Laurel Theater
2310 San Pedro Avenue,
San Antonio,
TX
78212
2310 San Pedro Avenue,
San Antonio,
TX
78212
1 person
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The Laurel Theater was a single screen theater which played second run double features. It was opened in 1945 and sadly closed in 1982 and remained vacant until it was torn down in September 1986.
As a kid, I loved going there as it was in a residential area, close by, across from a middle school. It also had a balcony. It was an independent movie house worth remembering, rare now in these days of big chains.
Contributed by
Andy Sanchez
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Recent comments (view all 25 comments)
On a previous post I gave the website of the Laurel Theatre and I entered it without cap letters. To go to the site, go to: http://www.satheatres.com/Laurel_Theatre.php
I am correcting myself a second time. It must be age. The Laurel was razed in Sept. 1986 rather than 1987.
Was this theater known as the New Laurel? Here are some 1984 photos:
Photo1
Photo2
Photo3
My dad managed this theater in the 70’s, all the up until 1978. I saw Rocky and all The Pink Panther movies there in the balcony over and over again. It was the coolest thing when you’re a 7 yr old.
If anyone has any more pics of the place I’d love it if you posted them. My dad’s passed away now and I don’t have many pics of the theater, it’d be crazy if someone had pics of him at the theater.
If you have any stories of your dad please post them.Most of us were theatre managers.
Nice vertical on the LAUREL THEATRE.
His name was A.C. and he used to take me to the theater all the time when I was a kid, my sisters and I would sit up in the balcony, which was usually roped off and watch movies. I can’t remember how many times I saw Rocky and The Pink Panther movies. I believe they showed Rolling Thunder there as well as One flew over the Cuckoos Nest and Carrie, he did let us watch the end of Carrie when she reached up from beyond the grave. I think they also show The Exorcist there, but he wouldn’t let us watch that one, we left SA in 78 and I was 9 yrs old, so you can see why he wouldn’t let us watch certain movies. I remember going with him to Mr. Braha’s office and there was another guy with silver hair, can’t remember his name right now. I have vague memories of The Aztec, my memories are mainly of the New Laurel, I remember he brought home a lot of promotional stuff, t-shirts, 45’s posters and autographs. After watching movies in the balcony all day he would take us to the Century South to watch more movies, Jaws, Star Wars, The Incredible Melting Man, Manitou etc.
Beat City,Great story,You had it made,reminds me of a story of a friend who’s dad was a projectioinst in Tampa,During the summer my friend,Michael, would watch double features everynight on the roof of the one of the many Drive-ins in Tampa,hope your grades didn’t suffer,you lucky kid.Lol.
I worked at the Theatre for about 3 years; usher for 1 and Asst Mgr for 2. If you search other sites you can find Pictures. I was there from 1961 to 1964. Manager was Mr. Kruger. When I was Assistant Mgr. I made sure we had the prettiest Candy Girls (Concession Stand) in town… LOL
I can remember many movies, but the best I actually loved was West Side Story. Can you believe it…. a Musical ! LOL After seeing it many times, I finally really got to enjoy. Oh, I always wore Cowboy boots, not that you would remember, lol.
When I first hired in the Manager was Mr. Blankenship. A Mr. Powers was the BIG boss over the San Antonio chain. Office was over the big theatre downtown close to the SA river.
I graduated from Lee in 62 and also went to SAC before joining the AF in 64
Sad to say, it was torn down in 80’s.
Jim