This theater dates back to at least 1911, according to a local paper:
MANRING THEATER
Starting Monday Night, May 1st and running for two weeks. Will give away the pick of any $15.00 Hat at the Hamilton Millinery Store.
Only coupons received during this two weeks are good on the night
of drawing. Save them.
Help! I’m looking at an ad in the Harlingen Valley Morning Star dated 2/22/53. The Majestic in Brownsville was showing the “Jazz Singer” with Danny Thomas. The theater page lists a number of movie houses in various locales, but I cannot figure out which are listed already as the locations are rather flexible, geographically. Take a look at the list and feel free to pitch in if you have any clue:
Palace – McAllen
Rivoli – San Benito
Alto – La Feria (I have already listed an Alto in Alto, which makes sense)
Valley Drive-In Theatre – no location given
Queen – McAllen
State – Mercedes
Strand – Harlingen
Citrus Drive-In – Harlingen
Rialto – Harlingen
Ritz – Weslaco
Here is an article from the Cedar Rapids Gazette dated 4/15/62:
End Nears for Boston’s Historic Scollay Square
Proper Boston is standing death watch over an aged and roguish black sheep relative. Brazen Scollay Square, long the stamping grounds of millions of seamen and servicemen, is breathing its last raspy breaths as a rowdy oasis in the midst of puritan virtue.
Soon the burlesque theaters, the cafes and their come-on
girls, the tattoo studios, the penny arcade, the hamburger joints will be reduced to nostalgic rubble and carted away. In their places will rise a stately and respectableâ€"but far less interestingâ€"
government center, housing federal, state, county and city offices with approaches of flowers and tree-lined malls…
Also coming down is the Rialto Theater, the only all-night movie house in Boston, where sleepy-eyed patrons were ousted for for two hours each dawn so the place could be swept and aired out.
Here is an ad for a rather exotic film showing at the Rialto on 1/23/38:
RIALTO THEATRE – Monday Only
For the first time on any screen … the horrifying, blood-chilling
rites of the savage PENITENTES, whose pagan idolatry forces
them to undergo self-torture and flagellation before they can reach
the apex of their sacrifices, crucifixion!
My link has died. Here is the text of the ad, which had an eclectic cast, including Ted Healy of Three Stooges fame, Betty Furness, best known for selling refrigerators in the fifties, and Una Merkel, who usually played the local busybody in the Frankenstein pictures of the thirties:
A PICTURE FOR YOU, NEIGHBOR, AND YOU’LL LOVE IT!
Wally’s back! With a grand new load of laughs and tears and thrills!
WALLACE BEERY
Just an “old soak”… but how he comes through when his kid’s in a jam! Riotous fun.. .when he rides up Park Avenue in a peddler’s wagon! Thrills and howls …when he traps a rascally banker and scares him out of ten grand!
“GOOD OLD SOAK” and what a cast!
Una Merkel, Eric Linden, Judith Barrett, Betty Furness, Ted Healy, Janet Beecher, George Sidney
Here is an ad from the Kingsport Times on 6/20/37:
GEM THEATRE Monday and Tuesday
A PICTURE ALL SHOULD SEE!
BRET HARTE'S
‘OUTCASTS of POKER FLATS'
â€" with â€"
PRESTON FOSTER – JEAN MUIR
CARDS – THAT DEAL OUT T0 MEN AND WOMENâ€"
LOVE …
WEALTH …
ROMANCE…
RUIN …
Here is a 1977 article from the Pasadena Star-News about the possible demolition of the Rialto:
SoPas citizens write to the rescue of Rialto Theater
South Pasadenans are beginning to rumble about the imminent plans to
demolish the Rialto Theater, a 1925 Moorish landmark that has seen the rise and fall of vaudeville, Saturday serials and cinema verite.
About 100 petitions are being circulated by a grass-roots organization which calls itself the Rescue the Rialto Committee.
Residents are riding on a groundswell following a county surveyor’s report found that the Rialto met the criteria necessary for possible
inclusion on the national register.
Tom Sitton, a surveyor employed by the county to examine structures
for a statewide inventory, said that he found that the Rialto met the
criteria necessary for possible inclusion on the national register.
Sitton said that qualifying as “potential material” would afford the edifice the same protection as a structure, already on the register.
This resulted from an executive document issued in 1972 which said
that since surveying historic sites was a time-consuming operation,
those that met the criteria should be treated like those already on the register, until the drawnout application procedure can be completed.
The structure is among other buildings on a four-square block area
in the downtown section that has been slated for a shopping center.
