Absolutly gorgeous theatre. I do hope that when the owner states that the new screen will be “huge” that he isn’t planning to install it in front of the procienium. But still a treasure to be loved and protected.
It’s part of the experience. Not everything could be given a wide release. Also wide release’s of films is part of what killed the build-up of major films. In the “old days” major pictures would have “Roadshow” releasing in major city’s only and would sometimes not see smaller venues for up to a year. Smaller films have allways had limited releases in metropolitan areas where it is reasoned that the majority of the audience is located. It still boils down to dollars. With digital it may change as print costs will be negated, and more film will be available to smaller areas. Provided theatre’s have converted and can screen the new technology.
While I understand the need to provide access to everyone, many small theatre’s are surviving on a shoestring. I myself fun a single screen and could no way afford to add the equipment warrented in this action. I do have headsets for hearing impaired but closed captioning is out of reach. This could potentialy put small operators out of business as only the giant chains can afford this. And it only takes 1 person to complain and file action of non-compliance.
Glad to see that the place was successfully repurposed. But, while I assume they are needed I must say that the sound material added to the cieling and side walls is rather strange looking. I have studied many photo’s of this theatre from opening day and today and the auditorium has been significantly altered in decorative appearance. Although the changes could be easily removed. But it is still used and loved and NOT a parking lot.
Seems to me that if some slight changes to the Uptown are needed to make it operational in todays world then so be it. Doing nothing will eventually bring the building down. And using it only as a movie house today is just not an option. So restoration as a mixed use facility is a great plan, as the theatre will be saved! Better than the wrecking ball!!
The early photo’s show a orchestra pit, but now it appears it has been covered over with a stage thrust. When was that done and I wonder if there are any plans to uncover it? Georgious theatre…
Nice web site. Good to see that they are doing well and bringing in good shows.
Was amused that on their web page the “History” of the D&R is a cut and paste of my original blog here on Cinema Treasures.
The theatre is getting ready to celebrate 75 years on July 3rd. We will have Dennis James play our house organ to the silent classic “Phantom of the Opera” along with some other yet to be finalized festivities. I will post more when the details become final.
I have no idea where the 75 figure came from for the seating capacity, but the theatre has 260 seats. Originally it had 450 but when it was reseated the new seats were wider and the rows were spaced farther apart to give more leg room. Also the new concessions stand and office was built into the back wall of the auditorium eliminating about 4 rows.
Lots of photo’s of the lobby, but any of what’s left of the auditorium? I understand only the lobby is supposed to be saved but would like to see whats being demolished. And hopefully someone will photo archive the rest of the theatre before demolition begins in earnest.
Having started in this business as a projectionist about 33 years ago I can totaly relate to the death of a profession. While I still run 35 mm it isn’t the same and as time goes on all the magic will be lost. Today there arn’t many houses left that have curtains & foot lights. Along with a trained profesional in the booth to make sure everything happens seamlessly. Also most of the audience does not care about showmanship. As long as the movie appears on the screen after all the advertising is finished they are satisfied. Most are to young to remember what it was like to attend a film in a great theatre with good projection. When the house lights dim and the curtain parts magic happens…..
Bravo!
Obviously the new board needs to “get there comeuppence” Joe was granted a place to live until he dies and that should be honored no matter what. They will get his apt. in the end. How fast people forget that without Joe there would be no Fox. Shame on the board of the Fox.
This theatre should really be saved. It’s rare today to find a house like this in such good condition. Someone should step up and get this started. I know it takes money and there has to be some kind of a plan for it’s use to warrent the expenditure but it would be a shame to see it fall into a wreck only to be torn down when it is now in such restorable shape.
Agree, I enjoyed the first part but not the end. Why not restore the theater and build a new section next door and incorporate the new screens there. Making the whole building look like the original theater. You get the best of both.
Ron,
I was in McMinnville about 2 years ago and the Mack was closed at that time but I contacted the owner who said that the theater did good business but he didn’t have the time to devote to running it. It’s last incarnation was an art house running foreign, independent, art films. It still has a web page www.macktheater.com and it is still advertising it’s last film “Capote”. Check it out.
The photo’s for the Weir & Rex listed on the PSTOS site clearly show 2 different buildings. I was in the Weir and it was definatly the brick building with the crown on the roof line. It was next to the Masonic building (Later Browers dress shop). The Rex was next to the Weir more at mid block. At least that is what the photo’s show.
This is good news, the interior by the look of the photos is a total wreak. The roof is missing and the elements have taken their toll. At least the exterior will be cleaned and preserved and that is great. Much better than demolition which is usually the case with old buildings whose interiors have rotted away.
Amazing theater, this should be saved if the majestic is in as good of condition as the palace this could become a major performance center. Two theaters in one building. Maybe one for live and the other for film or some combination. Just amazing that the palace has never been stripped. Save it now!
Beautiful theatre, so good to see it is being taken care of and loved by the people of Washington DC. Maybe they will even fix the curtain.
Absolutly gorgeous theatre. I do hope that when the owner states that the new screen will be “huge” that he isn’t planning to install it in front of the procienium. But still a treasure to be loved and protected.
