Vigilante Theater
335 N. Last Chance Gulch Street,
Helena,
MT
59601
335 N. Last Chance Gulch Street,
Helena,
MT
59601
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Opened in 1934 as the Rio Theater, this Art Deco style theater was later renamed the Vigilante, and operated into the 50s. The building is today home to a fitness center.
Contributed by
Bryan Krefft
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Recent comments (view all 4 comments)
A 1936 exterior view of the Rio can be seen here.
The Rio survived a violent earthquake in 1935, according to the Helena Independent:
REPORTS THAT RIO TO OPEN NOT TRUE; STATEMENT ISSUED
Reports about the Rio theater opening in a few days are entirely erroneous, according to Paul McAdam, manager. In a statement yesterday, Mr. McAdam said: “The show will not open until everything has quieted down, the tremor ceased, and the building carefully inspected by the authorities. An examination of the building indicates there is no apparent damage done.
“The quake did not seem to strike as hard on the downtown section of town as in the residence district, and we even continued the show for a few minutes when the power was on. Not realizing the extensive damage done, we made an addition to an ad prepared for the morning paper. However, upon reaching home, the real force of the earthquake was apparent; our brick dwelling was in shambles, and our folks nearly hysterical. In forgetting about the ad, we no doubt caused considerable confusion, which anyone experiencing the quake can easily understand.
[Helena Independent; October 23, 1935]
The Rio became the Vigilante in 1947. A small photo showing the new name on the marquee appeared in the June 14 issue of Boxoffice Magazine that year. The caption said: “SIX GUN ATMOSPHERE— Having donned a strictly western dress, Helena’s Rio Theatre has changed its name to the Vigilante and now caters to those who like their westerns rough and ready, all at reduced prices.”
Closed in 1958 was operated by fox Intermountain Theatres.