The Environmental Impact Report (EIR) on that project, which was
adopted in July, 1975, reported that there were no state or federally
registered historic structures in the project area. John Bernardi, the city’s director of building and planning, said that the citizenry had 80 days to challenge an EIR. That time is past, but hearings will be held for the parking district, which is another part of the downtown development, Bernardi said. During those hearings, residents may bring up the Rialto issue.
This film was playing at the Paramount on 2/21/43:
STARTS TOMORROW – ADULTS ONLY!
NO GREATER SIN
Sin Dens Exposed as Under-Age Girls' Menace
Thrill Seeking MEN!
Other theaters advertised in the Hammond Times were the Calumet, Parthenon, Hohman, Orpheum, American, Midway, Ace, Rio, Vic, Forsythe Capitol, Indiana, Voge, Hoosier and Broadway.
Some heavyweights were invited to the opening of the theater on
June 10, 1930:
Adolph Zukor and Jesse L. Lasky, masterminds of the Paramount-Publix corporation, have been invited to attend the Thursday evening opening of the Middletown Paramount theater. It was announced today by Harry C. Stowell, manager. It is not known definitely whether they will be able to appear but other executives of the company, including Martin Mullen, director of the Northwest territory, have signified an intention to participate.
Charles “Buddy” Rogers will greet the first Middletown audience through a specially made talkie film.
The Oakland Tribune had a story on the theater’s re-opening in June 1933:
PARAMOUNT THEATER WILL OPEN TOMORROW
Paramount to Open Doors at 11:30 Friday
Tomorrow, at noon, Oakland’s Paramount Theater once again throws open its doors to offer this city motion picture entertainment
ot the finest type in a surrounding of luxury. The Paramount’s policy will present one feature picture each week. In addition each program will be enhanced by the highest grade comedies, scenics, cartoons and other short subjects plus Paramount news items.
The first feature picture on the Paramount screen for the week
starting tomorrow will be the Paramount “International House,"
comedy featuring 14 stars, 140 girls and offering enough comedy to provoke 1400 laughs. Second in importance on the program will be a 30 minute subject "Isle of Desire,” said to be something new in screen entertainment enacted by a South Sea native cast and resembling in story a Jack London fabled journey into this picturesque clime. A “Popeye” cartoon will add to the laughs of the new show, coupled with other short subjects and news reviews.
The doors of the Paramount will open at 11:30 a.m. tomorrow to
afford visitors opportunity to wander through the foyers, lounge
rooms, mezzanine and the mural rooms before seeking their seat for
the first show. Under the direction of Fox West Coast Theaters, the Paramount will be operated on the new low price schedule of 25 cents matinee until 1 p.m., 30 cents from 1 until 5 p.m. and 40 cents at night. Change of program will be made every Friday.
The Paramount Theater is regarded as the finest in terms of architecture, fittings, and comfort on the Pacific Coast. Its opening
definitely places Oakland first on the Coast in possession of superior theater edifices, and under the operation of Fox West Coast Theaters the Paramount is assured of the finest feature pictures produced by the leading Hollywood studios. The management of the theater will be under the veteran direction of A. M. Bowles, head of Fox West Coast Theaters in Northern California, aided by Richard Spier, district manager, and Frank Burhans, resident manager. A large staff of employees have been secured, which will add to the yearly payroll of Oakland.
Here is a 1950 article on the demise of the Fox architect:
LARRY P. LARSEN OF WEBB CITY DIES
Owner of Civic Theater and Designer of More Than 100 Playhouses
Succumbs Unexpectedly.
Larry P. Larsen, 57 years old, 119 North Ball street, died at 12:40 o'clock this afternoon in St. John’s hospital in Joplin. He had been ill three years,, but was not hospitalized recently until about 11 o'clock this morning.
He was an architect and contractor, having built more than 100 theaters in all parts of the country. He designed and built the Fox theater in Joplin and the Civic Theater and Civic Drive-In restaurant in Webb City. He also remodeled the Junior theater, which he owned, and the sanctuary of the Presbyterian church.
The Garfieldian announced the appointment of Ed O'Donnell as Marbro manager in August 1940. Can you imagine any paper making that announcement today?
Emmet “Ed” O'Donnell was recently appointed manager of the Marbro theater. Mr. O'Donnell was born and raised on the west side and lives at 4810 Washington Blvd. He has had many years of experience in managing theaters, and was in charge of the McVickers theater when the first vitaphone movie was snown in Chicago in 1927.
Mr. O'Donnell started as an usher at the Central Park showhouse on Roosevelt road in 1919, was promoted to assistant manager, and then transferred to the Chicago theater as assistant manager.
He then managed the Oriental, McVickers and Roosevelt theaters downtown, and was manager of the Paradise theater when it opened in 1928, and again when it reopened in 1934.
