Noyo Theatre
57 E. Commercial Street,
Willits,
CA
95490
57 E. Commercial Street,
Willits,
CA
95490
8 people
favorited this theater
The Noyo Theatre, constructed by Redwood Theatres, opened in 1939.
In 1996, the theater was renovated by Cinema West, who restored the main auditorium to its original glory. Additionally, two smaller theatres were constructed in back of the original large auditorium.
Contributed by
Ross Melnick
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Recent comments (view all 12 comments)
The Noyo had 600 seats, according to the 1943 Film Daily Year Book. At that time, the town also had the 417-seat Willits Theatre, which was listed as closed. Presumably, Willits was too small to support two theatres.
correct chain-site URL is http://www.cinemawest.com/noy.html
Owned by Redwood Theatres from the 1930-70s era. Redwood was started by George Mann and later passed to his son Richard. They had offices in S.F. Also in same building was theatre owner-film producer Robert Lippert. Mann owned a number of house’s thruout N. Calif: Ukiah; Ft. Bragg; Novato; Modesto, etc.
I managed the Noyo in 1964-65 era, then was transferred to Modesto theatres. The Noyo during that era was a nice family oriented programmed house. Still able,(at that time) to ‘pack’ the auditorium mid-week with a $1 family nite. We still promoted special ‘kid shows’ on saturday matinee’s. Had special holiday events, (easter giveaways; christmas special with Santa; fun shows with magicians and clowns). Altho a bit ‘rowdy’ when the BEATLES in Hard Day’s Night came for a showing..we had to shut down film until I got the kids back to a normal amount of “controlled hysteria”. JCL
Here are some 1986 photos:
http://tinyurl.com/om7y5d
http://tinyurl.com/oec2kx
Here is a 1985 photo:
http://tinyurl.com/pb7hcx
The Noyo Theatre has reopened under the management of Frank Hughes,who operated the movie house three years ago. First run movies will be played. {Boxoffice March 4 1974}
Good info Mike i AM FINALLY back on-line after a month of internet problems,just checking out what I have missed.
Tisloews,Glad you are back.I had the same problems.
The Willits News reported on June 3 this year that the city council had approved a resolution to change the name of Commercial Street to Seabiscuit Parkway. The date the name change will go into effect has not been set.
Ridgewood Ranch, just south of Willits, was the final home of the racehorse Seabiscuit, whose grave on the ranch has become a tourist attraction. The Noyo Theatre hosted a special premier of the movie “Seabiscuit” on the afternoon of July 19, 2003, a few hours before the official world premier took place at the Kentucky Theatre in Lexington.
Cinema West recently sold this theatre to a local couple. I helped remodel this theatre from one to three screens and now it’s being handed off. I used to drive there to teach the managers to build up movies on Thursday nights. Took them forever to get the hang of it. I remember driving home to Petaluma at 2:00am. Anybody who knows the area knows that Petaluma is a long way from Willits.
A few photos can be seen here, here and here.