Casino Theatre
217 Federal Street,
Pittsburgh,
PA
15212
217 Federal Street,
Pittsburgh,
PA
15212
2 people
favorited this theater
Additional Info
Previous Names: Novelty Theatre, Novelty Art Theatre, New Casino Theatre
Nearby Theaters
The Novelty Theatre was located on the north side of Pittsburgh. It was opened on October 23, 1908 with vaudeville & movies. Operating into the early-1960’s, on September 13, 1963 it became an adult movie theatre, renamed Novelty Art Theatre and screening a double bill program of two naturist films.
On October 20, 1966 it was renamed New Casino Theatre with a double bill adult movie program: David Reed in “Tales of a Salesmen” & Hank Henry in “Not Tonight Henry”. It became the Casino Theatre which closed, still screening adult movies, on March 30, 1975.
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jrs99cinefile
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Recent comments (view all 6 comments)
Listed at 217 Federal in the 1955 Yellow pages, which would put it where the Marriott Spring Hill Suites are now. It looks like there’s a stadium around the corner-is that the Pirates' ballpark?
I remember walking by this theater in the early 1960’s. It seemed pretty shabby and was charging 15 cents for admission.
The Novelty Theater was owned by my grandfather, Nathan Perer. I scanned an old photo and added it above.
September 13th, 1963 reopening ad as a adult cinema in the photo section.
Opened in 1910.
Panic in the theatre.
Panic at the Novelty theatre after a fire. Sat, Jul 23, 1910 – Page 10 · The Pittsburgh Press (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania) · Newspapers.com
The Novelty launched October 23, 1908 with vaudeville and motion pictures for a dime. The Novelty added sound to remain viable. On September 13th, 1963 it was rebranded as the Novelty Art Cinema playing “A Paradise and "Sun Goddess.” It was finally renamed as the New Casino Theatre beginning on October 20, 1966 with a double feature of “Tales of a Salesman” and “Not Tonight Henry.” A raid in the 1970s led to charges of corruption after the theater had concluded its business operations.
The Casino Theatre closed permanently on March 30, 1975 when it was essentially thrown out by the Urban Redevelopment Authority which came into ownership of the building. That action against “The Home of Total Girl Shows” was initiated in November of 1973 but the Casino management successfully fought that in court until 1975. The venue went out in style with a six-hour adult movie fest for just $3 admission. Listing should be the Casino Theatre.