Comments from richardg

Showing 26 - 50 of 250 comments

richardg
richardg commented about Robins Theatre on Dec 16, 2021 at 12:59 am

This theatre was for sale approximately 3 years ago. Interested parties should phone 330 565 0255. You’ll need very deep pockets though. Restoration would be in the millions. The balcony is still intact but the nain floor has been leveled. Leveled in the sense that wooden framing was erected over the sloping floor to make it level. This was done during the 1970’s when the Ohio Bureau of Employment had offices in the theatres space. Later the space was used for storage but has been vacant for years. All the store fronts are vacant except for a lawyers office which owns the building. He is a relative of the original owners. Although this was a small theatre chain, Robins had no difficulty in booking 1st run films. They were, as mentioned above, cousins of the Warners. My information source didn’t know the seating capacity but judging from the exterior portion of the theatre it’s probably well over 1500. Someone in the Niles municipal offices told me the theatres roof has leaked for years and has been condemned by the city of Niles.

richardg
richardg commented about Avalon Cinema on Aug 1, 2021 at 4:01 pm

It does as the photo indicates have a great marquee. Unfortunately, my arrival time in Platteville didn’t coincide with the theatres open times. I can’t provide much information except that it’s still operating

richardg
richardg commented about Fenway Theater on Aug 1, 2021 at 3:44 pm

The Fenway Theatre was located in what is now know as the Fenway Hotel which was remodeled and a comfortable place to stay. The theatre closed in 1970 and became a disco named “Tino’s” The disco closed in the mid 80’s and the former theatre was vacant for awhile. The space then became a restaurant. This lasted a number of years and the space became vacant again. In 2018 the theatre space became a place of worship know as The Family in Faith Church. The full commercial kitchen from the restaurant and the bar from either the disco or restaurant remain. The floor was leveled probably during the disco era and the theater’s interior completely altered. The only clue that this was once a theatre is the sloping entrance to what was the theatre’s auditorium

richardg
richardg commented about Grantland Theatre on Aug 1, 2021 at 3:17 pm

I visited this theatre in June of 2021. It was Cinema Appreciation Week so the Garland was showing a double feature consisting of A Quiet Place 1 & 2. The entire audience for this double feature consisted of four adults and two children. The Municipal Offices and Police Dept are an extension of the theatre building. Seating on the main floor has been upgraded with high back seats and cup holders. The balcony retains seats which look like are from the 1950’s or 60’s. If my count is accurate, balcony seating is 137. Main floor seating is about the same because of added leg room created by removing (my best guess) every third row of seating. The newer seats are also a little wider. This is a lovely building and theatre. Ornate but not overly so make for a wonderful movie experience. This is a theatre most of us would love to own. Yes, it has opera boxes.

richardg
richardg commented about Dodge Theatre on Aug 1, 2021 at 2:47 pm

I visited the Dodge Theatre in June of 2021 and was informed by the owner that the theatre is for sale. It’s a small theatre seating approximately 150 people. There is no balcony. A steel spiral stair case leads to the projection booth. When covid was at its worst the theatre was closed but made some revenue by selling popcorn to the towns residents. The towns people were supposedly very supportive of this effort. The theatre has a nice marquee with neon and milk glass. It is, as mentioned above, still part of the State Theatre Chain.

richardg
richardg commented about Town Hall Theater on Apr 15, 2021 at 11:49 pm

I visited this theatre in the late 1970’s. One of the things that impressed me most was the attendance. Despite hundreds theatres closing form the 50’s through the 70’s, the Town Hall was nearly full on the night I attended. I asked a theatre worker to explain this phenomenon. She said “Lots of wealthy farmers in the area.”

richardg
richardg commented about Rowland Theatre on Apr 15, 2021 at 11:25 pm

I revisited the Rowland 2 years ago and the balcony was still open to patrons. This time I got a behind the scenes tour by a young woman who managed the theatre. The second floor of the building originally contained several offices and the third floor was a ballroom. Other than the theatre the whole building is vacant. The third floor would make an excellent fitness center or yoga studio. The second floor is ideally suited for single use offices. Unfortunately, there is only one entrance/exit so todays zoning prohibits it usage. It’s very likely this great space will remain unused

richardg
richardg commented about Paramount Center for the Arts on Apr 15, 2021 at 5:18 pm

I first saw this theatre in the late ‘70’s and was told by the owner that it was the second to last Paramount built. The theatre does not have a true balcony but does have raised seating in the rear rows. I don’t remember if the raised seating had always existed or if it was created during the 80’s renovations. I do remember though that the theatre was in reasonably good shape when I saw it in the 70’s. The staff at the Paramount is friendly and gave me a tour of the theatre when I visited 2 years ago.

richardg
richardg commented about Cameo Theater on Apr 14, 2021 at 5:35 pm

The Cameo is now open as a concert venue. When I saw it almost two years ago,it was still being worked on but the owner told me they had already done a couple of band performances. There are no immediate plans to show movies

richardg
richardg commented about Park Theater on Apr 6, 2021 at 10:26 pm

I passed by the theatre shortly after it was sold to the current owner. A small sign inside said will re-open as a multi venue site including movies. I again though about buying this theatre for a second time but the owner at that time asking price was to high. Although the theatre was used for car storage he had not leveled the floor and had retained all the seats.

richardg
richardg commented about Roxy Theatre on Apr 6, 2021 at 8:54 pm

Hi Muviebuf, I’m not sure I’m reading your comment correctly. Is the organ operating or was ir rmoved.

