to Seattle, but since I don’t see any comments from me, I guess I didn’t make it.

Architect is H. Ryan of Seattle, who also designed the Whiteside Theater in Corvallis, Oregon for the Whiteside brothers. The Whiteside opened in 1922, was the second grandest movie house in Oregon (second only to the Liberty in Portland, which has been torn down). Act III acquired the Whiteside, Regal acquired Act III, and put portable toilets on the sidewalk out front rather than repair the sewer line! The Whiteside was added to the Corvallis Historic Register in 1989. Regal closed the Whiteside in 2002, and it is now for sale, with Regal prohibiting the showing of first run movies for 20 years. Ideas?

The Neptune Theatre was once part of the Fox Theatre chain under one of their subsidiaries known as Evergreen State Amusement Corp..

This marquee photo shows the neon just starting to lighten up the night:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/csb13/35891817/

There is a picture of the Neptune marquee at
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I worked at the Neptune from 1982 – ‘88 during it’s Landmark Theatre Corp. heyday. The theatre featured a different double bill almost every night and of course, Rocky Horror on Fri – Sat midnights. It kept things exciting for the staff. Most of those who worked the Neptune became friends, and several of us still keep in touch to this day. Working right out of high school, I did most of my 'growing up’ through the friendships I made there. The Neptune wasn’t just a place to work, it’s where you hung out when you weren’t working!! Our motto was: “It’s not just a job, it’s a chance to offend people”! Not really, but we did have fun.

The Neptune opened in 1921 as a silent film and vaudville house. There is a small stage behind the screen. Over the years the theatre became very run down and ugly. It was known as “The Purple Pit”. In 1981, Landmark Theatres bought it and gave it a full nauticle make-over, complete with a ship that doubles as the concession stand. Plus new screen, projectors, seats, sound system, paint, carpet, the works!

I’m proud to say it is still in operation, after undergoing another updating in the 90’s as a first-run house showing the latest hits. I hope it sticks around for a long time, given the survival rate of single screen theatres these days isn’t too good.

The Neptune Theatre opened on No. 16, 1921. The theatre is located at 1303 NE 45th. Street. (206) 633-5545