I think the concessions at the Trans-Lux Inflight was the same more or less…about 6 feet. If you blinked you about missed it. I never did buy any refreshments at this theatre so I can’t say how long the wait time was for large crowds, or whether there was more than one employee behind the counter.
Mike, I think I need to finish up the little story on the Springs first. Then the next one will probably be the Floriland Cinema. Are the theatres you’re working on in Augusta?
Here’s a little surprise for you regarding “Summer of ‘42.” I just now checked and according to the Internet Movie Database, when the film was released in 1971 it was rated R. It was re-released in 1972 with a PG rating which was probably a trimmed down version. So I guess you and Bill are both correct!
No maskings? Now that’s really strange. The only film I saw in the new 16 theatre complex was The Lost World: Jurassiac Park II. As soon as I walked in I knew I’d made a mistake. It was in the first theatre on the left when you entered the lobby. Small theater although screen size wasn’t too bad. What was intolerable were the auditorium doors with the push lever which made a loud “clack-clack!” every time someone entered or exited the theatre. And the man standing at the back talking loudly on his cell phone through several minutes of the film only made matters worse. My first time there was my last time. I did take a peek at the two former cinemas III & IV and being completely redone they looked very different from before.
Mike, You’re right. I saw 2010 here in 70mm but I can’t recall now if this film was one of the opening attractions at this theatre although it may have been. I’ll check on it during research. Yes I remember two of the larger auditoriums had curtains over the screens but what was unusual was the curtain did not part in the center but instead opened from one side to the other (either left-to-right or right-to-left.) I only saw that once before in a theatre in Virginia…very unusual looking.
Come to think of it…2010 was in fact one of the opening attractions that played in 70mm at Cineplex Odeon’s Hillsboro Eight in 1987. Do you remember this theatre?
That’s unreal. With only one employee for concessions can you imagine having to stand in line when theatre was at capacity with 350 people? I would think in that situation the manager would have to assist or possibly a temp was on call when needed.
I finally found the playdate for “Tarzan & the Amazons.” It played on August 24 and 25, 1945. I think the discrepancy on the April date could possibly be due to photo not having a date originally and was later dated based on the release month of the film playing. The newspaper ad lists the second feature as Bill Elliott in “Lone Texas Ranger” which appears on the marquee as a serial. So I guess what I had assumed were double features in the many ads I saw may have in fact been a single feature and a serial.
An interesting story about this theatre was told to me by a friend who was involved in the rebirth of the Springs Theatre in the early 1970s. I’ll add it to this page soon along with some additional history.
Yes, none other. Charlie & his wife provided me with the info above. To be honest I was a little skeptical about the Roxy being a Florida State Theatre. Theatres under this chain have always been considered the city’s deluxe houses…the cream of the crop. And I couldn’t see the Roxy being a deluxe theatre. But sure enough in looking through the ads, the Roxy was listed under Florida State Theatre’s banner. Evidently there were several owners through the years including the two mentioned in an ealier post…Claughton Theatres and Maurice Stahl.
Chuck, I just verified the opening date from the Tampa Tribune. The Springs Theatre opened on December 7, 1944. This resolves one question but creates another. What’s very interesing is that according to the Internet Movie Database, “Tarzan & the Amazons” was released on April 29, 1945. The April 1945 date of photo might be questionable. I say this because back during this period new Hollywood films would usually not open locally until a month or two following their release. Aside from this The Springs appears to have opened as a second-run double-feature theatre and yet the marquee shows this film as a single feature.
Going forward from the release date of April 29th, I tried locating the ad showing “Tarzan & the Amazons.” I searched through most of June but all ads are showing double features seven days a week. Obviously the film played here but when? This one needs a more in-depth search. I’ll post
the results as soon as I can track down when “Tarzan & The Amazons” actually played.
I need to research the original opening date for this theatre. A good friend tells me that she had moved to Tampa in 1945, the very same week the Springs Theatre had its grand opening. This date conflicts with the 1938 opening date given above. Will verify and post opening date soon.
