Woods 6
19269 Mack Avenue,
Grosse Pointe Woods,
MI
48236
19269 Mack Avenue,
Grosse Pointe Woods,
MI
48236
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Fifty years ago today THE EXORCIST opened here. Woods II was among only two-dozen cinemas in twenty-one North American markets to play the film at release launch.
August 26th, 1970 grand opening ad in photo section.
February 18th, 1948 grand opening ad in photo section.
2 images added courtesy of John Romanowski.
Really nice marquees. Owned by UNITED DETROIT THEATRES in 1956 as mentioned above. Harold H. brown was the President.With Robert Salter the purchasing agent.
As JerryD pointed out a couple of years ago, contrary to the current introduction above the Woods Theatre never had a balcony. Boxoffice of April 24, 1948, ran an article about the Woods with several photos and a floor plan.
Seated 2478 at opening in 1948.
For the record, The WoodsTheatre never had a balcondy. The Woods was twined by ABC Michigan Theatres in 1969-70, under the supervision of Leon Serin, V>P> and Gil Green operations managerfor ABC Michigan Theatres. The gigantic screen curtain and all useable carpet was removed and installed in the Ramona Theatre located at 6 mile & Gratiot, Detroit. The Woods seated over 2500 when it was a single screen, after twining, it seated 1200 & 750. Some of the biggest hits ever to play at the Woods, “GOLDFINGER 1963, all of the 2500 seats needed. "THE EXORCIST” 1973. The Woods served as the District Office for ABC/PLITT Theatres in the late 70’s and early 80’s. Jack Cataldo, was the V>P> in charge and Walter Goryl was the local booker. The Woods was purchased by NGTTheatres and the AMC Theatres who completed the mutiplexing to 6 screens. In, it’s day the Woods was one of Michigan, finest theatres. JerryD, I was there.
Based on the photos located here, the theater was done in some great decor by Charles N. Agree. This unknown architect designed many great buildings and theaters for Detroit and its suburbs. This is a clearly unique decor he perfected.
I saw my first R-rated film at the then Woods I & II. “The Shining” (1980). It still saddens me today to drive by to see a strip mall and a parking garage in place of what once was. There were many fond childhood memories spent at that theatre.
Woods theatre was torn down, after being purchased by a local hospital that was after the site for years. I was an Assistant Manager at the Woods during 1962-63 while working for United Detroit Theatres.