Comments from JAlex

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JAlex
JAlex commented about Village Square 6 on Mar 13, 2007 at 10:16 pm

Theatre opened March 25, 1966 as the VILLAGE and as a subrun house. At that time the capacity was 1150.

Architectural credit given to Martin Bloom & Associates.

JAlex
JAlex commented about Crestwood Theatre on Feb 5, 2007 at 4:45 pm

Theatre, with 1350 seats, opened in June 1964. The first exclusive first-run presentation was “The Night of the Iguana” the following month. Architectural design by the firm of Kramer & Harms.

JAlex
JAlex commented about Janet Theatre on Dec 26, 2006 at 1:42 pm

Indeed, Arthur put no money or time into the Janet—as Arthur had nothing to do with the theatre. Clarence Kaimann and his chain is the correct operator. Theatre closed in May 1955. Structure then used as a church, later a Midas operation.

JAlex
JAlex commented about Hi-Pointe Theater on Dec 18, 2006 at 3:08 am

To set the address “controversy” straight: The theatre’s original address was 1001 McCausland. The Hi-Pointe cafe (or bar as one noted) had the address of being on Oakland or, even further back, on the Forest Park streetcar r/o/w. When the cafe, for whatever reason, was given an address on McCausland, the theatre was renumbered 1005 McCausland.

JAlex
JAlex commented about Rock Road Drive-In on Dec 15, 2006 at 2:31 pm

Venue opened July 3, 1962.

Architect was James Willingham.

Original owners & operators were Mr. & Mrs. Herbert Hartstein and associates.

When the movie got boring, one could always watch the Wabash streamliners whiz by. That trackage is now the Metrolink route to Lambert Field.

JAlex
JAlex commented about Wellston Theatre on Nov 27, 2006 at 1:12 pm

Theatre ceased operation in October, 1962. Theatre eventually demolished for street extension.

JAlex
JAlex commented about Lindell Theatre on Oct 24, 2006 at 4:03 pm

Nearly five inches of rain had fallen over the weekend and on the morning of May 8, 1961 the weight of the accumulated water atop the marquee weakened its supports and the 50-foot structure came to the ground. The theatre remained closed and was demolished early in 1962.

JAlex
JAlex commented about Fairfax Cinemas on Oct 6, 2006 at 9:21 pm

It was the Esquire Theatre. Canter’s moved into the space around 1953.

JAlex
JAlex commented about Will Rogers Theatre on Oct 5, 2006 at 1:08 pm

Theatre ceased operation in April 1957.

JAlex
JAlex commented about Ivanhoe Theatre on Oct 3, 2006 at 8:18 pm

Theatre ceased operation in May 1960.

JAlex
JAlex commented about Union Theatre on Oct 3, 2006 at 8:15 pm

Theatre closed in October 1960.

JAlex
JAlex commented about Fairfax Cinemas on Sep 26, 2006 at 7:59 pm

Having just been in LA for the recent 3-D film festival at the Egyptian, it saddens me to hear Fairfax has been closed. I lived in the area from 1981 to 1989 and attended many films there in that period. It was saddening enough when the house was split into three in 1982—but I continued to attend, as compromised as the theatre was. I was so close this time there…I went to Canter’s and wanted to take a shot of the stage wall mentioned above with its “Glorifying the Talking Picture” sign. When I saw the sign had been covered over by a coat of white paint, I walked no further—that was disappointing enough. For what’s its worth—Canter’s is as good as ever.

JAlex
JAlex commented about Mesa Theatre on Sep 6, 2006 at 10:51 pm

The Mesa’s Morton organ is currently in a residence in Portage (Kalamazoo), Michigan.

JAlex
JAlex commented about Apache Theatre on Sep 4, 2006 at 4:06 am

I didn’t remember this either, which is why I attributed the source of the info.

JAlex
JAlex commented about Apache Theatre on Sep 2, 2006 at 12:16 am

The last ad that appeared in a newspaper was on January 22, 1961. The advertised double-bill was “The Magnificent Seven” with “A Dog’s Best Friend.”

Boxoffice magazine, on February 20th, 1961 reported the theatre was destroyed by fire, supposedly started by vandals.

JAlex
JAlex commented about Stadium Cinema I on Aug 31, 2006 at 9:11 pm

Stadium I (and Stadium II) closed in June 1984. Indeed, Wehrenberg operated in final years.

JAlex
JAlex commented about Stadium Cinema II on Aug 31, 2006 at 9:10 pm

Stadium II opened in February 1970 and closed in June 1984.

The space is now occupied by a Hooter’s Restaurant. Indeed, Wehrenberg operated it the final years.

JAlex
JAlex commented about O'Fallon Theatre on Aug 24, 2006 at 3:10 pm

O'Fallon Theatre closed in January, 1956.

While not part of a major, national chain the theatre was part of a major, local chain…the Kaimann circuit which was a major exhibitor in North St. Louis.

In January 1944 theatre was the scene of a family dispute resulting in a shooting in a basement office and a subsequent suicide.

JAlex
JAlex commented about Regal Theatre on Aug 23, 2006 at 8:40 pm

To correct my entry of Aug. 22—

Checked out the theatre today (Aug. 23)—

official status is now DEMOLISHED.

JAlex
JAlex commented about Regal Theatre on Aug 22, 2006 at 1:45 pm

Theatre opened in December 1937.

Architect was Bruce F. Barnes.

Theatre one of the Black-patronage theatres in the city.

Fanchon & Marco not connected to the operation.

Structure stands today…unused, however.

JAlex
JAlex commented about World Playhouse on Aug 17, 2006 at 4:35 pm

Sure wish dates of original entries were given…which came first, the CinemaTreasures or the CinemaTour entry?…with two different submitters and very similar copy.

The building permit for the Broadway was issued in 1910 and the architect of record listed as the firm of Duggan & Huff. Name changed to the CAMEO in 1930; to the HOLLYWOOD in 1931; to the HOLLYWOOD NEWSREEL in 1945 and, finally, to the WORLD in 1946.

JAlex
JAlex commented about Melba Theatre on Aug 12, 2006 at 1:12 pm

Years of operation were 1917 to 1960.

The architect was R. A. Matthews.

JAlex
JAlex commented about Laclede Theatre on Aug 12, 2006 at 1:09 pm

Closing date was June 23, 1959.

JAlex
JAlex commented about Fairy Theatre & Airdrome on Jun 15, 2006 at 1:59 pm

The building permit for the structure was issued in September 1909, suggesting a late 1909 or early 1910 opening. Architect listed on the permit was W. P. Mounts.

Operators over the years did not include the Komm interests.

Listed seating capacity ranges from 650 to 770.

Theatre ceased operation in 1951.

The adjacent airdome had a listed capacity of 798.

JAlex
JAlex commented about Star Theatre on Jun 14, 2006 at 10:35 pm

Years of operation were 1918 to 1959.

An operation of Chris, then Peter Efthin.

Seating capacity was 521.

One of the theatres for Black audiences.