Here’s some additional information from a former operator who worked here. The Roxy was owned and operated by Florida State Theatres for many years. Around 1945 Florida State Theatres built the Springs Theatre which was just a block down from the Roxy. When they opened the Springs they closed the Roxy. Not long afterwards a company called State Theatres took over the building and reopened the Roxy. State Theatres also operated the State Theatre downtown, the Palma Ceia in south Tampa, and the Northtown in north Tampa. The Roxy remained open for a few years under State Theatres. When it closed the floor was leveled and it became McCormick’s Department Store for several years. When McCormick’s finally closed the building was later taken over by a private individual and reopened as a theatre once again..as the Northside Adult Theatre. “Deep Throat”
had its first Tampa showing here. I remember the Northside being open for several years probably
at least through a good portion of the 1970s. When it finally closed the building was torn down.
The empty lot is still there.
Yes tlsloews…we’re puttin on the Ritz! We had a GREAT time when Mike was in town! I only wish we could have seen the inside but I doubt we would’ve been able to get in during that time. It’s much easier now as the Ritz is being used for all types of events several times a week. By the way, I just left a comment on the Tampa Theatre page. Rosa Rio, the lady who played the organ for silent film showings passed away today. She would have been 108 in two weeks.
I’m so sorry to hear this sad news. Unfortunately I never did have a chance to see Rosa perform. I’ve read many articles and stories on her career that were always published in the Tribune whenever she was scheduled to perform at Tampa Theatre. I’m certain the theatre will have a tribute show in her honor.
Yes, I’ll be waiting to see them too. I also have quite a few photos/ads/flyers from Mike as well as myself to post as soon as I have the time to become acquainted with this scanner. But first I need to set-up an account with one of those photo sharing websites. What I need to do is just sit down and do it!!
Sorry Mike…I promise to keep you more up-to-date in my postings! No, I guess I was too starstruck and intimidated to ask Mr. Marley about the horse’s head. What I said to him was, “I just wanted to say I saw you in The Godfather and Love Story and you did a great job in those two films and I also enjoyed this film as well.” Of course afterwards I was kicking myself for not asking him more especially about The Godfather and also about Ali McGraw and what she was like to work with. Guess I had my chance and blew it!
Notice the very top of the Roxy facade in the old b/w photo. At each end of the facade is a small slightly raised brick decorative feature. The facade on the blue building doesn’t have these.
Hate to be the bearer of disappointing news but the blue building above is not the Roxy Theatre. The Roxy was right next door to this building on the left side. It was demolished years ago and the property today remains an empty lot. If you look closely at the photo you can see a very narrow portion of the empty lot on the left. That’s where the Roxy stood. It was known as the Northside Adult Theatre for a few years before closing. I remember seeing an adult film here around 1971. Look at the old b/w photo of the Roxy Theatre posted above and you’ll see a portion of the Southern Used Furniture building on the right.
I am so shocked and saddened to hear of Peggy’s passing. I would like to extend my condolences to her family. She was such a nice friendly lady who took the time out to talk with us and actually allowed us inside the booth. And what a thrill that was for me! She fully explained the daily operation/maintenance of the drive-in and the booth as well as the procedure for booking films (she wasn’t very happy with Disney’s exhibition policy for their films at drive-ins!) She also gave us a history of both the Belmont and the projection equipment. You’re right Mike! She did let Charlie make an adjustment on one projector. I think it was the film guide/roller that was about to come off and Charlie tightened it. We would drive up from Tampa each year during the summer for the Western Film Fair in Charlotte. That’s where we would meet up with Mike. We stayed at least 3 nights in Charlotte but we always saved one night (usually a Friday night) for our much-loved trip to the Belmont. It was surely worth the drive from Charlotte to this wonderful drive-in. I am certain Peggy is now watching over her family as well as her beloved Belmont!