DES PLAINES THEATRE
FREE PARKING
Comfortably Cool
VA 4-5253
* FREE PARKING *
Last Time Tonight
ICE PALACE
LOST WORLD
Friday for 7 days, Sept. 16-22
At Popular Prices …
52 Best Picture Awards and World-Wide Honors
MICHAEL TODD'S
Around the World in 80 days
Weekdays 9:00, Saturday 3:30, 8:30, Sunday 3:00, 8:00
Plus
“MY FAIR LADY” OF FILM DOM!
The NEW musical in COLOR by the “My FairLady” composer
Weekdays 7:00, Saturday 1:30, 6:30, 11:20, Sunday 1:00, 6:00, 11:00
PLEASE NOTE FEATURE TIMES
Due to the length of the program, on weekdays each
film will be shown only once.
ELM THEATRE
Mill Street and Route 176
WAUCONDA, ILLINOIS
LAST DAY THURS. SEPT. 15TH
FROM THE TERRACE
starring
Joanne Woodward & Paul Newman
FRI SAT. SUN. MON TUES.
SEPT. 16-17-18-19-20
THE APARTMENT
starring
Shirley MacLaineâ€"Jack Lemmonâ€"Fred MacMurray
Weekday Features 7:00 & 9:18 Sunday 5,7:18 ft 9:35
STARTS WEDNESDAY SEPT. 21ST
For One Big Week â€" Direct From The Loop
ELMER GANTRY
starring
Jean Simmonsâ€"Burt Lancaster
Here is an advertisement from the Atlanta Constitution in February 1916:
PATHE’S “IRON CLAW” BOOKED AT ALPHA
Pearl White Has Leading Part in New Serial Shown Tuesday
Manager Alpha Fowler of the Alpha theater announces the third, big week of Billy Beard, The Party from the South and in addition the securing of the latest and greatest Pathe serial story. The Iron Claw for every Tuesday beginning next Tuesday and continuing-
for fifteen weeks. The “Iron Claw” promises to be a story of thrllls
upon thrills one that is creating an unprecedented interest throughout the United States. The principal parts are taken by Pearl White, Creighton Hale and Sheldon Lewis known to all as the Elaine Trio as it was these three sterling players who made “The Exploits of Elaine”, a picture long to be remembered.
FLUID SITUATION: Flood waters which flowed into the lobby of the
State Theater, 213 Central NW, last night created all sorts of problems. Here, an employee sweeps water out the lobby entrance. Flood waters, brought by the first heavy rain of the season,
flowed into several downtown business establishments.
This 1948 article may account for the discrepancy:
Early Action Due On Branch Bank And New Theater
Construction of a new theater on the Mesa Theater site at 213 West Central and a new branch bank at Candelaria Road and North Fourth moved a step nearer Wednesday. George Tucker of Albuquerque Theaters Inc., said the Mesa Theater has been closed in preparation to demolish the building and the adjoining location, formerly occupied
by Butts Drug, so a new theater can be erected. He said permit for the new theater has not been received, but is expected soon. He estimated the new, larger theater would seat from 900 to 3000 patrons.
On October 29, 1952, the Sunshine was featuring Mario Lanza in “Because You’re Mine”. The Albuquerque Journal on that day also advertised these area theaters:
The owner of the El Paseo in 1971 was Commonwealth Theaters, according to this newspaper article:
Two new movie theaters will open here in Santa Fe Wednesday night at 8. Known as the Coronado Twin Theaters, the Commonwealth Theaters will operate them. The Coronado Twin is located in the east end of the Coronado Shopping Center. Commonwealth also runs the Lensic, El Paseo and the Pueblo Drive-In.
The drive-in was owned by All-State Theaters in the 1950s, according to this 1955 article:
All-State Theaters, Inc., will open its third theater here Saturday night when the first movie will be shown at the Esquire Theater, 134 Isleta Blvd. SW. The 800-seat theater, formerly the old Isleta theater before remodeling, will present “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers” as its first picture. Manuel Alarid will be manager
of the theater.
George Fossell, representative of All-State Theaters, said the theater, remodelled at a cost of $25,000, has the largest indoor
(36 by 15 ½ foot) Cinemascope screen in New Mexico and has the latest projection and sound equipment. A well – illuminated, fenced parking area can accommodate 300 cars, Mr. Gossell said. All-State Theaters also own the Terrace and Duke City Drive-In theaters here.
Here is a 1952 article on the sale of the theater:
Film Firm Here Acquires Sandia, El Key Theaters
Albuquerque Exhibitors, Inc., has acquired two movie theaters
here, through purchase of leases, Frank Peloso, general manager
of the firm, announced Thursday. Sandia Theaters has sold leases
of the Sandia Theater, 1816 Central Ave. SW, and El Rey Theater,
624 W. Central, to the film firm. The Yucca Theater, 2609 Fourth
St. NW, and the Chief Theater, 206 W. Central will also be closed,
Peloso said in addition to the Rio Theater, 118 W. Central, announced
earlier.
