Yes, the Parsons showed some real porn in later years, and Columbus tried very hard to shut it down.
1291 Parsons is the correct address for this theatre. The Rowlands family bought the property in 1931, holding the property until 1961 when it was sold to the Catalan family, who changed the name to the Parsons Follies, running “adult” films. ART was added to the name at a later time.
During the first 2/3 of the 20th century, that was a flourishing area with a few theatres and a large retail area. After about 1970, the area became more and more run-down. Areas about 1 mile west of here are restored homes from the early 20th century and have some of the highest property values in the city.
That property is now owned by the CBS Partnership of Pataskala Ohio, who own 7 other properties nearby. The land is valued at just under $70,000 and is zoned for a restaurant or bar.
Thanks, Joe, for the Bob Greene reference. I’ll add it to my notes.
No one is trying to turn this site into a dry, scholarly document filled with footnotes. But, historical information should be cited. If you are quoting an opening or closing date, please let us know where you got that information. If you found an article in a newspaper, let us know the newspaper and date. If you found information on a website, give the author of that site some credit. No need for a full bibliography, just a word or two about the source. That will give someone who might want to check things out further a place to start.
Many posts on CINEMA TREASURES certainly don’t need references. Posts about memories or experiences add character to this site. I love to read posts from former projectionists and managers about their theatres. I want to read about those first experiences with great films or things that might have gone wrong in the booth.
I can not agree that any post is better than no post. There is a book about widescreen processes that is so filled with errors that it is almost unusable. (A list of corrections to the book is 60 pages long!) I don’t want CINEMA TREASURES to become unreliable. Everyone here should try to be as accurate as possible. The site will be better for it.
Bob, you asked for more information and Mike provided it. I don’t see how that is a problem for you.
Maybe instead of the question mark, it might be better to use the mathematical tilde symbol (~) for an approximation. When you list 1985 – 1998?, is that 1985 an exact date or an approximation? I don’t know from just the one question mark.
I suggest that ~1985 – ~1998 might state things clearly. That question mark can confuse things.
From the pictures on the blog listed above, I don’t see any balcony or place where a balcony could be. That back ceiling isn’t that high. Interesting to see 3 projection port holes back there.
The dual projection system was still in use in 1955, when Louis & Maury Sher took over the ownership, with Robert Little as manager. Original screen size was 9' x 12', but the screens were expanded to 15' by 20'. At that time, it was not equipped for wide screen/Cinemascope. Popcorn and candy was not sold, but free coffee and soft drinks were available in the lobby. Children under 18 were not admitted, even though adult films were not shown at that time.
Sorry for the typos in that last post. Sure wish there was an editing tool here.
I hope to do a lot more research on this labor problem with Hunt’s. I’ll post any info I find. There were also labor problems with the Linden theatre at about the same time.
In the early 60’s, Moving Picture Machine Operators Union #306 ran regualar ads stating that “Hint’s Cinestage Theatre is Unfair to Organized Labor”.
A bomb was placed on the theatre roof during the run of EL CID which damaged 3 dozen windows and tore a 3' hole in the roof. Police were unable to find the bomber.
It’s called 275 East because it is located just off of the east branch of Interstate 275 which runs around Cincinnati. In fact, from looking at the Google Map referenced above, the back of this theatre was only 150 feet from I-275.
Frank Marzetti also ran the Linden theatre for awhile.
Frank had a unique popcorn product called a Popcorn Fritter. It was a disc about the size of a hockey puck that was compressed caramel popcorn. I remember selling them in elementary school as a fundraiser. They were inexpensive and really good to eat. Frank still made them while he owned Studio 35, and, for awhile, that was the only place you could buy them. I haven’t seen any for years and I don’t think they are made any more.
Theatre opened on Wednesday, February 28, 1973. First features were THE GREAT WALTZ and 1776. It was the last of the Jerry Lewis Theatres to open in the Columbus area.
Thanks to Mike Rogers for finding the official date this theatre opened. It was the first drive-in in the Columbus area and opened on June 25, 1940. The first feature was HIS GIRL FRIDAY. Details are hard to get on this because the newpaper microfilm for that date is too dark to see clearly.
I misinterpreted an ad from April 2, 1948, that said it was the Grand Opening.
In 1940, this theatre was WAY out from the main city area. Major development in this area was 35 years away.
The Northpark was considered to be one of the very very best theatres in the country. I regret I never was able to see it in action. It’s one of the most tragic losses of this era.
Yes, the Parsons showed some real porn in later years, and Columbus tried very hard to shut it down.
1291 Parsons is the correct address for this theatre. The Rowlands family bought the property in 1931, holding the property until 1961 when it was sold to the Catalan family, who changed the name to the Parsons Follies, running “adult” films. ART was added to the name at a later time.
During the first 2/3 of the 20th century, that was a flourishing area with a few theatres and a large retail area. After about 1970, the area became more and more run-down. Areas about 1 mile west of here are restored homes from the early 20th century and have some of the highest property values in the city.
That property is now owned by the CBS Partnership of Pataskala Ohio, who own 7 other properties nearby. The land is valued at just under $70,000 and is zoned for a restaurant or bar.
Thanks, Joe, for the Bob Greene reference. I’ll add it to my notes.
