“Melvin Safner of the Safner circuit has taken over the Bellevue Theatre, Central Falls, R.I. on a long term lease. This theatre has been operated for many years by the late Phil Marget and now makes the second house in that city to be operated by the Safners, who have the Lafayette Theatre there.”
Start of the Johnston Theatre in 1941, as reported in Boxoffice magazine, June 7, 1941:
Boroff and Tobin Take Casino in Thornton
BOSTON – George Boroff, local book distributor, and Henry Tobin, manager for E.M. Loew in Olneyville, R.I., have taken over Ferris' Casino in Thornton, R.I. The house is now undergoing renovations.
[Note: Ferri’s Casino was located in Ferri’s Block. It became the Johnston Theatre in 1941. Before that it was referred to as Ferri’s Theatre or the Casino. Thornton is a village in Johnston at the Cranston border.]
An unusual movie treat for the younger generation, particularly, was presented at the Uptown Theatre, where Rudolph Valentino was shown in “The Eagle,” modernized with music and sound. The movie house is located in a section where thusands of Providence residents of Italian descent have homes and business establishments.
“The freak hurricane damaged the screen of the Open Air Theatre in Bellingham so badly that Fred Parker has had to close the spot indefinitely. As he had just closed the Columbia, Providence, for lack of business, it appears that Parker will be out of the industry for a time. He had opened the Open Air late in May.”
“The State, Peacedale, which the Stanzlers took over on lease last summer, will open within the next few days. Considerable improvements have been made to the house by the new lessees.”
“The Gem, Arctic, reopened September 5
under management of the West Warwick Theatre Co. Frank O'Neil of Riverpoint is house manager and duals will be the policy.”
Renovated Modern Theatre opened Labor Day unde its new title of “The Playhouse.” A. A. Spitz has done a good job of changing this theatre into a legit house. Anthony Romano is managing it. Firts week’s attraction, “Brother Rat,” did fair business but dollar top shows played at the Empire during summer have got the public wary of laying down $2.20 top and businesss last week was heaviest on the lower scaled balcony seats.
1928 reseating and redecorating.
Item from Boxoffice magazine files, October 6, 1928, republished October 8, 1938:
“The Orpheum at Danielson, Conn. has reopened after having been completely reseated and redecorated.”
Henry Johnson, manager of Interstate’s Orpheum Theatre, Danielson, Conn., recently completed his 30th year as a motion picture exhibitor, and received many congratulatory messages from industry friends and townspeople. A well-known figure in civic affairs, Johnson started his business as manager of the Orpheum when the house was under the old S&A Amusement banner. When Interstate took over in 1928, he remained. His special interest is the chidren, all of whom call him Uncle Henry. He treats them to special kiddy shows and always has a kind word for them.
Joseph J. Modleski buys Rhode Island Theatres
WARREN. R.I. —-Joseph J. Modleski has purchased two Rhode Island Theatres, the Lyric in Warren and the Pastime in Bristol, effective as of June 1. Modleski has been operating both of the situations on lease the last two years from the estate of Lon Vail.
Prior to leasing the Lyric and Pastime, Modleski had served as manager pf the Lyric for Vail until the latter’s death. Modleski broke into motion picture exhibition in August 1920 as an usher at the Lyric Theatre. He told BOXOFFICE that he plans to make alterations at both of the theatres.
Joseph J. Modleski buys Rhode Island Theatres
WARREN. R.I. —-Joseph J. Modleski has purchased two Rhode Island Theatres, the Lyric in Warren and the Pastime in Bristol, effective as of June 1. Modleski has been operating both of the situations on lease the last two years from the estate of Lon Vail.
Prior to leasing the Lyric and Pastime, Modleski had served as manager pf the Lyric for Vail until the latter’s death. Modleski broke into motion picture exhibition in August 1920 as an usher at the Lyric Theatre. He told BOXOFFICE that he plans to make alterations at both of the theatres.
The Orpheum Cinema, Danielson, Conn., concluded a summer film festival for regional junior high school age students, sponsored by seven industrial firms. Admission was free. Programs were screened on seven consecutive Tuesday afternoons. Attractions included “El Cid.”
The Providence Journal-Bulletin apologizes to the Gilbert Stuart. From Boxoffice magazine, August 17, 1964:
In a series of articles, published in the Providence Journal- Bulletin, dealing with the “demise” of business in the Riverside section of adjoining East Providence, it was stated “there used to be a movie house in Riverside.” Hardly before the ink was dry or the presses cold, Harry Horton, owner-operator of the cozy, well-operated Gilbert Stuart Playhouse in Riverside quickly protested that the Providence newspaper had made a grievous error—-there still WAS a motion picture theatre in Riverside! The newspaper editor was forced to acknowledge the mistake and apologize to the theatre and community for “belittling” the well-patronized movie house.
Sir, I could use those too! All I have are oblique references to this place in Boxoffice magazine!
I know the address of the current Chepachet Grange, but I don’t know if it was this building in 1942 or another.
