Elite Theatre

804 Howard Street,
St. Paul, NE 68873

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Additional Info

Functions: Fraternal Hall

Previous Names: St. Paul Opera House

Nearby Theaters

The St. Paul Opera House was built in 1880 by Nicholas J. Paul. The first movies to be shown in St. Paul was done so at the Opera House which was renamed Elite Theatre on June 16, 1911. The building was purchased by the St. Paul American Legion but the Elite Theatre continued to show movies until the Riviera Theatre opened in 1933. The Elite Theatre seated 300. The building still stands housing the St. Paul American Legion.

Contributed by Chris1982

Recent comments (view all 4 comments)

dallasmovietheaters
dallasmovietheaters on September 2, 2021 at 6:41 pm

The Elite appears to have opened on June 16, 1911 with movies. The theatre switched to talkies and played “The Jazz Singer” on June 16, 1930. James W.Crouch sold the Elite Theatre to Fred Jungclaus taking ownership following the February 28, 1930 shows. Jungclaus renamed the venue as the Riviera Theatre beginning March 2, 1930 with Bebe Daniels in “Rio Rita.”

Though the Riviera was active into the 1960s, regular operation ceased following the September 15, 1954 showing of “Francis Joins the Wacs.” Chamber of Commerce, special interest commercial and public service screenings and holiday films appeared into at least 1966 at the Riviera.

dallasmovietheaters
dallasmovietheaters on September 10, 2021 at 6:59 pm

The St. Paul Opera House was built in 1880 by Nicholas J. Paul. The first movies to be shown in St. Paul were at the Opera House which was renamed Elite Theatre on June 16, 1911. The Elite appears to have opened on June 16, 1911 with movies. The theatre switched to talkies and played “The Jazz Singer” on June 16, 1930. James W.Crouch sold the Elite Theatre to Fred Jungclaus taking ownership following the February 28, 1930 shows.

Jungclaus renamed the venue as the Riviera Theatre beginning March 2, 1930 with Bebe Daniels in “Rio Rita.” Though the Riviera was active into the 1960s, regular operation ceased following the September 15, 1954 showing of “Francis Joins the Wacs.” Chamber of Commerce, special interest commercial and public service screenings and holiday films appeared into at least 1966 at the Riviera.

The other CinemaTreasure entry in St. Paul is a duplicate

Joe Vogel
Joe Vogel on September 10, 2021 at 11:00 pm

The 1914-1915 American Motion Picture Directory lists two theaters at St. Paul: The Opera House and the Dreamland Theatre.

dallasmovietheaters
dallasmovietheaters on September 11, 2021 at 8:02 pm

The Dreamland opened September 2, 1912. It closed after eight months in June of 1913. It was converted for other usage as Atwood’s Barber Shop in July of 1913.

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