The Picture House was equipped with a second-hand Walker church organ which was thought to be of 1899 vintage. The console was fitted to the right of the stage and several pipes were unenclosed, as they would be in a church. A one time noted organist Bobby Pagan was the resident organist.
The Harvey Theatre opened in 1927 and was remodeled in 1940 when a new marquee was fitted and the lobby modernised. Seating was provided in orchestra and balcony levels. It was operated by Publix Great States Theatres until 1968. After then, it screened ‘X’ rated features until finally closing in 1979. After demolition a store was built on the site.
The Showboat Theatre is not listed in the 1941 or 1943 editions of Film Daily Yearbook. Unfortunately I don’t have the 1944/45/46 or 1947 editions, but presume it must have first opened in one of these years, only to be damaged in April 1947. It is listed in the 1950 edition of F.D.Y. (the address given in that edition is 416 6th Street N.)
The Star Theatre closed in May 1929 with the Western movie “Singer Jum McKee starring Bill Hart. It was converted into a store and as mentioned above by ThatOneGuy was torn down in 1956.
The American Motion Picture Directory 1914-1915 lists both the American Theatre and the Sigmond Opera House. Unfortunately, an exact street number is not given for either theatre. It could be that this was the period of time when the building was re-named, hence both being listed.
Before becoming the Regent Theatre (a name it has had since at least 1941), this was known as the National Theatre. I vaguely remember reading somewhere that in the early years, this was one of William Fox’s theatres.
The American Theatre is listed in the 1941 & 1943 editions of Film Daily Yearbook with a seating capacity of 300. In the 1950 edition of F.D.Y. the seating capacity is given as 390 and the address is as listed above.
I believe this current Tivoli Theatre replaced an earlier 350 seat Tivoli Theatre (at a different address) 20 Menominee Street, Stephenson, MI. That Tivoli Theatre is listed in Film Daily Yearbooks from at least 1941 until the 1950 edition.
It looks like a former shop unit and maybe part of the foyer area is being used by the DebRA charity shop.
The Directory of Cinemas 1980 lists the Vale Centre, as a 3-screen operation. Screen 1;98 seats, Screen 2;96 seats and Screen 3;500 seats (opening in 1980). I wonder if the 500 seat screen (possibly in the former stalls area actually opened?
The Picture House was equipped with a second-hand Walker church organ which was thought to be of 1899 vintage. The console was fitted to the right of the stage and several pipes were unenclosed, as they would be in a church. A one time noted organist Bobby Pagan was the resident organist.
The Harvey Theatre opened in 1927 and was remodeled in 1940 when a new marquee was fitted and the lobby modernised. Seating was provided in orchestra and balcony levels. It was operated by Publix Great States Theatres until 1968. After then, it screened ‘X’ rated features until finally closing in 1979. After demolition a store was built on the site.
The Showboat Theatre is not listed in the 1941 or 1943 editions of Film Daily Yearbook. Unfortunately I don’t have the 1944/45/46 or 1947 editions, but presume it must have first opened in one of these years, only to be damaged in April 1947. It is listed in the 1950 edition of F.D.Y. (the address given in that edition is 416 6th Street N.)
That movie was titled “Singer Jim McKee”. Sorry for the typo.
The Star Theatre closed in May 1929 with the Western movie “Singer Jum McKee starring Bill Hart. It was converted into a store and as mentioned above by ThatOneGuy was torn down in 1956.
Anther recent view which also shows the side of the building:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/woody1969/460576399/
A recent 2007 photograph of the former Kingsway Cinema:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/cmdrgravy/409029589/
Here is a postcard view of the original 1899 design by Herrman von Endt:
http://flickr.com/photos/pulp-o-rama/146434659/
Here is a postcard view of the makeover that was carried out by the UFA circuit:
http://flickr.com/photos/pulp-o-rama/146433614/
An exterior photograph from May 2005:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/seencity/215842990/
An exterior photograph from April 2005:
View link
A night photograph from December 2005:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/imaginair/139974888/
A September 2006 close-up photograph of the entrance:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/testpatern/235354790/
A night photograph from November 2006;
http://www.flickr.com/photos/milliped/285146860/
A recent 2007 exterior photograph of the Cinema Le Champo:
View link
A recent 2007 photograph of the Cinema Mac Mahon:
View link
The Belasco Theatre (later Republic/Follies) was located at 337 S. Main Street. This Republic Theatre is a different building.
An interesting vintage postcard view of the Compton Cinema:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/kencta/496197385/
Part of the building is listed as currently being the Rumboat Carribar.
The American Motion Picture Directory 1914-1915 lists both the American Theatre and the Sigmond Opera House. Unfortunately, an exact street number is not given for either theatre. It could be that this was the period of time when the building was re-named, hence both being listed.
Before becoming the Regent Theatre (a name it has had since at least 1941), this was known as the National Theatre. I vaguely remember reading somewhere that in the early years, this was one of William Fox’s theatres.
What a great (but very sad) video. I wonder if the original Thomas Lamb designed facade & lobby part of the building survived (again)?
Yes, the marquee has an LED display.
The American Theatre is listed in the 1941 & 1943 editions of Film Daily Yearbook with a seating capacity of 300. In the 1950 edition of F.D.Y. the seating capacity is given as 390 and the address is as listed above.
I believe this current Tivoli Theatre replaced an earlier 350 seat Tivoli Theatre (at a different address) 20 Menominee Street, Stephenson, MI. That Tivoli Theatre is listed in Film Daily Yearbooks from at least 1941 until the 1950 edition.
It looks like a former shop unit and maybe part of the foyer area is being used by the DebRA charity shop.
The Directory of Cinemas 1980 lists the Vale Centre, as a 3-screen operation. Screen 1;98 seats, Screen 2;96 seats and Screen 3;500 seats (opening in 1980). I wonder if the 500 seat screen (possibly in the former stalls area actually opened?