Google, AI summary.
The Johnston Theatre, which later became the Italy Cinema, was a historic single-screen theater located in the Thornton section of Johnston, Rhode Island.The theater underwent several transformations during its lifespan:Original Johnston Theatre (1941–1967): Opened in 1941, it was located on the second floor of the Ferri Block (a multi-shop building) at the corner of Atwood Avenue and Plainfield Street. During this era, it typically showed double bills and was a popular neighborhood spot for families.Italy Cinema / Cinema Italia (1967–1974): On February 11, 1967, the venue was renamed the Italy Cinema. In 1971, it was leased and re-christened Cinema Italia, specializing in Italian-language films and classics for the local Italian-American community. It even featured an Italian pastry shop on the floor directly beneath it.Final Years & Demolition: In its final years, the theater briefly operated as a porno house. The entire Ferri Block was demolished in the late 1970s and was eventually replaced by a gas station (formerly a Mobil Mart).Note that this historic venue is distinct from the Johnston Cinema, which was located roughly two miles away and originally opened as a Jerry Lewis Cinema in the 1960s.
The Star Theatre in Cranston, Rhode Island, was a historic movie house that is no longer in operation and has since been demolished. It was located in the Silver Lake neighborhood, which straddles the line between Cranston and Providence.Historical OverviewOpening: The theater was a wooden structure that opened in May 1914.Closure: It operated as a cinema until 1929, closing reputedly after a fire involving film stock.Post-Closure Use: For several decades following its closure, the building remained as a green-painted structure used primarily as a storage facility.Demolition: The structure was eventually demolished shortly after the turn of the millennium.
Perfectly projected, great sound. I attended several showings. No other theatre in Providence came close to them, except the Elmwood in its days of greatness.
Almost no actual paid ads for this theatre can be found. This is one.
La Scala Theatre opens.
Added treat: the latest speech of Mussolini.
An Italian version of the 1929 “The Lady Lies” with Claudette Colbert.
An Italian version of the 1929 “The Lady Lies” with Claudette Colbert.
Original release, first-run.
I came to see this program here at the age of 13.
It played in the original German-language version.
“For Whom the Bell Tolls” played around October 15, 1947 along with “The Chimp.”
Circa 1908.
Lost film.
“Song of the Butterfly” might be the Italian film from 1939 “Il sogno di Butterfly” - “Dream of Butterfly.”
I believe this was “Westfront 1918” by G.W. Pabst and is available on YouTube.
Across from the Oakland Beach sea food places specializing in chowder, clam cakes, fried fish, stuffies.
Silent film, sound added.
Still Loew’s, before it became Ocean State in 1978.
Google, AI summary. The Johnston Theatre, which later became the Italy Cinema, was a historic single-screen theater located in the Thornton section of Johnston, Rhode Island.The theater underwent several transformations during its lifespan:Original Johnston Theatre (1941–1967): Opened in 1941, it was located on the second floor of the Ferri Block (a multi-shop building) at the corner of Atwood Avenue and Plainfield Street. During this era, it typically showed double bills and was a popular neighborhood spot for families.Italy Cinema / Cinema Italia (1967–1974): On February 11, 1967, the venue was renamed the Italy Cinema. In 1971, it was leased and re-christened Cinema Italia, specializing in Italian-language films and classics for the local Italian-American community. It even featured an Italian pastry shop on the floor directly beneath it.Final Years & Demolition: In its final years, the theater briefly operated as a porno house. The entire Ferri Block was demolished in the late 1970s and was eventually replaced by a gas station (formerly a Mobil Mart).Note that this historic venue is distinct from the Johnston Cinema, which was located roughly two miles away and originally opened as a Jerry Lewis Cinema in the 1960s.
History o Google, AI.
The Star Theatre in Cranston, Rhode Island, was a historic movie house that is no longer in operation and has since been demolished. It was located in the Silver Lake neighborhood, which straddles the line between Cranston and Providence.Historical OverviewOpening: The theater was a wooden structure that opened in May 1914.Closure: It operated as a cinema until 1929, closing reputedly after a fire involving film stock.Post-Closure Use: For several decades following its closure, the building remained as a green-painted structure used primarily as a storage facility.Demolition: The structure was eventually demolished shortly after the turn of the millennium.
“La Fin du jour”, 1939, by Julien Duvivier.
Ad posted separately.
A Max Ophuls film.
“Vivere” was one of the the theme songs of the Mussolini era.
My first film at the Art Cinema was this very one.
Original Italian poster for this film has been posted elsewhere on this page.
Perfectly projected, great sound. I attended several showings. No other theatre in Providence came close to them, except the Elmwood in its days of greatness.