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The latest movie theater news and updates
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December 24, 2007
Old Theatres in Britain Website
Please take a look at our web pages www.oldtheatres.co.uk which give details of old theatres in Britain which are working, or under threat, or have been demolished. In our first book,d ue to be published in February 2008, we examine OLD THEATRES OF THE MIDLANDS and those wonderful days of variety.
An introduction to the book, which includes over 150 photographs, is given by the famous Beverley Sisters, an act which topped the bill at theatres all over the country throughout the fifties and sixties, and who each were given the M.B.E. by Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II in March 2006. We read about Derby Hippodrome, now awaiting its fate as a “live” theatre, but with a massive supporters' association.
Please visit our web pages for further information, or /* KMp81.J_G33I433rG~{u4
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December 21, 2007
Update: One of the few Dimension 150 Theaters left…..
PLEASANT HILL, CA — Yes, one at least remains, the Dome, undivided and intact, apart from the original screen. It’s the CineArts. I went to see Atonement this week and spoke with a manager. There is only one screen there, (he has been behind the present screen and there is no other, so likely the original is gone). There is only one projector in the dome and apparently no capacity to do 70mm, (I stayed through the credits and watched an employee carry a big reel, (platter size?) to another theater as they were showing it in two, and didn’t seem to have interlock between the two).
I specifically asked why the curtains weren’t used anymore. He said they weren’t automated, but they manually moved them depending on the screen size needed. If they were ‘motorized’, they don’t work anymore. (They did for Titanic, which played for weeks, but that was ten years ago.)
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Free holiday movie at Hornbeck
SHAWNEE, OK — Keeping with their annual tradition, the Hornbeck Theatre will be showing a free screening of “Daddy Day Camp”.
A Shawnee holiday tradition reaches another milestone when Jones Theatres presents its 86th annual free Children’s Christmas Show at 10 a.m. Saturday at the Hornbeck Theatre in downtown Shawnee.
On screen will be the family comedy “Daddy Day Camp,” rated PG. Cuba Gooding Jr. stars in the film. Doors will open at 9:30 a.m. and the movie starts at 10 a.m. The movie is free to all ages up to the theater’s 500-seat capacity. Following the movie, Christmas candy will be distributed as people exit.
Begun in 1921 by Oklahoma pioneer showman Jake Jones Sr., the tradition was continued by his son Johnny H. Jones and daughter Ruby H. Jones. The show is continued in their memory by grandson Ronny Jones.
Read the full story at the Tecumseh Countywide News.
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The Bella Imax Cinema project Monterey
Hi guys I am doing research into the Bella Imax Cinema project in Monterey, California. This is very important to me and a number of other people. If anyone can send me a photograph, or any information about the current state of construction it would be greatly appreciated. The Cinema is located in the historical district of Cannery Row Monterey. I would really appreciate any help. If you can be of any help please .
Regards,
Citytourist -
Lights flicker out at Zephyrhills' theater
ZEPHYRHILLS, FL — After almost 60 years, the Home Theatre is closing its doors, but may not be gone for good.
When it opened in 1948, it was billed as one of the most modern movie theaters in the South, with comfortable seats, a wide stage and a glass-enclosed “crying room” for cranky babies.
It was a big deal for small-town Zephyrhills. On opening day, ladies in evening gowns passed out carnations and cigars to the customers.
Times changed, however. Suburban megaplexes, with multiple screens, corporate advertising budgets and giant parking lots offered stiff competition. The Home Theatre, with its two screens and tiny bathrooms, became an anachronism. It stopped pulling in the crowds.
Now, the lettering on the downtown landmark’s darkened marquee reads, “For Rent.”
Read more at the Tampa Tribune.
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December 20, 2007
Yost Theater comeback
SANTA ANA, CA — The Yost Theater (first called The Auditorium), built in 1912 and closed in 1985 is trying to make a comeback and has partnered with Centro Cultural de Mexico to bring new life to the theater as a venue for music and shows.
After it sat nearly dormant for two decades, a developer is bringing the Yost back to life, hoping it will boost declining sales at shops he rents out in Santa Ana’s downtown, one of the largest Latino shopping districts in Southern California.
After a recent Mexican folkloric concert drew more than 600 people to the theater on Spurgeon Street, the owner decided to renovate it and has offered local groups use of the theater for free.
Read the full story in the Los Angeles Times.
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Rhode Opera House in Kenosha now has heat!
KENOSHA, WI — As of 2 weeks ago the new heating system at the Rhode Opera House (aka Gateway Theater) in Kenosha was turned on and now the entire theater enjoys comfortable temps.
Thanks go to the City of Kenosha for the money that made this possible.
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Chicagoist remembers Will Rogers Theatre
CHICAGO, IL — The Chicagoist paints a heart warming picture of a time gone by, circling around the Will Rogers Theater
Now this brings back some memories. We’ve always had this fascination with old movie houses. It probably started with Sunday family days at the Will Rogers Theatre at 5641 W. Belmont in the mid-70’s. It was the perfect capper to a day in Belmont Central. Mom would take us shopping for clothes at Goldblatt’s — those stores were actually respectable then — or Jack Robbins, maybe have some lunch under the Golden Arches. Then we’d stop at a Rexall Drug store, buy candy and pop (movie theater concessions were always expensive), sneak it inside, and watch cartoons followed by a Disney movie, or maybe an old Benji flick.
Read more at the link above and see the great photo too.
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December 19, 2007
Signed copies of “Cinema Treasures” on sale
This just in from BigScreenBiz.com:
“Now you can own this beautiful book for just $25.00 Plus $10.00 Priority USPS shipping!! Order and pay by 11 am December 21, 2007 and we will overnight this item to you and guarantee before Christmas delivery. Additional shipping charges apply.”
SIGNED BY THE AUTHORS! LIMITED SUPPLY!
On sale for the Holiday Season!!
Order by phone 207-338-1975
BigScreenBiz.com
93 Main Street
Belfast, ME 04915 -
1927 Istanbul cinema renovated to be Opera House it was meant to be
Built for opera and theater in 1927, an Istanbul theater was a cinema until its recent restoration to reopen as an Opera House.
The historical Sureyya building, newly renamed the Kadıkoy Municipality Sureyya Opera House, has opened to embrace the world of art once more.
The leader of the Republican People’s Party (CHP) Deniz Baykal attended Friday' opening ceremony. The building, designed by parliamentarian Sureyya Ilmen Pasa to serve as an opera house and theater, was constructed from 1924 until 1927. It is the oldest opera house on the Anatolian side of the city and the sixth in Istanbul.
Read the full story in the Turkish Daily News and more in CBC News.