Novato Theatre
924 Grant Avenue,
Novato,
CA
94945
924 Grant Avenue,
Novato,
CA
94945
1 person
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Built in 1948, the theater functioned as movie theater continuously until 1991, when it closed.
In 1996, the theater was purchased by a non-profit, which intends to restore the theater as a performing arts center for Toledo’s small downtown.
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Novato Theatre
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Recent comments (view all 12 comments)
I spent my childhood and teens in this theater under the iron
rule of Mr. Donohue who tossed me out a couple of times for
roudy behavior. I used to go up and visit with the projectionist
who was funny as hell and usually drunk. What a hoot. The little office next door was the taxi office.
Here is a July 2008 photo.
1980 Photo
From the current text of the intro above: “In 1996, the theater was purchased by a non-profit, which intends to restore the theater as a performing arts center for Toledo’s small downtown.” What, Toledo doesn’t have a theater of its own to renovate?
On the photos: 1960s shingled mansardish roof extension. Ugh. If they renovate I hope they peel that thing off.
Don Donohue frequently wrote pieces for Boxoffice Magazine’s “The Exhibitor Has His Say” feature in the 1950s. Here’s a sample- from the December 8, 1951, issue, his comment on the Universal-International release “You Never Can Tell” with Dick Powell: “This is a real turkey— my poorest Sun., Mon. in many a week. I went along with U-I on top terms because of a saturation booking, but never again. My fingers will burn for weeks.” And that was one of his less acerbic reviews. I sure wouldn’t have wanted to cross Don.
This is a 2009 photo.
The latest on the Novato. http://www.marinij.com/business/ci_16330462
Check out Facebook page “Novato Theater”
The Novato Cinema may re-open.
A non-profit group is trying to raise enough money to turn the old movie house into a place where they can show movies and have live stage performances. I wish the luck, I would love to see a movie in the old theater.
Here are some articles dealing with the renovation of the theater:
http://novato.patch.com/articles/wanna-see-the-inside-of-the-novato-theater
http://novato.patch.com/articles/novato-theater-renovation-on-council-agenda-tonight
Here is another article:
http://www.marinij.com/marinnews/ci_18999018