From The Reel Journal (Boxoffice) magazine, August 8, 1925:
Second Release for “Sea Hawk” Sept. 1
“The Sea Hawk,” which First National took out of service at the end of May, for three months, has been released again for first run showings, beginning the first of September, Tom Byerle, local manager, announced this week.
The first of the new first run showings has been contracted by Thomas Spry, branch manager in Boston, for the week of September 6th, at the Rialto Theatre, Providence, R.I.
Flash Fire Empties Theatre
CRANSTON, R.I. – A flash fire emptied the Rainbo Theatre of 250 patrons, mostly children, during a recent afternoon performance. The fire broke out as Elmo Vendettuoli, the operator, was reloading the projection machine. The projector was damaged considerably. The theatre was emptied in an orderly manner when Joseph Santagata, the manager, gave the warning and assistants opened all exits. The show was resumed within an hour.
PROVIDENCE. —-The 37-year-old Wickford Theatre in nearby Wickford has closed for good after a two-year battle for survival. Up until two years ago, the Wickford operated seven nights a week, but since then it has operated only on weekends.
Manager Guy E. Renfro blamed television for the recent closing. but Meyer Stanzler, lessor of the Wickford in a prepared statement, denied that TV was responsible, claiming that his theatre could not stand the competition of the Quonset naval base theatre, which offers a 15-cent rate to defense workers.
Quonset authorities, however, denied that defense workers were allowed in the base theatre. They insisted that admission is granted only to servicemen. Stanzler denies that this is true and claims he can furnish proof to substantiate his claims.
[Note: “37-year old” would place the original opening of this theatre at around 1915.]
Item in Boxoffice magazine, October 9, 1954:
“Melvin Safner of the Safner circuit has taken over the Bellevue Theatre, Central Falls, R.I. on a long term lease. This theatre has been operated for many years by the late Phil Marget and now makes the second house in that city to be operated by the Safners, who have the Lafayette Theatre there.”
Item in Boxoffice magazine, June 7, 1941, page 75. Hardly earth-shattering, but it gives us the name of the manager at the time:
“Al Ward of the Broadway in Pawtucket has had new lamps installed at the house.”
Start of the Johnston Theatre in 1941, as reported in Boxoffice magazine, June 7, 1941:
Boroff and Tobin Take Casino in Thornton
BOSTON – George Boroff, local book distributor, and Henry Tobin, manager for E.M. Loew in Olneyville, R.I., have taken over Ferris' Casino in Thornton, R.I. The house is now undergoing renovations.
[Note: Ferri’s Casino was located in Ferri’s Block. It became the Johnston Theatre in 1941. Before that it was referred to as Ferri’s Theatre or the Casino. Thornton is a village in Johnston at the Cranston border.]
Item in Boxoffice magazine, April 3, 1961:
An unusual movie treat for the younger generation, particularly, was presented at the Uptown Theatre, where Rudolph Valentino was shown in “The Eagle,” modernized with music and sound. The movie house is located in a section where thusands of Providence residents of Italian descent have homes and business establishments.
Item in Boxoffice magazine, June 22 1946:
“The freak hurricane damaged the screen of the Open Air Theatre in Bellingham so badly that Fred Parker has had to close the spot indefinitely. As he had just closed the Columbia, Providence, for lack of business, it appears that Parker will be out of the industry for a time. He had opened the Open Air late in May.”
Item in Boxoffice magazine, March 17, 1951:
“Louis Vuona, Westerly Drive-In, Westerly, R.I., has set March 21 as his opening date.”
Opening night at the Ritz (Three Guys Named Mike) with photos, plus article on the theatre from Boxoffice magazine, March 19, 1951:
View link
Item in Boxoffice magazine, June 22, 1935, regarding transfer of ownewrship.
“Myrtle, Thornton, from A. Votolato to Francis Renzi.”
Item in Boxoffice magazine, September 25, 1937:
“The State, Peacedale, which the Stanzlers took over on lease last summer, will open within the next few days. Considerable improvements have been made to the house by the new lessees.”
Item in Boxoffice magazine, September 18, 1937:
“The Gem, Arctic, reopened September 5
under management of the West Warwick Theatre Co. Frank O'Neil of Riverpoint is house manager and duals will be the policy.”
Item in Boxoffice magazine, September 18, 1937:
Renovated Modern Theatre opened Labor Day unde its new title of “The Playhouse.” A. A. Spitz has done a good job of changing this theatre into a legit house. Anthony Romano is managing it. Firts week’s attraction, “Brother Rat,” did fair business but dollar top shows played at the Empire during summer have got the public wary of laying down $2.20 top and businesss last week was heaviest on the lower scaled balcony seats.
1928 reseating and redecorating.
Item from Boxoffice magazine files, October 6, 1928, republished October 8, 1938:
“The Orpheum at Danielson, Conn. has reopened after having been completely reseated and redecorated.”
