Even though ads in the Post-Dispatch ceased in January 1953, the theatre continued to operate running ads in the Globe-Democrat and the Argus. These ads last ran on March 6, 1953 with the apparent final bill being “Across the Wide Missouri” and “Fearless Fagan.”
Late in 1942 the property was purchased by Sam Komm. However, theatre continued to be operated by St. Louis Amusement as that firm held a long-term lease.
Charles Crawford, one of the sons of Lester Crawford, leased the theatre in 1904 and embarked on a policy of stock, then vaudeville. Apparently unsuccessful, ads for the theatre ceased at the end of the year. Crawford had renamed the theatre STAR (not to be confused with the STAR at 14 S.
Jefferson).
December 1926 to April 1928 (with Orpheum circuit vaudeville)
September 1934 to July 1936 (Warner Bros. management)
July 1936 to February 1938 (Fanchon & Marco management)
January 1943 to May 1960 (Loew’s management)
The explosion/fire took place in November 1884. The theatre was rebuilt and opened in September 1885. Colonel Hopkins and the Tri-State Amusement Co. began to operate the theatre in August 1896 at which point the Grand Opera House became the Hopkins Grand Opera House. In August 1898 Hopkins and Tri-State parted company and the theatre reverted to simply Grand Opera House.
To St. Louisans, it was the Grand Theatre, not Grand Follies which just appeared on the attraction board of the canopy.
As a “cinema treasure” the venue was known as the Grand Opera House…this being the teens through the 20s. The movie (a subrun) was but one part of the offerings which included up to 9 acts from the Orpheum Circuit. Theatre became simply the Grand in the 30s when burlesque became offered until closure in the 60s.
The (Alton) Telegraph story gives the location of the venue as Pontoon Beach. A detailed map search agrees.
A shot of the auditorium not the movie theatre.
Inside the auditorium, middle of the sidewall.
Even though ads in the Post-Dispatch ceased in January 1953, the theatre continued to operate running ads in the Globe-Democrat and the Argus. These ads last ran on March 6, 1953 with the apparent final bill being “Across the Wide Missouri” and “Fearless Fagan.”
Late in 1942 the property was purchased by Sam Komm. However, theatre continued to be operated by St. Louis Amusement as that firm held a long-term lease.
The Uptown is not an atmospheric, even partially.
In later years the concession stand stood to the right side. The pre-popped popcorn was most un-tasty.
This is a shot of the lobby of the MISSOURI Theatre, not Loew’s State.
I can only imagine what this marquee would have looked like at night….
In many cities the Mikado name was dropped? This site only shows two theatres and one drive-in to have ever had that name.
Overview mis-states when “porn” movies were being shown. Films of “racy” genre were a staple long before Wehrenberg took over operation.
Does anyone know when the massive UA vertical was removed?
Charles Crawford, one of the sons of Lester Crawford, leased the theatre in 1904 and embarked on a policy of stock, then vaudeville. Apparently unsuccessful, ads for the theatre ceased at the end of the year. Crawford had renamed the theatre STAR (not to be confused with the STAR at 14 S. Jefferson).
Theatre reopens Friday, May 4, 2018.
Opening date was 9/22/55.
The photo is of the ruins of the Broadway after the race riot of 1917. Earlier known as the McCasland Opera House. Location was 700 Broadway.
The Little Broadway, at 1312 Broadway, ended up as a nightclub and, after years of abandonment, burned in January 2010.
August 21 to 27, 1936
Time flies…Marcus bought out Wehrenberg in the fall of 2016. Sorry.
With the buyout of Wehrenberg last fall by Marcus, the venue is now a cinema, not a cine.
The time-frames when the Orpheum exhibited films:
December 1926 to April 1928 (with Orpheum circuit vaudeville) September 1934 to July 1936 (Warner Bros. management) July 1936 to February 1938 (Fanchon & Marco management) January 1943 to May 1960 (Loew’s management)
The lighting fixtures (alas, overexposed) originally graced the Ambassador Theatre downtown.
The explosion/fire took place in November 1884. The theatre was rebuilt and opened in September 1885. Colonel Hopkins and the Tri-State Amusement Co. began to operate the theatre in August 1896 at which point the Grand Opera House became the Hopkins Grand Opera House. In August 1898 Hopkins and Tri-State parted company and the theatre reverted to simply Grand Opera House.
To St. Louisans, it was the Grand Theatre, not Grand Follies which just appeared on the attraction board of the canopy.
As a “cinema treasure” the venue was known as the Grand Opera House…this being the teens through the 20s. The movie (a subrun) was but one part of the offerings which included up to 9 acts from the Orpheum Circuit. Theatre became simply the Grand in the 30s when burlesque became offered until closure in the 60s.
“Inferno” was also shown in 3-D at the Ambassador Theatre in St. Louis that August. Somebody at TCM needs to do better research.
Two out of the three in the St. Louis metropolitan area were single screeners. The third a twin.
Call me a Doubting Thomas, but I find it difficult to believe the drive in opened in 1948 without speakers and speaker poles.