“The two small downtown theaters have been closed,” said Peloso, “ in accordance with the firm’s modernization program. We are substituting the two modern theaters just leased for these smaller theaters which are being closed and leased for commercial purposes other than that of exhibiting films."
"In Albuquerque, there is a great demand for Spanish languages
pictures,” Peloso added,“and the Sandia Theater is planned to take care of that demand in a modern, more suitable environment."
He added that the policy of presenting occasional stage shows will be continued at the Sandia.
Former owner of the Sandia and El Rey theaters, Sandia Theaters Inc. still leases the Ernie Pyle and Sunset Drive-In Theaters, under the direction of Marlin Butler, manager. After having been closed this
week for installation of new projection and sound equipment, the Sandia Theater will open today. Peloso said that the policy of showing second-run double features at the El Rey will be continued.
President and substantial owner of Albuquerque Exhibitors is Joe Barnett, one of Albuquerque’s pioneer businessmen. Barnett
and the Bachechi family have operated theaters in Albuquerque
for more than 40 years. Mario Bachechi is secretary of the company
and part owner and other part owners are Carlo Bachechi and the estate of the late Arthur Bachechi.
It was a downtown phenomenon. The throng of people â€" almost 3,000 of them â€" came to hear Harry Chapin sing. They also came to save Loew’s State Theater. The line for tickets began forming before 6 p.m. A little after 7 p.m. the line of people stretched three and four
deep along S. Salina and W. Fayette streets. By 7:30 p.m. the line curved around the block, past the corner of W. Fayette and Clinton streets and almost over to Jefferson Street. By 8 p.m. ushers were hunting inside the theater for empty seats to accommodate the people streaming into the sold out house.
The people in the audience paid $6, $7 and $8 dollars apiece to hear Chapin. The benefit concert was organized by Syracuse Area Landmark
Theater (SALT), a group that is trying to raise $100,000 to restore and revive Loew’s State.
SALT is attempting to raise the money by Nov. 12 in order to buy the
theater. The cost for the theater section of the building is $65,000. Another $35,000 is sought for roof and other repairs. The building is owned by Button Real Estate Co. If it is not bought by
the November deadline, it is expected to be torn down, probably to make way for a parking lot.
Inside the theater, people gazed in awe at the ornately carved columns, filigree railings and brocade walls. Before Chapin’s erformance, a band played in the foyer â€" like in the good old days when live music was heard in the theater. Loew’s was one of the great movie houses. Built with a blend of Oriental, Arabic and other exotic motifs, Loew’s opened in February, 1928. Its architect, Thomas W. Lamb, built more than 300 movie theaters in the United States after completing Loew’s.
According to Peter Baum, vice president of SALT’S Board of Directors,
Loew’s was the first of the great Oriental-style movie theaters. Grauman’s Chinese Theater in Hollywood,Calif., and two huge Loew’s “Oriental palaces” in New York City followed. An octagonal design covers the expanse of the ceiling in Loew’s. The walls of the theater itself are decorated with huge arches, depicting lion-like animals, graceful designs and arabesques. An immense proscenium arch
frames the stage. Curving columns and a pool that was used as a fish pond decorate the balcony level. The fourstory tall Grand Foyer, with a painting straight out of “The Arabian Nights,” greets people as they enter.
I went to college in Philly in the late 70s, but the frat brothers and I never made it to the Troc. Perhaps it was closed for remodeling around that time. Is the Trailways bus station and the Hardee’s still on the northwest corner of 13th and Arch?
Feature No.1 – Laugh with L'il Abner, your favorite cartoon
character… in person on the screen!
With
DAISY MAE AND ALL THE DOGPATCHERS IN
in “L'il Abner”
Hit No. 2- “Cheers for Miss Bishop” with Martha Scott
Plus Cartoon “Sourpuss"
Serial – Drums of Fu Manchu No. 13
Prices – Adults 17 cents, including tax
Children 9 cents
This theater dates back to at least 1911, according to a local paper:
MANRING THEATER
Starting Monday Night, May 1st and running for two weeks. Will give away the pick of any $15.00 Hat at the Hamilton Millinery Store.
Only coupons received during this two weeks are good on the night
of drawing. Save them.
ADMISSION:ADULTS 10c CHILDREN UNDER 9 5c
There was also a Rialto in New Haven which was destroyed by fire on 11/28/21, with three fatalities and 79 patrons injured.
