Cinema Italia [in Johnston]continued to entertain the Italian American community until February of 1974, at which time the strip of stores was razed and the property sold. Undaunted, [Rolando] Petrella moved his cinema operation to the Hillside Cinema on Waterman Avenue in North Providence, offering Italian films during the same time slots as his defunct Cinema Italia.“ —from "The Voices of Italy” by Alfred R. Crudale.
“A gala celebration on February 11, 1967, marked the opening of the Italy Cinema at 910 Atwood Avenue in Johnston, Rhode Island. The theater, which began showing films prior to the Second World War, occupied the second floor of a strip of stores known as Ferri’s Block. Rolando Petrella, in 1971, leased the theater and one of the store fronts directly beneath it. On the first floor, he established an Italian pastry shop and renamed the theater Cinema Italia. Each Sunday at 3:00 P.M. and 6:30 P.M., Cinema Italia offered the latest films from Italy as well as Italian classics…Cinema Italia continued to entertain the Italian American community until February of 1974, at which time the strip of stores was razed and the property sold. Undaunted, Petrella moved his cinema operation to the Hillside Cinema on Waterman Avenue in North Providence, offering Italian films during the same time slots as his defunct Cinema Italia.” —from “The Voices of Italy” by Alfred R. Crudale.
Called the Broadway Cine-Roma when showing Italian movies. Note small sign under Broadway vertical marquee.
Released 1964.
1955 probably.
A 1965 Japanese movie.
Wrongly posted. This was the Globe that became the Lunt-Fontanne, further up Times Square.
This theatre was located only four blocks from the Metropolitan Opera at the time. The film might certainly have attracted some of that patronage.
“The Cobweb” and “Moonfleet” on the marquee. Both 1955 films.
Around 1927 when built.
A 1966 calendar, most likely.
Ca. 1965.
Theatre demolished October 2025.
Theatre demolished October 2025.
Theatre demolished October 2025.
Demolished.
Demolished.
Demolished.
Demolished.
Demolished.
Demolished.
Demolished.
Cinema Italia [in Johnston]continued to entertain the Italian American community until February of 1974, at which time the strip of stores was razed and the property sold. Undaunted, [Rolando] Petrella moved his cinema operation to the Hillside Cinema on Waterman Avenue in North Providence, offering Italian films during the same time slots as his defunct Cinema Italia.“ —from "The Voices of Italy” by Alfred R. Crudale.
“A gala celebration on February 11, 1967, marked the opening of the Italy Cinema at 910 Atwood Avenue in Johnston, Rhode Island. The theater, which began showing films prior to the Second World War, occupied the second floor of a strip of stores known as Ferri’s Block. Rolando Petrella, in 1971, leased the theater and one of the store fronts directly beneath it. On the first floor, he established an Italian pastry shop and renamed the theater Cinema Italia. Each Sunday at 3:00 P.M. and 6:30 P.M., Cinema Italia offered the latest films from Italy as well as Italian classics…Cinema Italia continued to entertain the Italian American community until February of 1974, at which time the strip of stores was razed and the property sold. Undaunted, Petrella moved his cinema operation to the Hillside Cinema on Waterman Avenue in North Providence, offering Italian films during the same time slots as his defunct Cinema Italia.” —from “The Voices of Italy” by Alfred R. Crudale.
Always loved that cinema, even though I can no longer visit these days because of how far away I live.
“Force of Evil” across the square at Loew’s State, I believe.
1950s publicity cards.