The address of 8625 W. Hillsborough Ave. is correct. The former cinema bar & grill entrance is now the entrance to Buccaneer Bingo. I’m not certain if this cinema opened as a single-screen or twin. The only movie I remember seeing here was “Back to the Future” around 1986 and at that time it was a twin. The main cinema was fairly large with a nice-size screen. The much smaller twin was located to the right of the main cinema. I’m almost certain the space now occupied by Family Dollar Store was were the second screen was located. Here’s a photo of the entrance to Buccaneer Bingo…the former cinema bar & grill: View link
This theatre is also on my research list. Hopefully I can find an article published during the grand opening that describes the theatre with more detais. I believe I only saw 3 or 4 movies here since it was miles away from my neck-of-the-woods.
It either became a sports equipment outlet or something of that nature as best as I can recall. Haven’t been in that area in awhile so it might be something else entirely now. The theatre was located in the Northdale Court Shopping Center (on the extreme right-end of the center.) The first time I saw the exterior of the building after it had been rennovated I thought I was at the wrong shopping center. It was completely redone making it impossible to tell it was once a theatre.
Mike…your comment on “The Swarm” is priceless! As I recall it had some big name stars but even their names weren’t enough to salvage this clunker. Wasn’t it produced by Irwin Allen? “Wild in the Streets” was an absolutely awesome movie from 1968. A song from the film “The Shape of Things To Come” was a top 40 chart hit in ‘68. “Hooper” was a heck of an enjoyable film. Unfortunately I wasn’t able to see the inside of the Imperial when I visited Augusta but at least I could see a portion of the lobby through the front doors. Very nice theatre with much historical significance.
I hope you guys have a great reunion!! Mike…let me know how it all turns out. Well at least I got to see the outside of the Miller that day you took us downtown. It sure would’ve been great to have seen the inside but those rear exit doors just would’t budge!
Mike…don’t think I’ve ever heard of “The Body Shop” but it sounds sorta gruesome! Since you could meet the “stars” of the film do you know if it was produced locally?
I think the concessions at the Trans-Lux Inflight was the same more or less…about 6 feet. If you blinked you about missed it. I never did buy any refreshments at this theatre so I can’t say how long the wait time was for large crowds, or whether there was more than one employee behind the counter.
I think I’ve figured out how this flickr thing works. Here’s a 1975 ad for “Jaws” at the Imperial.
View link
Mike, I think I need to finish up the little story on the Springs first. Then the next one will probably be the Floriland Cinema. Are the theatres you’re working on in Augusta?
Here’s a little surprise for you regarding “Summer of ‘42.” I just now checked and according to the Internet Movie Database, when the film was released in 1971 it was rated R. It was re-released in 1972 with a PG rating which was probably a trimmed down version. So I guess you and Bill are both correct!
No maskings? Now that’s really strange. The only film I saw in the new 16 theatre complex was The Lost World: Jurassiac Park II. As soon as I walked in I knew I’d made a mistake. It was in the first theatre on the left when you entered the lobby. Small theater although screen size wasn’t too bad. What was intolerable were the auditorium doors with the push lever which made a loud “clack-clack!” every time someone entered or exited the theatre. And the man standing at the back talking loudly on his cell phone through several minutes of the film only made matters worse. My first time there was my last time. I did take a peek at the two former cinemas III & IV and being completely redone they looked very different from before.
Mike, You’re right. I saw 2010 here in 70mm but I can’t recall now if this film was one of the opening attractions at this theatre although it may have been. I’ll check on it during research. Yes I remember two of the larger auditoriums had curtains over the screens but what was unusual was the curtain did not part in the center but instead opened from one side to the other (either left-to-right or right-to-left.) I only saw that once before in a theatre in Virginia…very unusual looking.
Come to think of it…2010 was in fact one of the opening attractions that played in 70mm at Cineplex Odeon’s Hillsboro Eight in 1987. Do you remember this theatre?
That’s unreal. With only one employee for concessions can you imagine having to stand in line when theatre was at capacity with 350 people? I would think in that situation the manager would have to assist or possibly a temp was on call when needed.