Help! I’m looking at an ad in the Harlingen Valley Morning Star dated 2/22/53. The Majestic in Brownsville was showing the “Jazz Singer” with Danny Thomas. The theater page lists a number of movie houses in various locales, but I cannot figure out which are listed already as the locations are rather flexible, geographically. Take a look at the list and feel free to pitch in if you have any clue:
Palace – McAllen
Rivoli – San Benito
Alto – La Feria (I have already listed an Alto in Alto, which makes sense)
Valley Drive-In Theatre – no location given
Queen – McAllen
State – Mercedes
Strand – Harlingen
Citrus Drive-In – Harlingen
Rialto – Harlingen
Ritz – Weslaco
Thanks!
Here is an article from the Cedar Rapids Gazette dated 4/15/62:
End Nears for Boston’s Historic Scollay Square
Proper Boston is standing death watch over an aged and roguish black sheep relative. Brazen Scollay Square, long the stamping grounds of millions of seamen and servicemen, is breathing its last raspy breaths as a rowdy oasis in the midst of puritan virtue.
Soon the burlesque theaters, the cafes and their come-on
girls, the tattoo studios, the penny arcade, the hamburger joints will be reduced to nostalgic rubble and carted away. In their places will rise a stately and respectableâ€"but far less interestingâ€"
government center, housing federal, state, county and city offices with approaches of flowers and tree-lined malls…
Also coming down is the Rialto Theater, the only all-night movie house in Boston, where sleepy-eyed patrons were ousted for for two hours each dawn so the place could be swept and aired out.
Here is an ad for a rather exotic film showing at the Rialto on 1/23/38:
RIALTO THEATRE – Monday Only
For the first time on any screen … the horrifying, blood-chilling
rites of the savage PENITENTES, whose pagan idolatry forces
them to undergo self-torture and flagellation before they can reach
the apex of their sacrifices, crucifixion!
MAN HUNTERS OF THE CARIBBEAN
with ANDRE ROOSEVELT, CAPT. E ERSKINE LOCH
Any Seat – 10c and 20c – Any Time
My link has died. Here is the text of the ad, which had an eclectic cast, including Ted Healy of Three Stooges fame, Betty Furness, best known for selling refrigerators in the fifties, and Una Merkel, who usually played the local busybody in the Frankenstein pictures of the thirties:
A PICTURE FOR YOU, NEIGHBOR, AND YOU’LL LOVE IT!
Wally’s back! With a grand new load of laughs and tears and thrills!
WALLACE BEERY
Just an “old soak”… but how he comes through when his kid’s in a jam! Riotous fun.. .when he rides up Park Avenue in a peddler’s wagon! Thrills and howls …when he traps a rascally banker and scares him out of ten grand!
“GOOD OLD SOAK” and what a cast!
Una Merkel, Eric Linden, Judith Barrett, Betty Furness, Ted Healy, Janet Beecher, George Sidney
ADDED – See the New March of Time
It’s Healthfully COOL At the STRAND
Here is an ad from the Kingsport Times on 6/20/37:
GEM THEATRE Monday and Tuesday
A PICTURE ALL SHOULD SEE!
BRET HARTE'S
‘OUTCASTS of POKER FLATS'
â€" with â€"
PRESTON FOSTER – JEAN MUIR
CARDS – THAT DEAL OUT T0 MEN AND WOMENâ€"
LOVE …
WEALTH …
ROMANCE…
RUIN …
Admission 10c and 15c
Any Time
Here is a 1977 article from the Pasadena Star-News about the possible demolition of the Rialto:
SoPas citizens write to the rescue of Rialto Theater
South Pasadenans are beginning to rumble about the imminent plans to
demolish the Rialto Theater, a 1925 Moorish landmark that has seen the rise and fall of vaudeville, Saturday serials and cinema verite.
About 100 petitions are being circulated by a grass-roots organization which calls itself the Rescue the Rialto Committee.
Residents are riding on a groundswell following a county surveyor’s report found that the Rialto met the criteria necessary for possible
inclusion on the national register.
Tom Sitton, a surveyor employed by the county to examine structures
for a statewide inventory, said that he found that the Rialto met the
criteria necessary for possible inclusion on the national register.
Sitton said that qualifying as “potential material” would afford the edifice the same protection as a structure, already on the register.
This resulted from an executive document issued in 1972 which said
that since surveying historic sites was a time-consuming operation,
those that met the criteria should be treated like those already on the register, until the drawnout application procedure can be completed.
The structure is among other buildings on a four-square block area
in the downtown section that has been slated for a shopping center.
The Environmental Impact Report (EIR) on that project, which was
adopted in July, 1975, reported that there were no state or federally
registered historic structures in the project area. John Bernardi, the city’s director of building and planning, said that the citizenry had 80 days to challenge an EIR. That time is past, but hearings will be held for the parking district, which is another part of the downtown development, Bernardi said. During those hearings, residents may bring up the Rialto issue.