Michael Coate’s comprehensive article on THE SOUND OF MUSIC is available here.
These sing-a-longs sound like fun. I might check one out.
Wallyum, thanks for the excellent pictures of the Dayton theatres.
No one is trying to turn this site into a dry, scholarly document filled with footnotes. But, historical information should be cited. If you are quoting an opening or closing date, please let us know where you got that information. If you found an article in a newspaper, let us know the newspaper and date. If you found information on a website, give the author of that site some credit. No need for a full bibliography, just a word or two about the source. That will give someone who might want to check things out further a place to start.
Many posts on CINEMA TREASURES certainly don’t need references. Posts about memories or experiences add character to this site. I love to read posts from former projectionists and managers about their theatres. I want to read about those first experiences with great films or things that might have gone wrong in the booth.
I can not agree that any post is better than no post. There is a book about widescreen processes that is so filled with errors that it is almost unusable. (A list of corrections to the book is 60 pages long!) I don’t want CINEMA TREASURES to become unreliable. Everyone here should try to be as accurate as possible. The site will be better for it.
It played at the Drexel (which actually is in Bexley, OH, an east side suburb).
Became known as the COLLEGE theatre in 1967. Closed in late 1977. Theatre was NOT owned by Loews.
Source: Columbus Dispatch Newspaper Archive
I saw SHORT CUTS at this theatre in November, 1993 in 70mm. I missed by one day a 70mm screening of BARAKA in one of the other 2 theatres.
Later, the same day, I saw GETTYSBURG at a different Detroit theatre, making for an almost 8-hour 70mm day! Don’t think that will ever happen again!
This theatre was also known as the ATHENS, SHOW STOP and KEHOE.
Source: http://www.newberncivictheatre.org/history.html
Bob, you asked for more information and Mike provided it. I don’t see how that is a problem for you.
Maybe instead of the question mark, it might be better to use the mathematical tilde symbol (~) for an approximation. When you list 1985 – 1998?, is that 1985 an exact date or an approximation? I don’t know from just the one question mark.
I suggest that ~1985 – ~1998 might state things clearly. That question mark can confuse things.
From the pictures on the blog listed above, I don’t see any balcony or place where a balcony could be. That back ceiling isn’t that high. Interesting to see 3 projection port holes back there.
The dual projection system was still in use in 1955, when Louis & Maury Sher took over the ownership, with Robert Little as manager. Original screen size was 9' x 12', but the screens were expanded to 15' by 20'. At that time, it was not equipped for wide screen/Cinemascope. Popcorn and candy was not sold, but free coffee and soft drinks were available in the lobby. Children under 18 were not admitted, even though adult films were not shown at that time.
Sorry for the typos in that last post. Sure wish there was an editing tool here.
I hope to do a lot more research on this labor problem with Hunt’s. I’ll post any info I find. There were also labor problems with the Linden theatre at about the same time.
This became the New Main Theatre on 11/10/1960, with the opening of CAN-CAN in TODD-AO. All seats were reserved.
In the early 60’s, Moving Picture Machine Operators Union #306 ran regualar ads stating that “Hint’s Cinestage Theatre is Unfair to Organized Labor”.
A bomb was placed on the theatre roof during the run of EL CID which damaged 3 dozen windows and tore a 3' hole in the roof. Police were unable to find the bomber.
This theatre is now advertising that it is “100% digital and all stadium seating.” At least 3 rooms have 3D.
It’s called 275 East because it is located just off of the east branch of Interstate 275 which runs around Cincinnati. In fact, from looking at the Google Map referenced above, the back of this theatre was only 150 feet from I-275.
Graceland dropped the Jerry Lewis name on 6/26/173.
Theatre had 1,000 seats upon opening. Screen 52' wide by 24' high. (Source: Boxoffice Magazine)
Frank Marzetti also ran the Linden theatre for awhile.
Frank had a unique popcorn product called a Popcorn Fritter. It was a disc about the size of a hockey puck that was compressed caramel popcorn. I remember selling them in elementary school as a fundraiser. They were inexpensive and really good to eat. Frank still made them while he owned Studio 35, and, for awhile, that was the only place you could buy them. I haven’t seen any for years and I don’t think they are made any more.
Theatre opened on Wednesday, February 28, 1973. First features were THE GREAT WALTZ and 1776. It was the last of the Jerry Lewis Theatres to open in the Columbus area.
Thanks to Mike Rogers for finding the official date this theatre opened. It was the first drive-in in the Columbus area and opened on June 25, 1940. The first feature was HIS GIRL FRIDAY. Details are hard to get on this because the newpaper microfilm for that date is too dark to see clearly.
I misinterpreted an ad from April 2, 1948, that said it was the Grand Opening.
In 1940, this theatre was WAY out from the main city area. Major development in this area was 35 years away.
Already on Cinema Treasures at /theaters/32324/
The Northpark was considered to be one of the very very best theatres in the country. I regret I never was able to see it in action. It’s one of the most tragic losses of this era.
In the summer of 1972, the “New Hudson Theatre” was running “selected films for the liberated adult male audience”.
The ad for this ran in the July 1, 1972 Columbus Dispatch.
TRON and STAR TREK III had 70mm screenings here.