Cost of the theater’s building is an estimate $35,000 when it was constructed before opening. It actually first had a soft opening on June 27, 1941 before officially opening to the public the following day on June 28, 1941, not 21.
There are two Ruskin Drive-Ins. The first one opened in 1952 at 34th and Lougheed, and closed in 1966 when the newer Ruskin Drive-In opened nearby also on Lougheed near 289th. It was renamed the Fort Ruskin Drive-In during the late-1960s and was still open in 1973.
Most likely closed in 1949 when the Paramount Theatre opened nearby. An article from that same year announces a special event, meaning that the former Empress briefly became a special events house before housing the Capital News for more than two decades.
The Sunset Auto Theatre didn’t last long when it opened in 1953, but reopened in 1967 under the name Park Cinema Drive-In. I cannot confirm if this was the same drive-in or not.
This opened as the Capitol Theatre, and was renamed Odeon Theatre in 1949. It was rebuilt in 1954 housing 722 seats, and last operated with 576 seats until its closure in the early-1980s.
Everything is still standing as of 2026 but was overgrown by trees. Judging by the few angles, the screen is in good shape at the front despite the graffiti but a little poor at the back with a small skeleton coming out or two.
Right when it was twinned in the Spring of 1975, the theater also expanded. Its second screen was formerly occupied by the Chana building that got burned down in 1973.
Closed on September 7, 1987 with “Raising Arizona” and “Mannequin”. Marcus Theatres briefly last operated the theater for only its last two months of operation.
Everything was still intact into as late as 1988. After the road was widening during the early-1990s, the traces and projection booth are still visible but appears to be gone during the following decade.
Still open in 1959.
Briefly reopened for the 1992 season as well.
Most likely on both screens.
Closed as a movie theater on June 4, 1974. Mann Theatres was its last operator.
1943
Right after opening in 1947.
Opened on July 2, 1947.
Closed in February 1974.
Twinned in June 1980.
Actual opening date is February 26, 1999. What’s really unique is that the theater open with very rough reviews!
A 1981 aerial view shows the theater with its screen and glory, but was already gone by 1986, meaning that it was demolished during the early-1980s.
Despite the rustiness, the 131 Drive-In colors and letters are still visible on one side.
Cost of the theater’s building is an estimate $35,000 when it was constructed before opening. It actually first had a soft opening on June 27, 1941 before officially opening to the public the following day on June 28, 1941, not 21.
There are two Ruskin Drive-Ins. The first one opened in 1952 at 34th and Lougheed, and closed in 1966 when the newer Ruskin Drive-In opened nearby also on Lougheed near 289th. It was renamed the Fort Ruskin Drive-In during the late-1960s and was still open in 1973.
Most likely closed in 1949 when the Paramount Theatre opened nearby. An article from that same year announces a special event, meaning that the former Empress briefly became a special events house before housing the Capital News for more than two decades.
Taken over by Famous Players in Early 1947.
The Sunset Auto Theatre didn’t last long when it opened in 1953, but reopened in 1967 under the name Park Cinema Drive-In. I cannot confirm if this was the same drive-in or not.
This opened as the Capitol Theatre, and was renamed Odeon Theatre in 1949. It was rebuilt in 1954 housing 722 seats, and last operated with 576 seats until its closure in the early-1980s.
Screen was removed during the mid-1960s, but the projection building appeared to remain standing into the 1980s.
Everything is still standing as of 2026 but was overgrown by trees. Judging by the few angles, the screen is in good shape at the front despite the graffiti but a little poor at the back with a small skeleton coming out or two.
Actual closing date is October 29, 1989.
Right when it was twinned in the Spring of 1975, the theater also expanded. Its second screen was formerly occupied by the Chana building that got burned down in 1973.
Twinned on June 16, 1978.
Closed on September 7, 1987 with “Raising Arizona” and “Mannequin”. Marcus Theatres briefly last operated the theater for only its last two months of operation.
Everything was still intact into as late as 1988. After the road was widening during the early-1990s, the traces and projection booth are still visible but appears to be gone during the following decade.