Catalina Theatre
2320 North Campbell Avenue,
Tucson,
AZ
85719
2320 North Campbell Avenue,
Tucson,
AZ
85719
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The Catalina Theatre was opened in March 1947 as a single screen.
Contributed by
Michael Coate
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Recent comments (view all 6 comments)
One internet source says 836 seats. This theatre started off as a single-screener & was apparently twinned in the late 1970’s. January 1988 newspaper listings indicate it was It was undergoing a renovation at that time (apparently to a 6-plex). Owners: ABC Arizona (1961-1969), ABC (1969-1974), Plitt (1974-1986), Cineplex Odeon (1986-1998), Loews Cineplex (1998-2003), Loew’s (2003-2005), AMC (2005-2006). Seems to have retained Cineplex Odeon signage thru Loew’s and AMC ownership. Last showings by AMC seem to have been Thursday, January 26, 2006.
The opening date of the Catalina Theatre was tentatively set as November 1, according to an item in Boxoffice of September 14, 1946. The new house had been designed for Paramount Nace Theatres by architect Hal Pereira.
In September, 1986, Boxoffice reported that Cineplex Odeon planned to demolish the Catalina Theatre and replace it with a six-screen multiplex of 1000 seats. I’ve been unable to find any Boxoffice items confirming that the original Catalina was indeed demolished by Odeon, but they did demolish the much newer El Dorado Theatre and replaced it with a six-plex. It seems likely that Odeon would have gone ahead with their plans to demo the Catalina.
My second home for almost thirty years was indeed torn down. I stayed
far away during the demo. A sixplex was built on the site by Darth
Grabinski. It now sits empty and has been purchased by The University
of Arizona. Many, many big pictures played here exclusive. “Sound Of
Music” for almost a year.
Any photos?
<<< Many, many big pictures played here exclusive. “Sound Of Music” for almost a year. >>>
Yep, 45 weeks to be exact. And I imagine that’s the all-time record for Tucson. The 39-week run of the original “Star Wars” at El Dorado is probably number two.
March 26th, 1947 grand opening ad is at
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