This film was playing at the Paramount on 2/21/43:
STARTS TOMORROW – ADULTS ONLY!
NO GREATER SIN
Sin Dens Exposed as Under-Age Girls' Menace
Thrill Seeking MEN!
Other theaters advertised in the Hammond Times were the Calumet, Parthenon, Hohman, Orpheum, American, Midway, Ace, Rio, Vic, Forsythe Capitol, Indiana, Voge, Hoosier and Broadway.
Some heavyweights were invited to the opening of the theater on
June 10, 1930:
Adolph Zukor and Jesse L. Lasky, masterminds of the Paramount-Publix corporation, have been invited to attend the Thursday evening opening of the Middletown Paramount theater. It was announced today by Harry C. Stowell, manager. It is not known definitely whether they will be able to appear but other executives of the company, including Martin Mullen, director of the Northwest territory, have signified an intention to participate.
Charles “Buddy” Rogers will greet the first Middletown audience through a specially made talkie film.
The Oakland Tribune had a story on the theater’s re-opening in June 1933:
PARAMOUNT THEATER WILL OPEN TOMORROW
Paramount to Open Doors at 11:30 Friday
Tomorrow, at noon, Oakland’s Paramount Theater once again throws open its doors to offer this city motion picture entertainment
ot the finest type in a surrounding of luxury. The Paramount’s policy will present one feature picture each week. In addition each program will be enhanced by the highest grade comedies, scenics, cartoons and other short subjects plus Paramount news items.
The first feature picture on the Paramount screen for the week
starting tomorrow will be the Paramount “International House,"
comedy featuring 14 stars, 140 girls and offering enough comedy to provoke 1400 laughs. Second in importance on the program will be a 30 minute subject "Isle of Desire,” said to be something new in screen entertainment enacted by a South Sea native cast and resembling in story a Jack London fabled journey into this picturesque clime. A “Popeye” cartoon will add to the laughs of the new show, coupled with other short subjects and news reviews.
The doors of the Paramount will open at 11:30 a.m. tomorrow to
afford visitors opportunity to wander through the foyers, lounge
rooms, mezzanine and the mural rooms before seeking their seat for
the first show. Under the direction of Fox West Coast Theaters, the Paramount will be operated on the new low price schedule of 25 cents matinee until 1 p.m., 30 cents from 1 until 5 p.m. and 40 cents at night. Change of program will be made every Friday.
The Paramount Theater is regarded as the finest in terms of architecture, fittings, and comfort on the Pacific Coast. Its opening
definitely places Oakland first on the Coast in possession of superior theater edifices, and under the operation of Fox West Coast Theaters the Paramount is assured of the finest feature pictures produced by the leading Hollywood studios. The management of the theater will be under the veteran direction of A. M. Bowles, head of Fox West Coast Theaters in Northern California, aided by Richard Spier, district manager, and Frank Burhans, resident manager. A large staff of employees have been secured, which will add to the yearly payroll of Oakland.
Here is a 1950 article on the demise of the Fox architect:
LARRY P. LARSEN OF WEBB CITY DIES
Owner of Civic Theater and Designer of More Than 100 Playhouses
Succumbs Unexpectedly.
Larry P. Larsen, 57 years old, 119 North Ball street, died at 12:40 o'clock this afternoon in St. John’s hospital in Joplin. He had been ill three years,, but was not hospitalized recently until about 11 o'clock this morning.
He was an architect and contractor, having built more than 100 theaters in all parts of the country. He designed and built the Fox theater in Joplin and the Civic Theater and Civic Drive-In restaurant in Webb City. He also remodeled the Junior theater, which he owned, and the sanctuary of the Presbyterian church.
It’s a website that has copies of old newspaper pages. Unfortunately I can’t post the actual pages as the link fails in less than a day.
The Garfieldian announced the appointment of Ed O'Donnell as Marbro manager in August 1940. Can you imagine any paper making that announcement today?
Emmet “Ed” O'Donnell was recently appointed manager of the Marbro theater. Mr. O'Donnell was born and raised on the west side and lives at 4810 Washington Blvd. He has had many years of experience in managing theaters, and was in charge of the McVickers theater when the first vitaphone movie was snown in Chicago in 1927.
Mr. O'Donnell started as an usher at the Central Park showhouse on Roosevelt road in 1919, was promoted to assistant manager, and then transferred to the Chicago theater as assistant manager.
He then managed the Oriental, McVickers and Roosevelt theaters downtown, and was manager of the Paradise theater when it opened in 1928, and again when it reopened in 1934.
