The organ pipes are the giveaway that this shot is of the Detroit, not St. Louis, Fox Theatre. Also, 6000 seats was a bit of a publicists exaggeration.
In 1910 structure was known as the Ideal Theatre. As stated in an ad: “The cleanest and best ventilated moving picture house in the city.” Admission was 5ยข.
“80 Days” had its first-run at the Esquire in 1957…and not in Todd-AO. The Pageant was the first St. Louis house with Todd-AO capability, but not until 1958.
Shot, indeed, is of Loew’s State taken the evening of Feb. 28, 1961. The marquee of the theatre was wider than the entrance to the house and the ticket booth is “missing” due to the “white-out” to the right of the band conductor.
On Monday, 11/5, 12 of the 16 screens are slated to reopen. The remainder in early January. There are two “brands” in the mix, 8 “Fork & Screen” and 8 “Cinema Suites”. Seating has been drastically reduced with new configuration sporting 29 to 80 seats each. In addition to the auditoriums a new bar will be in the main lobby, replacing the concession stand.
This theatre dated from 1918 when it was the auditorium for Poro College which had been founded by Annie Malone.
In February 1934 the auditorium became a commercial operation, the Amytis, and presented films and occasional stage attractions. This was one of the theatres for the Black population of St. Louis in the days of racial segregation. The last ad spotted for the theatre was published in July 1960.
The organ pipes are the giveaway that this shot is of the Detroit, not St. Louis, Fox Theatre. Also, 6000 seats was a bit of a publicists exaggeration.
The organ pipes are the giveaway that this is a shot of the Detroit Fox lobby, not St. Louis.
After the production of “Anything Goes” closes June 9, the theatre will be closed for the summer as the ceiling is restored.
In 1910 structure was known as the Ideal Theatre. As stated in an ad: “The cleanest and best ventilated moving picture house in the city.” Admission was 5ยข.
Wehrenberg took over GCC theatres in Missouri in October 1989.
“80 Days” had its first-run at the Esquire in 1957…and not in Todd-AO. The Pageant was the first St. Louis house with Todd-AO capability, but not until 1958.
Opened December 17, 2008.
The lighting fixtures seen were originally in the Ambassador Theatre downtown.
This lighting fixture one of those from the Ambassador Theatre.
Shot, indeed, is of Loew’s State taken the evening of Feb. 28, 1961. The marquee of the theatre was wider than the entrance to the house and the ticket booth is “missing” due to the “white-out” to the right of the band conductor.
Shot taken between 2/19 and 3/13, 1975.
Latest report is that this facility will be closing Nov. 25, not the January date earlier reported.
Made a special trip today (Nov. 9, 2012) to make sure the status of the structure. It is still there! The photograph reflects reality.
On Monday, 11/5, 12 of the 16 screens are slated to reopen. The remainder in early January. There are two “brands” in the mix, 8 “Fork & Screen” and 8 “Cinema Suites”. Seating has been drastically reduced with new configuration sporting 29 to 80 seats each. In addition to the auditoriums a new bar will be in the main lobby, replacing the concession stand.
Correct address is 702 N. Grand, on the east side of the street.
I see now that this theatre is entered twice on the site.
As noted on the NYC theatre page, the ad is for the St. Louis operation.
Indeed, the theatre in question is the (New) Grand Central in St. Louis. “Mystery of the Wax Museum” first-runned there May 4 to 10, 1933.
Operated from 11/26/86 to 2/6/2000. AMC spokesperson said at time of closure: “8 screens alone makes it obsolete.”
I mispoke when giving an opening year of 1916…it should have been 1926. Trade papers noted the construction contract in November 1925.
The other hardtop in the area was the Hoffman/Baden Family at 8237 N. Broadway which was listed in the 1911 City Directory.
Indeed, the Baden at 8201 replaced an airdome which had opened in 1921.
As well, there had been an earlier airdome at 8414 N. Broadway which had opened in 1915.
1936 redo credited to architect Bruce F. Barnes.
Chances of the roof sign being restored can be laid to rest…the superstructure has been removed.
This theatre dated from 1918 when it was the auditorium for Poro College which had been founded by Annie Malone. In February 1934 the auditorium became a commercial operation, the Amytis, and presented films and occasional stage attractions. This was one of the theatres for the Black population of St. Louis in the days of racial segregation. The last ad spotted for the theatre was published in July 1960.
The FDYB lists a seating capacity of 640.
Architect (in 1935) was Bruce F. Barnes.
Introduction says the Missouri Rockets/Rockettes started here. No, it was the Missouri Theatre in St. Louis where they originated.