from April 2007 Wynnefield Residents Association newsletter
“Local Wynnefield Institutions”
The Wynne Plaza Ballroom: The Wynne or Wynne Plaza Ballroom at 54th and Arlington streets was an integral part of the 54th street business sector. It was a movie theater, then became an up-scale catering and banquet hall, and later a bingo parlor. In 1981 the Wynne was sold again to successful Wynnefield entrepreneur Mrs. Katie B. Jackson, who reopened it as a successful banquet and catering facility. It continued as a successful enterprise until after Mrs. Jackson’s death in 1993.
Different using the 600 seat Egyptian main auditorium and the smaller auditorium for classics and filling up huge Chinese and the 6 plex. American Cinemateque can’t operate the Chinese.
I’m confused. You implied above that City Cinemas is run by Jacobs. So, if Jacobs was already booking & managing these 2 theaters, what difference will happen now?
These theaters were previously leased to other movie chain operators, as the Introductions make clear. The owner always made sure they operated as he saw appropriate. I assume there’s only one “Jacobs” so if same man who was already doing the film booking, there may not be any changes for customers.
I like the Paris popcorn, and hope that doesn’t change.
You’ve got to be kidding! “Is it a classic?” hah hah.
I didn’t see initial run. I saw a 35 mm print of original film in 1997 in then classic film series at Grand Opera House in Wilmington /theaters/798/ and was very impressed.
I saw “Redux” in 2001 at NYC’s Astor Plaza, to a sold out crowd, with film program and that was one of the best movie experiences of my life!
“Redux” was not shown at DC Uptown, but I’d be eager to see a restored 70 mm print of the original there. I don’t count on such a print actually being issued.
Somebody telephoned me to tell me that tonight, apparently in the main middle auditorium, the Bala is showing the telecast Phillies baseball game. I didn’t know our local theaters were doing that.
I forgot a 3rd movie palace, the Anthony Wayne, /theaters/10430/
though it is still true that the Ambler and Bala are the last ones where you can experience a movie with the original proscenium arch & auditorium decor. The A. Wayne is all divided up.
Story about directors upset about possible loss of films at Bing, and their own experiences:
View link
from April 2007 Wynnefield Residents Association newsletter
“Local Wynnefield Institutions”
The Wynne Plaza Ballroom: The Wynne or Wynne Plaza Ballroom at 54th and Arlington streets was an integral part of the 54th street business sector. It was a movie theater, then became an up-scale catering and banquet hall, and later a bingo parlor. In 1981 the Wynne was sold again to successful Wynnefield entrepreneur Mrs. Katie B. Jackson, who reopened it as a successful banquet and catering facility. It continued as a successful enterprise until after Mrs. Jackson’s death in 1993.
More recent photos at this website:
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Photo & text in book, Jewish Community of West Philadelphia:
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I keep posing news articles on that theater’s page but almost nobody comments.
/theaters/21865/
The latest news as reported in the New York Times about the controversy reported in the posts above:
View link
This was the press announcement of its opening:
View link
Saved by generous donations, at least until June.
View link
Drawing of an auditorium here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/flaf/3082123540/
An exterior photo is seen in the official website. Here’s another photo, taken at night, in January 2009:
View link
this theater, right?
/theaters/11749/
Different using the 600 seat Egyptian main auditorium and the smaller auditorium for classics and filling up huge Chinese and the 6 plex. American Cinemateque can’t operate the Chinese.
I’m confused. You implied above that City Cinemas is run by Jacobs. So, if Jacobs was already booking & managing these 2 theaters, what difference will happen now?
These theaters were previously leased to other movie chain operators, as the Introductions make clear. The owner always made sure they operated as he saw appropriate. I assume there’s only one “Jacobs” so if same man who was already doing the film booking, there may not be any changes for customers.
I like the Paris popcorn, and hope that doesn’t change.
Wow! It has a very dramatic entry, judging from those photos.
What kind of changes? I hope the Paris doesn’t change at all!
Story of the theater’s reopening:
http://www.redlandsdailyfacts.com/news/ci_12757035
more interior photos including auditorium here:
View link
You’ve got to be kidding! “Is it a classic?” hah hah.
I didn’t see initial run. I saw a 35 mm print of original film in 1997 in then classic film series at Grand Opera House in Wilmington
/theaters/798/ and was very impressed.
I saw “Redux” in 2001 at NYC’s Astor Plaza, to a sold out crowd, with film program and that was one of the best movie experiences of my life!
“Redux” was not shown at DC Uptown, but I’d be eager to see a restored 70 mm print of the original there. I don’t count on such a print actually being issued.
Save film group to meet with man in charge. There’s even a Save film facebook group. View link
Somebody telephoned me to tell me that tonight, apparently in the main middle auditorium, the Bala is showing the telecast Phillies baseball game. I didn’t know our local theaters were doing that.
Landmark is an arthouse chain and they have their flagship multiplex so I wouldn’t expect it.
The Chinese should remain for daily movies! they should advise ticket buyers they will toss out those who loudly talk or use their cell phones.
Dublinboyo, what do you mean by impersonator?
I forgot a 3rd movie palace, the Anthony Wayne, /theaters/10430/
though it is still true that the Ambler and Bala are the last ones where you can experience a movie with the original proscenium arch & auditorium decor. The A. Wayne is all divided up.