richardg
richardg commented about Roxy Theatre on Apr 6, 2021 at 8:46 pm

I had the pleasure of attending the Roxy on two different occasions. This is the type of theatre most of us would love to own. Its beautiful marquee, lovely auditorium and gregarious owner create a movie going experience from a by-gone era. The Friday night I attended there were about 150 patrons in attendance. When patrons left, they thanked the owner and why not– they got to see a good movie, a cartoon, and movie short all for a reasonable price. Refreshments are also priced reasonably. Sorry to hear about the organ. When I was there the owner was undecided about whether to restore it or not.

richardg
richardg commented about H & S Theatre on Sep 21, 2010 at 11:30 pm

It was built in 1926, and today’s admission price is just $4.00. It was closed when I passed through town so can’t add any interesting interior descriptions. Judging from lobby posters it looks as if its a strictly P.G. house. Too bad, the towns folk will miss most of the better films.

richardg
richardg commented about Needles Theatre on Sep 21, 2010 at 11:16 pm

The Needles Theatre housed a Masonic Temple in the front upper portion of the building while the theatre occupied the lower portion. Since the temple portion didn’t use the full length of the building, the theatre occupied the full height in a large portion of the building. I was informed many years ago the screen was moved forward (perhaps do to the installation of a new and larger screen?)
so that many seating rows and the original stage are actually behind the screen. Sadly, I was informed that nothing much is going at the Needles and that it is again for sale. A fire many years ago forced its closure and it never re-opened

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richardg
richardg commented about Texas Theater on Sep 13, 2010 at 1:02 am

The Texas is now open only Friday through Sunday. Admission is $5.00 and real butter tops the popcorn. The Sunday night I attended
there were about 20 moviegoers. The Texas does not have a balcony.

richardg
richardg commented about Coleman Theatre on Sep 13, 2010 at 12:49 am

My timing was exact enough to enable me to have a guided tour of the Coleman Theatre. The newly cushioned seats (covered in the original fabric) are about 2 inches wider than the originals. Additional leg room was also created between rows so today the
main floor seats just over 600. The balcony seating is not yet complete and I forgot to ask about the estimated seating capacity.
This is one of nicest restoration of a theatre in the thousand seat range that I’ve seen. The citizens of Miami should be both praised and applauded for the effort and expense they’ve endured. This is one theatre to definitely see so add it to your bucket list today.

richardg
richardg commented about Route 66 Movie Theatre on Sep 11, 2010 at 9:55 pm

The Route 66 theatre marquee doesn’t have the a normal milk glass background. Since it was daylight when I saw the theatre, I wasn’t able to determine if the background is opaque or not. The marquee does list the current movies with normal lettering but whether this is visible at night is questionable.

richardg
richardg commented about Marvel Theatre on Sep 7, 2010 at 11:39 pm

The Marvel Theatre is alive and well. The $6.00 admission including popcorn and a drink is hard to beat.

richardg
richardg commented about Ada Theatre on Apr 23, 2010 at 9:05 pm

The Ada is, I believe, for sale. The listing is through Century 21,
sorry, I didn’t jot down the number.

richardg
richardg commented about Palace Theatre on Apr 7, 2010 at 9:05 pm

I returned to the Palace on April 3, 2010 and saw the movie, Percy Jackson & the Lightning Thief. I can only add, “This is how movies should be shown” I bought a good size drink and popcorn for a grand total of $3.00. The lobby of the Harding Hotel (now a Senior’s home and directly across the street from the thatre) is also a must see.

richardg
richardg commented about Kenton 3 Theatre on Apr 7, 2010 at 8:44 pm

I believe the Kenton and the Ada are both for sale. I’m not sure about the Hi-Road Drive-in. I believe the listing broker is Century 21 —sorry I didn’t write the number down but it should be easy enough to obtain

richardg
richardg commented about Hollywood Theater on Oct 23, 2008 at 7:36 pm

Yes, I’m also interested in knowing if anyone has expressed interest in the theatre. Does anyone know if whether the lessor or the lessee
owns all the equipment and furnishings.

richardg
richardg commented about Spotlight Theater of Warsaw on May 14, 2008 at 7:58 pm

It was Frank’s passion for the Warsaw Cinema that kept its doors open. Even Frank’s passion couldn’t keep the Warsaw’s doors open very often. Frank’s age, health problems, dwindling crowds, forced the Warsaw into becoming weekend theatre. Memory tells me there were only 3 screenings per week: Fri eve., Sat eve, and Sun. mat. When I first met Frank, close to fifteen years ago, he had been diagnosed with some medical issues so we discussed his possible sale of the theatre. We also exchanged stories about theatres and our passion for them.
I’m looking forward to attending The Warsaw when it re-opens.

richardg
richardg commented about Vogue Theatre on Apr 16, 2008 at 8:33 pm

Sorry for my delay —wasn’t notified someone replied to my comment.
You can forward your email address to Please allow a few weeks before I email you the picture. Please subject your email as Chateau picture.

richardg
richardg commented about St. Clair College Capitol Theatre on Apr 9, 2008 at 7:56 pm

The Capitol theatre has just received a seven million dollar grant and and expects the balance of work to be completed in about a year. I attended their open house a few weeks ago and was very impressed with everything that was done so far. They’ve done very costly things like adding a balcony, an elevator, and even a hydraulic orchestra pit. Unfortunately, it sound like the new Capitol venue will be strictly one for performing arts — too bad, it’d be a grand place to see a movie.