20th Century Theatre
3021 Madison Road,
Cincinnati,
OH
45209
3021 Madison Road,
Cincinnati,
OH
45209
7 people
favorited this theater
A beautiful Art Moderne theater that opened on August 1, 1941, with a seating capacity for 900, located in orchestra and balcony levels. The 20th Century Theatre was designed by Maffit, Alcox & Stritzel, architects for the F & Y Building Service.
It closed in 1983 and languished for the next ten years until the community became involved in restoring the theater. 20th Century Productions took over opeation of the 20th Century Theatre and reopened it in 1997 as a mixed concert and banquet hall.
Contributed by
Ray Martinez
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Just happened upon this site as I was looking for more info on the history of the Valley Theater. I am Louis Wiethe’s granddaughter and I have a fascination with his theater life and work. I have pictures of his theater during openings for “Around the World in 80 Days” (with him on an elephant) and “Breakfast at Tiffany’s”. I also have pictures of his cast from a movie he produced called “Little Laura and Big John”. It starred Karen Black and Fabian. I would love to have and share more info. Anyone who worked for him and has memories of his theater that would like to share them please email me!
I have great news about the 20th Century. I live near it, and on the way home, I saw the full tower marquee all aglow. It was beautiful, but don’t just take my word for it, see for yourself
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I attended the movie tonight as part of the celebration, and they said the tower part of the marquee fell into disrepair 30 years ago, and hasn’t been lit again until tonight.
Classic movie, classic theater, $1 popcorn = perfect night.
I have great news about the 20th Century. I live near it, and on the way home, I saw the full tower marquee all aglow. It was beautiful, but don’t just take my word for it, see for yourself
View link
I attended the movie tonight as part of the celebration, and they said the tower part of the marquee fell into disrepair 30 years ago, and hasn’t been lit again until tonight.
Classic movie, classic theater, $1 popcorn = perfect night.
Hooray! What a classy piece of architecture to return to Oakley Square,way to go 20th Century Theater!!!!!Tyrone Powers would have been thrilled to see his hometown marquee vertical re-lit after a 30 year absence. And thanks to Mr Bowers as well for the pictures!!!And even a movie included too!Wow!
I’m told the vertical stands out with the leaves off the trees from 6 blocks away ! It’s our Statue of Libery in Ohio!
Wish I could do this with the Valley. And Hank, I would love to hear any stories you have about my Grandfather. I’m sorry this is kind of a re-post, but I think I have misplaced your contact info. You can email me with any memories you have of Louis Wiethe Sr, Ed Wiethe, or Lou Jr at I would love to hear anything. I have a passion for all things movie related, and I would love to hear more. Do you all ever get together in Cincy to share memories?
The 20th Century and the Ambassador Theaters were in the Oakley neighborhood of Cincinnati and were about a block apart. The United Dairy Farmers Store was originally directly across Madison Road from the 20th Century where one could buy ice cream cones, etc. Across from the Ambassador was a wonderful ice cream parlor run by the Aglamesisi Brothers. http://www.aglamesis.com It is still there and it is a real, rare treat. Incredible ice cream , malts, shakes, sundaes, all manner of candy and ice cream treats. Definitely worth the trip.
I spent many a Sunday afternoon at the matinees with my friends for $.25. Had my first real date there as a 4th grader. Took a lovely 3rd grade beauty to see The Ten Commandments. Chauffered by my older brother in dad’s ‘49 Packard. Ah, the memories.
The original owner was Willis Vance he had quite a few local cinemas, including The Ohio in Norwood,Guild in Cincinnati,,State in Newport,Kentucky and others. He seemed to keep F&Y Construction Builders very busy.