This was one of the finest RoadShow theatres in the area. It was a victim of the times when those theatres failed and died as single screen location. It did not deserve to finish its years as and adult store.
I regret to this day that I left the Esquire in 1974 for a job in Cincinnati that was definitely the wrong move. As manager, I enjoyed running this theatre. Met my wife there.
I was working at Glendale 1 & 2 when I was sent over to except deliveries prior to opening. I was there when the doors were opened to the public and construction workers were still laying carpet on the upstairs restroom areas. One of the opening movies was JEREMIAH JOHNSON.
Knowing the background of the situation,I fear this is the end of the theatre (digital not helping the situation). I wonder if the the city will do anything to help save the theatre, but not expecting it.
In 4o years of theatre career,this was one of the most beautiful theatres ever built with its Polynesian decor that I have seen in the 45 years that I worked in the industry. A shame what Loews did to it. It is a shame that Levins got its hands on it.
I worked a week here in ‘84 to give the manager a vacation. The theatre was known during its porn days as
“Skyporn” drive in within the industry locals.
It was announced today that Studio Movie Grill will be taking over the theatre space left vacant by Frank Theatres in January, 2013. The next few months, renovation to fit the concept will happen. SMG plans to open 14 screens.
I worked here as an usher from June 1969 to June 1970, Carl Rogers had been manager from 1951 until 1970 when he transferred with Loews to Florida. He had a great 50th anniversary promotion in 1968. I go to walk the building just as the contractors where preparing to demolish the old palace. I wish I had gotten a piece of the balcony carpeting which featured the MGM lion logo.
The comment from Terrybear was incorrect about CABARET playing at the Northwest Plaza. Allied Artists made a circuit wide deal with National General after it had secured a date with the McCook Theatre. The owners of the McCook sued and the date was restored to the McCook.
I worked here the first quarter of 1996, General Cinema had finally learned to build more colorful theatres. I worked for Cinemark and during that time John Travolta came to see the latest Bond movie while in Austin filming.
It was my first theatre job, in a tuxedo as an usher on April 25, 1969 and the movie playing was ROMEO AND JULIET. I also worked Loews Downtown at the same time. Theatre business was such much better than.
It was known as the Todd Burlesque Theatre in the 70’s and famous strippers that performed there were Tempest Storm, Morganna and Busty Russell.
This was one of the finest RoadShow theatres in the area. It was a victim of the times when those theatres failed and died as single screen location. It did not deserve to finish its years as and adult store.
I regret to this day that I left the Esquire in 1974 for a job in Cincinnati that was definitely the wrong move. As manager, I enjoyed running this theatre. Met my wife there.
Please change the status to ‘demolished’.
It was operated by Levin Services during the 1974 union strike against all of the Levin Theatre in Cincinnati except for one of the drive ins.
I was working at Glendale 1 & 2 when I was sent over to except deliveries prior to opening. I was there when the doors were opened to the public and construction workers were still laying carpet on the upstairs restroom areas. One of the opening movies was JEREMIAH JOHNSON.
I went there in 1977 and it was still showing movies.
Judging from on site view, it is fenced off and appears to being prepared for demolition.
Knowing the background of the situation,I fear this is the end of the theatre (digital not helping the situation). I wonder if the the city will do anything to help save the theatre, but not expecting it.
Clay Theatre, once again was closed on June 1st. I suspect this might be the end.
In 4o years of theatre career,this was one of the most beautiful theatres ever built with its Polynesian decor that I have seen in the 45 years that I worked in the industry. A shame what Loews did to it. It is a shame that Levins got its hands on it.
The McCook demise is Levin services fault since allowing the X rated movies.
I worked a week here in ‘84 to give the manager a vacation. The theatre was known during its porn days as “Skyporn” drive in within the industry locals.
It was announced today that Studio Movie Grill will be taking over the theatre space left vacant by Frank Theatres in January, 2013. The next few months, renovation to fit the concept will happen. SMG plans to open 14 screens.
The McCook Theatre should be listed as ‘demolished’.
I worked here as an usher from June 1969 to June 1970, Carl Rogers had been manager from 1951 until 1970 when he transferred with Loews to Florida. He had a great 50th anniversary promotion in 1968. I go to walk the building just as the contractors where preparing to demolish the old palace. I wish I had gotten a piece of the balcony carpeting which featured the MGM lion logo.
Within 3 weeks of this closing, the first theatre I opened in Ohio also closed.
The comment from Terrybear was incorrect about CABARET playing at the Northwest Plaza. Allied Artists made a circuit wide deal with National General after it had secured a date with the McCook Theatre. The owners of the McCook sued and the date was restored to the McCook.
I worked here the first quarter of 1996, General Cinema had finally learned to build more colorful theatres. I worked for Cinemark and during that time John Travolta came to see the latest Bond movie while in Austin filming.
Would love to reopen this classic theatre.
Closed Jan. 19, 2014
It was my first theatre job, in a tuxedo as an usher on April 25, 1969 and the movie playing was ROMEO AND JULIET. I also worked Loews Downtown at the same time. Theatre business was such much better than.
This theatre was operated by Kerasotes Theatres and sat across the street/parking lot from the General Cinema Mounds Mall Cinemas.
The theatre was located behind Wendy’s.
Mike, I bet we could spend hours talking about the good old days.