Bear in mind the airdomes did not have “opera seats” as inside theatres, but patrons usually sat on benches. So, even though the seating capacity may seem amplified to hardtop eyes, they could cram a lot of people into these facilities.
Avalon opened on Sept. 11, 1935 with a 2nd-run policy. Architects of record were A.F. and Arthur Stauder. Opening publicity touted a seating capacity of 1000. Avalon originally operated by Alexander Pappas and Bess Schulter who at the time also operated the Columbia, Powhatan, Roxy and White Way. F&M/SLAC took over operation in 1942.
Final date of operation Jan. 24, 1999.
Under Skouras Bros. management, theatre was renamed MIDTOWN in Nov.1928 and first film shown was Jolson’s “The Singing Fool.” With high competition in the area, however, the film policy ended in March 1929. Theatre then was known as the MIDTOWN-EMPRESS and the major use was by the Woodward stock company. Theatre reverted to the EMPRESS moniker in 1933 when the Ansell Brothers took over management for a 2nd-run film policy.
Further research shows the MONTGOMERY was built by O. T. Crawford. When Crawford’s empire began to fall, the Koplars took over his theatres including the Montgomery.
Theatre opened January 19, 1914 featuring vaudeville at popular prices. Architect was firm of Kennerly & Stiegemeyer. Seating capacity of 1831. Renamed PERSHING (after Gen. Pershing of WW I) in 1919. Theatre demolished in 1935.
The Art Theatre the first “art-film” venue in St. Louis. It was, in reality, the S'Renco Screening Room which was located in the RKO Radio building on Olive Street along “film-row”.
It wasn’t television that closed this theatre, but the City of St. Louis. In April 1947 the Robin was ordered closed as a possible fire hazard as the structure (a frame building with sheet iron sheathing)did not meet the revised building code.
I do not have the exact date of opening, but it was operating in 1927.
Stadium I opened May 24, 1967 with hard-ticket run of “The Taming of the Shrew.” Architectural design by the firm of Murphy & Mackey.
Architect was Edward F. Gordon.
Facility opened in 1954.
This the theatre where Josephine Baker made her stage debut in 1919.
Theatre operated from 1913 to 1930…operated by Blacks for Blacks.
Correct address was 23rd & Market (2248 Market Street).
The original name of this venue was the GRAND-ARSENAL.
Bear in mind the airdomes did not have “opera seats” as inside theatres, but patrons usually sat on benches. So, even though the seating capacity may seem amplified to hardtop eyes, they could cram a lot of people into these facilities.
Avalon opened on Sept. 11, 1935 with a 2nd-run policy. Architects of record were A.F. and Arthur Stauder. Opening publicity touted a seating capacity of 1000. Avalon originally operated by Alexander Pappas and Bess Schulter who at the time also operated the Columbia, Powhatan, Roxy and White Way. F&M/SLAC took over operation in 1942.
Final date of operation Jan. 24, 1999.
My entry should be quite clear…the “the” is significant and should not be ignored.
Theatre eventually renamed the ILLINOIS.
This the renamed WASHINGTON.
Under Skouras Bros. management, theatre was renamed MIDTOWN in Nov.1928 and first film shown was Jolson’s “The Singing Fool.” With high competition in the area, however, the film policy ended in March 1929. Theatre then was known as the MIDTOWN-EMPRESS and the major use was by the Woodward stock company. Theatre reverted to the EMPRESS moniker in 1933 when the Ansell Brothers took over management for a 2nd-run film policy.
Both the Will Rogers and the Miners Theatres were operated by Sam Komm.
Years of operation were 1938 to 1952. Seating capacity of 115.
Further research shows the MONTGOMERY was built by O. T. Crawford. When Crawford’s empire began to fall, the Koplars took over his theatres including the Montgomery.
The structure now being used as a church. The earliest reference to this theatre in the City Directory was in 1911.
My records show various operators over the years included Sanford Amusement, Victor Thien, Willis Shafton and Harry Londoff.
Theatre opened May 15, 1926; closed January 6, 1953.
Seating capacity was 901.
Theatre opened January 19, 1914 featuring vaudeville at popular prices. Architect was firm of Kennerly & Stiegemeyer. Seating capacity of 1831. Renamed PERSHING (after Gen. Pershing of WW I) in 1919. Theatre demolished in 1935.
Operated from 1926 to 1953. Converted to a bowling alley. Since demolished…and not for a parking lot. Owner was Harry Londoff.
To be exact the pre-Cinerama Ambassador closed on Dec. 12, 1953 with a double-bill of “Miss Robin Crusoe” and “A Blueprint for Murder.”
“This Is Cinerama” opened on Feb. 10, 1954.
Correct address is 6324 Bartmer.
Original name of venue was the Irma. Changed to U City in 1938.
The Art Theatre the first “art-film” venue in St. Louis. It was, in reality, the S'Renco Screening Room which was located in the RKO Radio building on Olive Street along “film-row”.
Facility closed for public attendance in 1952.
The cinema complex is located in what once was the Chase Club…probably the best nightclub in St. Louis.
It wasn’t television that closed this theatre, but the City of St. Louis. In April 1947 the Robin was ordered closed as a possible fire hazard as the structure (a frame building with sheet iron sheathing)did not meet the revised building code.
I do not have the exact date of opening, but it was operating in 1927.
Theatre opened in 1922. Original architect was August Foell.
The theatre was remodeled in 1937, architect of the re-do was William Schlesinger—this the theatre we know today.
This was the only neighborhood house operated by Warner Bros. when they were in the St. Louis market in the early 30s.
The Varsity opened on Dec. 5, 1935 and was originally operated by the Ansell Brothers, who also operated the Ritz and Empress Theatres.
The architect was Bruce F. Barnes.
The facility was a conversion of a l-story automobile repair garage.
Theatre opened in early 1910.
Sam Komm didn’t enter the picture until 1938.
Wm. Sehybal, Jr. is listed on the building permit as the architect.