Theaters

  • September 1, 2005
    Theaters

    Grand Theater Photos

    Ed Dobbins sent us this note about the Grand Theater:

    I though you might be interested, I finially compiled all of my Grand Theater pictures onto one website.

    http://community.webshots.com/album/434147730wZxctG

    Thanks
    Ed Dobbins
    Baltimore, MD

    1 comment
  • August 30, 2005
    Theaters

    Drive-In Theatres Still A Big Deal In Texas

    Drive-ins may be continuing to fade away around the country but, as this Los Angeles Times article they’re as strong — and as popular as ever — in the state of Texas.

    0 comments
  • August 26, 2005
    Theaters

    Fox Theatre Free Screening

    FULLERTON, CA — On Thursday September 1 at 8:30 p.m. the Fox Theatre will screen the 1953 version of “War Of The Worlds.” The movie will be projected on the exterior stage wall, under the stars. Bring your own seating for the space provided in the parking lot on a first-come, first served basis. Popcorn, soft drinks, pizza, and snacks will be available for purchase.
    http://www.foxfullerton.org/index.php

    0 comments
  • August 25, 2005
    Theaters

    Embassy Embarks on Architectural and Marketing Studies

    LEWISTOWN, PA — The following email was sent by Paul T. Fagley:

    “Embassy Theatre Embarks on Architectural and Marketing Studies

    With a $15,000 Historic Preservation Grant from the Commonwealth and the same amount from a bequest from the late Helen Price, Lewistown¹s Embassy Theatre is ready to take another step toward its eventual rehabilitation and reuse. The Friends of the Embassy Theatre, a Lewistown-area non-profit organization, are completing architectural and marketing studies, which will provide a foundation for future decisions and investments involving theatre preservation, restoration, and maintenance.

    Located on Lewistown’s Monument Square, the Embassy was constructed in 1927, designed as a scaled down version of a Broadway “picture palace” theatre. Films were last shown in 1981 and, 10 years later, the Friends of the Embassy purchased it at an auction. The group reached a major milestone in 2003 with the reconstruction and illumination of the theatre¹s magnificent marquee, often referred to as the Marquee of a Thousand Lights.

    0 comments
  • Theaters

    Filmmaker to Produce Documentary About Historic Movie Theatre

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    Contact: Sean Doherty

    Colorado filmmaker Sean Doherty has announced plans to produce a documentary about The Historic Park Theatre in Estes Park, Colorado. The Historic Park Theatre is the oldest running movie theatre west of the Mississippi River. The theatre was built in 1913 with the landmark tower added in 1922 by Ralph Gwynn. Long time locals Richard and Ola Stanger operated the theatre from 1968 until their deaths; Richard in 2003 and Ola from ovarian cancer in 2005.

    In recent years the Park Theatre has fallen into a state of disrepair. In order to save the theatre from closure, the Stanger family, along with the Cultural Arts Council of Estes Park, have partnered to raise funds to restore the movie theatre to its original 1920’s prime and to continue its operation as the oldest continuous movie theater west of the Mississippi.

    0 comments
  • August 22, 2005
    Theaters

    Balaban and Katz Historical Foundation has been formed!

    The Balaban and Katz Historical Foundation has been formed to collect and preserve historical data pertaining to the Balaban and Katz theater corporation. We have a new website and blog at www.balabanandkatzfoundation.com. The foundation’s first project, a book entitled,“ The Chicago Movie Palaces of Balaban and Katz.” is scheduled for release from Arcadia Publishing in December of 2005.

    We are working on an extremely detailed Balaban and Katz television documentary featuring Hollywood personalities, former Balaban and Katz employees and family members … to be released soon.

    Please visit our site and share any Balaban and Katz memories or wisdom. Contact David Balaban at Stay tuned for details.

    1 comment
  • Theaters

    More Movie Theatre Stories Emerge

    The national coverage of moviegoing continues with new articles from New York Times and Time Magazine. Both articles examine the recent trend towards “luxury” moviegoing and the amenities offered by circuits such as Muvico, Pacific (Arclight), and National Amusements (Cinema de Lux).

    Where is moviegoing and theater construction headed? Can older theaters remain viable? Is the “crisis” at the box office another bit of media hype? What does the future hold for the movie theater?

    Sound off in our comments section.

    3 comments
  • August 16, 2005
    Theaters

    Entertainment Weekly Names Top 10 Theaters

    In the Aug. 8 edition of Entertainment Weekly, the magazine named its ‘Top 10’ theaters in the United States.

    No. 1 on the list was the Alamo Drafthouse in Austin, Texas.

    Also making the grade (in no particular order):

    • The Kennedy School in Portland, OR
    • The Muvico Paradise 24 in Davie, FL
    • The Oriental in Milwaukee, WI
    • The Castro in San Francisco, CA
    • The Senator in Baltimore, MD
    • The Film Forum in New York, NY
    • The ArcLight in Hollywood, CA
    • Grauman’s Chinese Theatre in Hollywood, CA
    • Cable Car Cinema in Providence, RI

    13 comments
  • August 15, 2005
    Theaters

    Marietta Theatre Purchased By Non-Profit

    MARIETTA, PA — The Marietta Theatre has been purchased by Marietta Restoration Associates.

    The theater, opened in 1914, was the oldest operating motion picture theater in Penna and among the oldest in the United States when it closed in 1997.

    The Association is a non profit organization which helps to restore old buildings in this small town. They will hold public meetings to determine future uses for the theater. They expect to have the theater open for tours during the town’s annual Candlelight tour on Dec. 4th.

    However the seats, organ, and most of the furnishings have been removed.

    1 comment
  • August 11, 2005
    Theaters

    Des Plaines Theatre Prepares For 80th Birthday

    DES PLAINES, IL — The 1925 Des Plaines Theatre in downtown Des Plaines may soon have Miner Street glowing again with the neon lights of its marquee, according to the Daily Herald. Much-needed repairs on the theater’s marquee are expected to be completed by October 7-9th, when the Des Plaines will celebrate its 80th anniversary. Repairs to the sign include electrical work and a new paint job.

    The Des Plaines Theatre Preservation Society is playing host to the celebration, which will feature one of the first films to play at the theater, W.C. Fields' “Sally of the Big Sawdust”, which will be accompanied by live organ music. (The Des Plaines actually opened with “The Unholy Three” starring Lon Chaney). Ticket prices for the anniversary weekend will be the same as in 1925, a quarter. Since last year, the Society has been presenting classic films and other events, while Bollywood features continue to play on the theater’s second screen.

    1 comment