I finally found the playdate for “Tarzan & the Amazons.” It played on August 24 and 25, 1945. I think the discrepancy on the April date could possibly be due to photo not having a date originally and was later dated based on the release month of the film playing. The newspaper ad lists the second feature as Bill Elliott in “Lone Texas Ranger” which appears on the marquee as a serial. So I guess what I had assumed were double features in the many ads I saw may have in fact been a single feature and a serial.
An interesting story about this theatre was told to me by a friend who was involved in the rebirth of the Springs Theatre in the early 1970s. I’ll add it to this page soon along with some additional history.
Yes, none other. Charlie & his wife provided me with the info above. To be honest I was a little skeptical about the Roxy being a Florida State Theatre. Theatres under this chain have always been considered the city’s deluxe houses…the cream of the crop. And I couldn’t see the Roxy being a deluxe theatre. But sure enough in looking through the ads, the Roxy was listed under Florida State Theatre’s banner. Evidently there were several owners through the years including the two mentioned in an ealier post…Claughton Theatres and Maurice Stahl.
Chuck, I just verified the opening date from the Tampa Tribune. The Springs Theatre opened on December 7, 1944. This resolves one question but creates another. What’s very interesing is that according to the Internet Movie Database, “Tarzan & the Amazons” was released on April 29, 1945. The April 1945 date of photo might be questionable. I say this because back during this period new Hollywood films would usually not open locally until a month or two following their release. Aside from this The Springs appears to have opened as a second-run double-feature theatre and yet the marquee shows this film as a single feature.
Going forward from the release date of April 29th, I tried locating the ad showing “Tarzan & the Amazons.” I searched through most of June but all ads are showing double features seven days a week. Obviously the film played here but when? This one needs a more in-depth search. I’ll post
the results as soon as I can track down when “Tarzan & The Amazons” actually played.
I need to research the original opening date for this theatre. A good friend tells me that she had moved to Tampa in 1945, the very same week the Springs Theatre had its grand opening. This date conflicts with the 1938 opening date given above. Will verify and post opening date soon.
Here’s some additional information from a former operator who worked here. The Roxy was owned and operated by Florida State Theatres for many years. Around 1945 Florida State Theatres built the Springs Theatre which was just a block down from the Roxy. When they opened the Springs they closed the Roxy. Not long afterwards a company called State Theatres took over the building and reopened the Roxy. State Theatres also operated the State Theatre downtown, the Palma Ceia in south Tampa, and the Northtown in north Tampa. The Roxy remained open for a few years under State Theatres. When it closed the floor was leveled and it became McCormick’s Department Store for several years. When McCormick’s finally closed the building was later taken over by a private individual and reopened as a theatre once again..as the Northside Adult Theatre. “Deep Throat”
had its first Tampa showing here. I remember the Northside being open for several years probably
at least through a good portion of the 1970s. When it finally closed the building was torn down.
The empty lot is still there.
Yes tlsloews…we’re puttin on the Ritz! We had a GREAT time when Mike was in town! I only wish we could have seen the inside but I doubt we would’ve been able to get in during that time. It’s much easier now as the Ritz is being used for all types of events several times a week. By the way, I just left a comment on the Tampa Theatre page. Rosa Rio, the lady who played the organ for silent film showings passed away today. She would have been 108 in two weeks.
I’m so sorry to hear this sad news. Unfortunately I never did have a chance to see Rosa perform. I’ve read many articles and stories on her career that were always published in the Tribune whenever she was scheduled to perform at Tampa Theatre. I’m certain the theatre will have a tribute show in her honor.
Yes, I’ll be waiting to see them too. I also have quite a few photos/ads/flyers from Mike as well as myself to post as soon as I have the time to become acquainted with this scanner. But first I need to set-up an account with one of those photo sharing websites. What I need to do is just sit down and do it!!
