Niantic Cinemas
279 Main Street,
Niantic,
CT
06357
279 Main Street,
Niantic,
CT
06357
2 people
favorited this theater
The Niantic Theatre opened along Niantic’s Main Street in 1950. Originally a single screen theatre it has been expanded to its current five-plex status over time by dividing the original auditorium and building new additions.
A subrun theatre for many years, the Niantic Cinemas switched to first run films around the year 2000. A fifth screen was built as an addition in 2003 to make it more competitive with larger first run multiplexes nearby. A large mural of Charlie Chaplin graces the front of the building.
Contributed by
Roger Katz
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Recent comments (view all 11 comments)
Here is a photo of the Niantic Cinemas.
1986 Photo
Here is an item in Boxoffice in October 1945. I’m not sure if there was a six year delay in opening the theater, or if this article alternatively is referring to a different house.
NIANTIC, CONN.-Plans are being drawn for a 550-seat theatre to be operated here by Joseph and Ted Markoff, operators of the Strand, Willimantic, Stuart, Lakeville, Colchester, Moodus and East Hampton theatres. Architects Curran & McGuire, New London, said construction was scheduled to start immediately.
How about posting information that you are sure applies to a particular theater.
Listed in 1955 with 658 seats and that information applies to this theater.
There is a February 1950 item in Boxoffice concerning the construction and opening of the 800 seat Niantic Theatre. It was scheduled to open in February 1950, which more closely corresponds with the 1951 opening date given in the introduction. Niantic Theatre should be an aka for Niantic Cinemas.
It looks like the Markoffs opened an as-yet unidentified house in Niantic in late 1945, according to another BO item in November of that year. I will add the Markoff house once I found out what they called it.
ken mc -
found your post citing Joseph and Ted Markoff while searching for history on the Portland Drive-In Theater (CT.
My mother and I both worked for the Markoffs some 40 years apart
at East Hampton CT and Portland Drive In, CT respectively.
I am working on a project for the Boy Scouts commemorating this local landmark before it’s long forgotten – portions of the Marqee sign and refreshment stand still remain…
Do you have any other info about them or the Poprtland Location?
A brief article with three small photos of the Niantic appeared in Boxoffice of November 4, 1950. The article said the house had opened recently with 660 seats.
So it was originally one screen then I guess.
I remember going to see House of Wax with Vincent Price in the 1980’s. I remember the screen was beaded which was much better for its 3D effect. I know that the beaded screen was eventually removed during subsequent renovations. It still is a great theater as it is family run and they don’t gouge you on the concession prices.