Here is the lineup on 9/15/60:
DES PLAINES THEATRE
FREE PARKING
Comfortably Cool
VA 4-5253
* FREE PARKING *
Last Time Tonight
ICE PALACE
LOST WORLD
Friday for 7 days, Sept. 16-22
At Popular Prices …
52 Best Picture Awards and World-Wide Honors
MICHAEL TODD'S
Around the World in 80 days
Weekdays 9:00, Saturday 3:30, 8:30, Sunday 3:00, 8:00
Plus
“MY FAIR LADY” OF FILM DOM!
The NEW musical in COLOR by the “My FairLady” composer
Weekdays 7:00, Saturday 1:30, 6:30, 11:20, Sunday 1:00, 6:00, 11:00
PLEASE NOTE FEATURE TIMES
Due to the length of the program, on weekdays each
film will be shown only once.
Here was the lineup on 9/15/60:
ELM THEATRE
Mill Street and Route 176
WAUCONDA, ILLINOIS
LAST DAY THURS. SEPT. 15TH
FROM THE TERRACE
starring
Joanne Woodward & Paul Newman
FRI SAT. SUN. MON TUES.
SEPT. 16-17-18-19-20
THE APARTMENT
starring
Shirley MacLaineâ€"Jack Lemmonâ€"Fred MacMurray
Weekday Features 7:00 & 9:18 Sunday 5,7:18 ft 9:35
STARTS WEDNESDAY SEPT. 21ST
For One Big Week â€" Direct From The Loop
ELMER GANTRY
starring
Jean Simmonsâ€"Burt Lancaster
Here is an advertisement from the Atlanta Constitution in February 1916:
PATHE’S “IRON CLAW” BOOKED AT ALPHA
Pearl White Has Leading Part in New Serial Shown Tuesday
Manager Alpha Fowler of the Alpha theater announces the third, big week of Billy Beard, The Party from the South and in addition the securing of the latest and greatest Pathe serial story. The Iron Claw for every Tuesday beginning next Tuesday and continuing-
for fifteen weeks. The “Iron Claw” promises to be a story of thrllls
upon thrills one that is creating an unprecedented interest throughout the United States. The principal parts are taken by Pearl White, Creighton Hale and Sheldon Lewis known to all as the Elaine Trio as it was these three sterling players who made “The Exploits of Elaine”, a picture long to be remembered.
Note the different address in this 1956 article:
FLUID SITUATION: Flood waters which flowed into the lobby of the
State Theater, 213 Central NW, last night created all sorts of problems. Here, an employee sweeps water out the lobby entrance. Flood waters, brought by the first heavy rain of the season,
flowed into several downtown business establishments.
This 1948 article may account for the discrepancy:
Early Action Due On Branch Bank And New Theater
Construction of a new theater on the Mesa Theater site at 213 West Central and a new branch bank at Candelaria Road and North Fourth moved a step nearer Wednesday. George Tucker of Albuquerque Theaters Inc., said the Mesa Theater has been closed in preparation to demolish the building and the adjoining location, formerly occupied
by Butts Drug, so a new theater can be erected. He said permit for the new theater has not been received, but is expected soon. He estimated the new, larger theater would seat from 900 to 3000 patrons.
On October 29, 1952, the Sunshine was featuring Mario Lanza in “Because You’re Mine”. The Albuquerque Journal on that day also advertised these area theaters:
Sandia, Isleta – Spanish language films
Terrace Drive-In, 66 Drive-in, Sunset Drive-In, Tesuque Twin
Drive-In, Star Drive-In
Kimo, Cactus, State, El Rey, Hiland, Lobo, Ernie Pyle
The owner of the El Paseo in 1971 was Commonwealth Theaters, according to this newspaper article:
Two new movie theaters will open here in Santa Fe Wednesday night at 8. Known as the Coronado Twin Theaters, the Commonwealth Theaters will operate them. The Coronado Twin is located in the east end of the Coronado Shopping Center. Commonwealth also runs the Lensic, El Paseo and the Pueblo Drive-In.
The drive-in was owned by All-State Theaters in the 1950s, according to this 1955 article:
All-State Theaters, Inc., will open its third theater here Saturday night when the first movie will be shown at the Esquire Theater, 134 Isleta Blvd. SW. The 800-seat theater, formerly the old Isleta theater before remodeling, will present “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers” as its first picture. Manuel Alarid will be manager
of the theater.
George Fossell, representative of All-State Theaters, said the theater, remodelled at a cost of $25,000, has the largest indoor
(36 by 15 ½ foot) Cinemascope screen in New Mexico and has the latest projection and sound equipment. A well – illuminated, fenced parking area can accommodate 300 cars, Mr. Gossell said. All-State Theaters also own the Terrace and Duke City Drive-In theaters here.