Henry A. Johnson, former manager, dies. Item in Boxoffice magazine,, June 15, 1964:
View link
Item in Boxoffice magazine, November 13, 1948:
Henry Johnson, manager of Interstate’s Orpheum Theatre, Danielson, Conn., recently completed his 30th year as a motion picture exhibitor, and received many congratulatory messages from industry friends and townspeople. A well-known figure in civic affairs, Johnson started his business as manager of the Orpheum when the house was under the old S&A Amusement banner. When Interstate took over in 1928, he remained. His special interest is the chidren, all of whom call him Uncle Henry. He treats them to special kiddy shows and always has a kind word for them.
Item in Boxoffice magazine, June 12, 1961:
Joseph J. Modleski buys Rhode Island Theatres
WARREN. R.I. —-Joseph J. Modleski has purchased two Rhode Island Theatres, the Lyric in Warren and the Pastime in Bristol, effective as of June 1. Modleski has been operating both of the situations on lease the last two years from the estate of Lon Vail.
Prior to leasing the Lyric and Pastime, Modleski had served as manager pf the Lyric for Vail until the latter’s death. Modleski broke into motion picture exhibition in August 1920 as an usher at the Lyric Theatre. He told BOXOFFICE that he plans to make alterations at both of the theatres.
Item in Boxoffice magazine, June 12, 1961:
Joseph J. Modleski buys Rhode Island Theatres
WARREN. R.I. —-Joseph J. Modleski has purchased two Rhode Island Theatres, the Lyric in Warren and the Pastime in Bristol, effective as of June 1. Modleski has been operating both of the situations on lease the last two years from the estate of Lon Vail.
Prior to leasing the Lyric and Pastime, Modleski had served as manager pf the Lyric for Vail until the latter’s death. Modleski broke into motion picture exhibition in August 1920 as an usher at the Lyric Theatre. He told BOXOFFICE that he plans to make alterations at both of the theatres.
Item in Boxoffice Magazine, September 18, 1967:
The Orpheum Cinema, Danielson, Conn., concluded a summer film festival for regional junior high school age students, sponsored by seven industrial firms. Admission was free. Programs were screened on seven consecutive Tuesday afternoons. Attractions included “El Cid.”
The Providence Journal-Bulletin apologizes to the Gilbert Stuart. From Boxoffice magazine, August 17, 1964:
In a series of articles, published in the Providence Journal- Bulletin, dealing with the “demise” of business in the Riverside section of adjoining East Providence, it was stated “there used to be a movie house in Riverside.” Hardly before the ink was dry or the presses cold, Harry Horton, owner-operator of the cozy, well-operated Gilbert Stuart Playhouse in Riverside quickly protested that the Providence newspaper had made a grievous error—-there still WAS a motion picture theatre in Riverside! The newspaper editor was forced to acknowledge the mistake and apologize to the theatre and community for “belittling” the well-patronized movie house.
Sir, I could use those too! All I have are oblique references to this place in Boxoffice magazine!
I know the address of the current Chepachet Grange, but I don’t know if it was this building in 1942 or another.
From The Reel Journal (Boxoffice) magazine, August 8, 1925:
Second Release for “Sea Hawk” Sept. 1
“The Sea Hawk,” which First National took out of service at the end of May, for three months, has been released again for first run showings, beginning the first of September, Tom Byerle, local manager, announced this week.
The first of the new first run showings has been contracted by Thomas Spry, branch manager in Boston, for the week of September 6th, at the Rialto Theatre, Providence, R.I.
The theatre opened on December 22, 1967.
Item in Boxoffice magazine, April 2, 1949:
Flash Fire Empties Theatre
CRANSTON, R.I. – A flash fire emptied the Rainbo Theatre of 250 patrons, mostly children, during a recent afternoon performance. The fire broke out as Elmo Vendettuoli, the operator, was reloading the projection machine. The projector was damaged considerably. The theatre was emptied in an orderly manner when Joseph Santagata, the manager, gave the warning and assistants opened all exits. The show was resumed within an hour.
Article in Boxoffice magazine, April 12, 1952:
Theatre in Wickford Closed by Stanzler
PROVIDENCE. —-The 37-year-old Wickford Theatre in nearby Wickford has closed for good after a two-year battle for survival. Up until two years ago, the Wickford operated seven nights a week, but since then it has operated only on weekends.
Manager Guy E. Renfro blamed television for the recent closing. but Meyer Stanzler, lessor of the Wickford in a prepared statement, denied that TV was responsible, claiming that his theatre could not stand the competition of the Quonset naval base theatre, which offers a 15-cent rate to defense workers.
Quonset authorities, however, denied that defense workers were allowed in the base theatre. They insisted that admission is granted only to servicemen. Stanzler denies that this is true and claims he can furnish proof to substantiate his claims.
[Note: “37-year old” would place the original opening of this theatre at around 1915.]
Item in Boxoffice magazine, October 25, 1952:
“The Miracle of Our Lady of Fatima” packed them in at the Majestic. It was scheduled to move to the Carlton for an undetermined period."
Item in Boxoffice magazine, October 25, 1952:
“The Miracle of Our Lady of Fatima” packed them in at the Majestic. It was scheduled to move to the Carlton for an undetermined period."