Sorry Mike…I promise to keep you more up-to-date in my postings! No, I guess I was too starstruck and intimidated to ask Mr. Marley about the horse’s head. What I said to him was, “I just wanted to say I saw you in The Godfather and Love Story and you did a great job in those two films and I also enjoyed this film as well.” Of course afterwards I was kicking myself for not asking him more especially about The Godfather and also about Ali McGraw and what she was like to work with. Guess I had my chance and blew it!
Notice the very top of the Roxy facade in the old b/w photo. At each end of the facade is a small slightly raised brick decorative feature. The facade on the blue building doesn’t have these.
Hate to be the bearer of disappointing news but the blue building above is not the Roxy Theatre. The Roxy was right next door to this building on the left side. It was demolished years ago and the property today remains an empty lot. If you look closely at the photo you can see a very narrow portion of the empty lot on the left. That’s where the Roxy stood. It was known as the Northside Adult Theatre for a few years before closing. I remember seeing an adult film here around 1971. Look at the old b/w photo of the Roxy Theatre posted above and you’ll see a portion of the Southern Used Furniture building on the right.
I am so shocked and saddened to hear of Peggy’s passing. I would like to extend my condolences to her family. She was such a nice friendly lady who took the time out to talk with us and actually allowed us inside the booth. And what a thrill that was for me! She fully explained the daily operation/maintenance of the drive-in and the booth as well as the procedure for booking films (she wasn’t very happy with Disney’s exhibition policy for their films at drive-ins!) She also gave us a history of both the Belmont and the projection equipment. You’re right Mike! She did let Charlie make an adjustment on one projector. I think it was the film guide/roller that was about to come off and Charlie tightened it. We would drive up from Tampa each year during the summer for the Western Film Fair in Charlotte. That’s where we would meet up with Mike. We stayed at least 3 nights in Charlotte but we always saved one night (usually a Friday night) for our much-loved trip to the Belmont. It was surely worth the drive from Charlotte to this wonderful drive-in. I am certain Peggy is now watching over her family as well as her beloved Belmont!
The address of 8625 W. Hillsborough Ave. is correct. The former cinema bar & grill entrance is now the entrance to Buccaneer Bingo. I’m not certain if this cinema opened as a single-screen or twin. The only movie I remember seeing here was “Back to the Future” around 1986 and at that time it was a twin. The main cinema was fairly large with a nice-size screen. The much smaller twin was located to the right of the main cinema. I’m almost certain the space now occupied by Family Dollar Store was were the second screen was located. Here’s a photo of the entrance to Buccaneer Bingo…the former cinema bar & grill:
View link
This theatre is also on my research list. Hopefully I can find an article published during the grand opening that describes the theatre with more detais. I believe I only saw 3 or 4 movies here since it was miles away from my neck-of-the-woods.
It either became a sports equipment outlet or something of that nature as best as I can recall. Haven’t been in that area in awhile so it might be something else entirely now. The theatre was located in the Northdale Court Shopping Center (on the extreme right-end of the center.) The first time I saw the exterior of the building after it had been rennovated I thought I was at the wrong shopping center. It was completely redone making it impossible to tell it was once a theatre.
Thanks Tinseltoes! Great shot shows physical layout of Tampa Theatre building and auditorium.
Mike…your comment on “The Swarm” is priceless! As I recall it had some big name stars but even their names weren’t enough to salvage this clunker. Wasn’t it produced by Irwin Allen? “Wild in the Streets” was an absolutely awesome movie from 1968. A song from the film “The Shape of Things To Come” was a top 40 chart hit in ‘68. “Hooper” was a heck of an enjoyable film. Unfortunately I wasn’t able to see the inside of the Imperial when I visited Augusta but at least I could see a portion of the lobby through the front doors. Very nice theatre with much historical significance.
I hope you guys have a great reunion!! Mike…let me know how it all turns out. Well at least I got to see the outside of the Miller that day you took us downtown. It sure would’ve been great to have seen the inside but those rear exit doors just would’t budge!
Mike…don’t think I’ve ever heard of “The Body Shop” but it sounds sorta gruesome! Since you could meet the “stars” of the film do you know if it was produced locally?