Here is a 1952 article on the sale of the theater:
Film Firm Here Acquires Sandia, El Key Theaters
Albuquerque Exhibitors, Inc., has acquired two movie theaters
here, through purchase of leases, Frank Peloso, general manager
of the firm, announced Thursday. Sandia Theaters has sold leases
of the Sandia Theater, 1816 Central Ave. SW, and El Rey Theater,
624 W. Central, to the film firm. The Yucca Theater, 2609 Fourth
St. NW, and the Chief Theater, 206 W. Central will also be closed,
Peloso said in addition to the Rio Theater, 118 W. Central, announced
earlier.
“The two small downtown theaters have been closed,” said Peloso, “ in accordance with the firm’s modernization program. We are substituting the two modern theaters just leased for these smaller theaters which are being closed and leased for commercial purposes other than that of exhibiting films."
"In Albuquerque, there is a great demand for Spanish languages
pictures,” Peloso added,“and the Sandia Theater is planned to take care of that demand in a modern, more suitable environment."
He added that the policy of presenting occasional stage shows will be continued at the Sandia.
Former owner of the Sandia and El Rey theaters, Sandia Theaters Inc. still leases the Ernie Pyle and Sunset Drive-In Theaters, under the direction of Marlin Butler, manager. After having been closed this
week for installation of new projection and sound equipment, the Sandia Theater will open today. Peloso said that the policy of showing second-run double features at the El Rey will be continued.
President and substantial owner of Albuquerque Exhibitors is Joe Barnett, one of Albuquerque’s pioneer businessmen. Barnett
and the Bachechi family have operated theaters in Albuquerque
for more than 40 years. Mario Bachechi is secretary of the company
and part owner and other part owners are Carlo Bachechi and the estate of the late Arthur Bachechi.
Since my link went kaput, here is the text:
CHAPIN ATTRACTS NEARLY 3,000
It was a downtown phenomenon. The throng of people â€" almost 3,000 of them â€" came to hear Harry Chapin sing. They also came to save Loew’s State Theater. The line for tickets began forming before 6 p.m. A little after 7 p.m. the line of people stretched three and four
deep along S. Salina and W. Fayette streets. By 7:30 p.m. the line curved around the block, past the corner of W. Fayette and Clinton streets and almost over to Jefferson Street. By 8 p.m. ushers were hunting inside the theater for empty seats to accommodate the people streaming into the sold out house.
The people in the audience paid $6, $7 and $8 dollars apiece to hear Chapin. The benefit concert was organized by Syracuse Area Landmark
Theater (SALT), a group that is trying to raise $100,000 to restore and revive Loew’s State.
SALT is attempting to raise the money by Nov. 12 in order to buy the
theater. The cost for the theater section of the building is $65,000. Another $35,000 is sought for roof and other repairs. The building is owned by Button Real Estate Co. If it is not bought by
the November deadline, it is expected to be torn down, probably to make way for a parking lot.
Inside the theater, people gazed in awe at the ornately carved columns, filigree railings and brocade walls. Before Chapin’s erformance, a band played in the foyer â€" like in the good old days when live music was heard in the theater. Loew’s was one of the great movie houses. Built with a blend of Oriental, Arabic and other exotic motifs, Loew’s opened in February, 1928. Its architect, Thomas W. Lamb, built more than 300 movie theaters in the United States after completing Loew’s.
According to Peter Baum, vice president of SALT’S Board of Directors,
Loew’s was the first of the great Oriental-style movie theaters. Grauman’s Chinese Theater in Hollywood,Calif., and two huge Loew’s “Oriental palaces” in New York City followed. An octagonal design covers the expanse of the ceiling in Loew’s. The walls of the theater itself are decorated with huge arches, depicting lion-like animals, graceful designs and arabesques. An immense proscenium arch
frames the stage. Curving columns and a pool that was used as a fish pond decorate the balcony level. The fourstory tall Grand Foyer, with a painting straight out of “The Arabian Nights,” greets people as they enter.
I went to college in Philly in the late 70s, but the frat brothers and I never made it to the Troc. Perhaps it was closed for remodeling around that time. Is the Trailways bus station and the Hardee’s still on the northwest corner of 13th and Arch?
Here was the line-up for a typical show in 1941:
MAJESTIC
2-MAMMOTH SHOWS-2
Feature No.1 – Laugh with L'il Abner, your favorite cartoon
character… in person on the screen!
With
DAISY MAE AND ALL THE DOGPATCHERS IN
in “L'il Abner”
Hit No. 2- “Cheers for Miss Bishop” with Martha Scott
Plus Cartoon “Sourpuss"
Serial – Drums of Fu Manchu No. 13
Prices – Adults 17 cents, including tax
Children 9 cents