Search of former Philadelphia theater discovers silent film treasures

PHILADELPHIA, PA — A recent search of Port Richmond’s Richmond Theater found the remnants of several silent film posters. The theater opened in 1913 with silent pictures and closed in 1952 as a second run movie house. The building now houses the Port Richmond Book Store Co. after subsequent uses as a vending machine company and hardware supply business.

The posters were found in a crawl space which traverses the entire main auditorium. Search crews will further explore the venue in early December.

Each of the posters dates to 1917 and provides a unique insight into the early silver screen.
“Plagues and Puppy Love” advertised as a “Big ‘V” comedy distributed by the Greater
Vitagraph Company stars Larry Semon and is written by Graham Baker. “Six Cylinder Love"
stars Tom Mix and Victoria Forde. Written and directed by Mix. The movie was distributed by
the Fox Film Company.

“Your Obedient Servant,” a drama suggested by Anne Sewell’s story “Black Beauty,” was distibuted by the George Kleine Systems. And, “Do Children Count” starring prominent child
actress “Little” Mary McAllister was a production of the Essanay Company.