Great! and $6.50 ticket price can’t hurt.
It’s part of the experience. Not everything could be given a wide release. Also wide release’s of films is part of what killed the build-up of major films. In the “old days” major pictures would have “Roadshow” releasing in major city’s only and would sometimes not see smaller venues for up to a year. Smaller films have allways had limited releases in metropolitan areas where it is reasoned that the majority of the audience is located. It still boils down to dollars. With digital it may change as print costs will be negated, and more film will be available to smaller areas. Provided theatre’s have converted and can screen the new technology.
While I understand the need to provide access to everyone, many small theatre’s are surviving on a shoestring. I myself fun a single screen and could no way afford to add the equipment warrented in this action. I do have headsets for hearing impaired but closed captioning is out of reach. This could potentialy put small operators out of business as only the giant chains can afford this. And it only takes 1 person to complain and file action of non-compliance.
What an amazing theater. So nice to see it has been so well taken care of. A cinema treasure indeed!
Glad to see that the place was successfully repurposed. But, while I assume they are needed I must say that the sound material added to the cieling and side walls is rather strange looking. I have studied many photo’s of this theatre from opening day and today and the auditorium has been significantly altered in decorative appearance. Although the changes could be easily removed. But it is still used and loved and NOT a parking lot.
Seems to me that if some slight changes to the Uptown are needed to make it operational in todays world then so be it. Doing nothing will eventually bring the building down. And using it only as a movie house today is just not an option. So restoration as a mixed use facility is a great plan, as the theatre will be saved! Better than the wrecking ball!!
The early photo’s show a orchestra pit, but now it appears it has been covered over with a stage thrust. When was that done and I wonder if there are any plans to uncover it? Georgious theatre…
Nice web site. Good to see that they are doing well and bringing in good shows. Was amused that on their web page the “History” of the D&R is a cut and paste of my original blog here on Cinema Treasures.
The theatre is getting ready to celebrate 75 years on July 3rd. We will have Dennis James play our house organ to the silent classic “Phantom of the Opera” along with some other yet to be finalized festivities. I will post more when the details become final.
This July 5th we will be celebrating 75 years of entertainment.
I have no idea where the 75 figure came from for the seating capacity, but the theatre has 260 seats. Originally it had 450 but when it was reseated the new seats were wider and the rows were spaced farther apart to give more leg room. Also the new concessions stand and office was built into the back wall of the auditorium eliminating about 4 rows.
Lots of photo’s of the lobby, but any of what’s left of the auditorium? I understand only the lobby is supposed to be saved but would like to see whats being demolished. And hopefully someone will photo archive the rest of the theatre before demolition begins in earnest.
You can tour the theater on their web site. Beautiful photo’s of all the auditoriums and public spaces.
Having started in this business as a projectionist about 33 years ago I can totaly relate to the death of a profession. While I still run 35 mm it isn’t the same and as time goes on all the magic will be lost. Today there arn’t many houses left that have curtains & foot lights. Along with a trained profesional in the booth to make sure everything happens seamlessly. Also most of the audience does not care about showmanship. As long as the movie appears on the screen after all the advertising is finished they are satisfied. Most are to young to remember what it was like to attend a film in a great theatre with good projection. When the house lights dim and the curtain parts magic happens…..
Bravo!
Obviously the new board needs to “get there comeuppence” Joe was granted a place to live until he dies and that should be honored no matter what. They will get his apt. in the end. How fast people forget that without Joe there would be no Fox. Shame on the board of the Fox.
This theatre should really be saved. It’s rare today to find a house like this in such good condition. Someone should step up and get this started. I know it takes money and there has to be some kind of a plan for it’s use to warrent the expenditure but it would be a shame to see it fall into a wreck only to be torn down when it is now in such restorable shape.
Agree, I enjoyed the first part but not the end. Why not restore the theater and build a new section next door and incorporate the new screens there. Making the whole building look like the original theater. You get the best of both.
Ron,
I was in McMinnville about 2 years ago and the Mack was closed at that time but I contacted the owner who said that the theater did good business but he didn’t have the time to devote to running it. It’s last incarnation was an art house running foreign, independent, art films. It still has a web page www.macktheater.com and it is still advertising it’s last film “Capote”. Check it out.
The photo’s for the Weir & Rex listed on the PSTOS site clearly show 2 different buildings. I was in the Weir and it was definatly the brick building with the crown on the roof line. It was next to the Masonic building (Later Browers dress shop). The Rex was next to the Weir more at mid block. At least that is what the photo’s show.
This is good news, the interior by the look of the photos is a total wreak. The roof is missing and the elements have taken their toll. At least the exterior will be cleaned and preserved and that is great. Much better than demolition which is usually the case with old buildings whose interiors have rotted away.
I agree with the comment on the name. This was built as “The King” and it should be called by that name. King Cat is rather wierd.
Amazing theater, this should be saved if the majestic is in as good of condition as the palace this could become a major performance center. Two theaters in one building. Maybe one for live and the other for film or some combination. Just amazing that the palace has never been stripped. Save it now!
Per the web site AMC runs the Cinerama.