The Armitage was definitely open during the 1950’s and the 60’s. I believe it showed films into or beyond the 1970’s. Evidently, the Armitage also showed classics from time to time. The Chicago Tribune from June 30, 1969, indicates the Armitage was showing, “Gone With The Wind”. The Patio and the Hub were showing the not so classics, “Green Slime” and “Charro” on the same date.
Probably the Vintage Drive-In was one the major factors in demise of the Park theatre in Avon. The Park wasn’t open in the during the summer months. Drive-Ins seem to do okay in western N.Y., there’s a small one (single screen) in Holland, N.Y. which I try to get to once a year.
I drove through Exeter on a weekday morning about 11:30 am and, of course, just as I expected, the theatre was closed. I spotted and interesting restaurant and went for lunch. It was a lucky lunch, because went I walked by the theatre again for a second try to gain entry a workman had the door propped open. I gave myself a tour. One side of the candy counter has integrated stools. This is one lovely little theatre and I certainly reccomend going out of your way to see it. The Chrysler, a 1957 I believe, was nowhere to be seen.
I got to see this grand old theatre in October 2004. Unfortunately, my timing wasn’t right for the Portsmouth Film Festival, but I did take in a Jazz and Blues concert featuring Dr. John. This theatre pre-dates the ornate movie palaces built in the 20’s and 30’s but it’s still worth a visit. The acoustics are superb and other than a few seats behind the balcony support poles, there’s not a bad seat in the house.
It must have been two years since I’ve been to the Kingsway but revisited on October 23, 2004, to see “Collaterial”. More updates have taken place since my last visit. A much larger curved screen and digital sound have been installed. The sub run house had about 125 people in attendance for the Tom Cruise movie. Festival theatre are a nice alternative if you’re willing or able to wait a while to see the lastest releases. Unfortunately, many of todays “instant gratification generation” is not willing.
The Pontiac did have a balcony and judging from the photos which I viewed in the Saranac Lake Free Library’s, Adirondack Room, I estimate seating at somewhere betwwen 800 and l000. The renovation which took place during the early years of the Schine ownership, in my opinion, vastly improved the interior appearance of the theatre. I have a nice interior photo of the Pontiac from 1941. If I ever get my website going, I’ll put add a link.
When I revisited the Colonial in Oct. 2004, to see “Maria Full of Grace”, I noticed some significant changes. Grant monies from all levels of government have been donated and lots of work is ongoing. The marquee was in the process of being rebuilt as well as a handicap accessible ramp, although entry is through one of the side exit doors. A plaque outside the theatre bodly states: “The oldest continuously operating theatre in the United States. I’ve seen this claim by other theatres so I’m not sure how accurate this information is. The Colonial is also a seasonal operation so does that still qualify it as "continuosly operating”? Ah, semantics —how complicated they are. Anyway, despite the controversy I stongly recommend a visit to the Colonial. Yes, the popcorn and soda cans are still served outside before you enter the theatre. A small box of popcorn is $1.00 and you help yourself to the real butter. Some things are just better in New Hampshire.
The Palace is now a four-plex and has been for quite some time. The main auditorium is still fully intact and quite impressive. I would have stayed for a movie but could not bring myself to spend money to see “Shark Tale”. Anyway, here’s the new configuration: Main auditorium intact, balcony split down the middle {each containing 160+ seats) a very tiny “auditorium” was created behind the main screen or the stage area which contains 40+ seats.
The “plexing” was done tastefully and the original stenciling was duplicated on the new partitions. The theatre had a good attendance when I looked inside all the auditoriums.
Hi Joe, Are you sure about this theatre having burned down? I’ve seen this theatre at least twice in the past five years and the owner never mentioned a fire. I do know the roof caved in many years ago after an extremely heavy snowfall.
Update on this theatre: This is a picture of the second Premier theatre which was built on the exact same site as the first Premier in Littleton. The first Premier was built in 1920 and burned to the ground in 1924. The second Premier theatre which is shown above was built in 1941, and in 1949, was also destroyed by fire. The theatre pictured above had 800 seats when built and hosted the world premier of the 1941 Bette Davis film, “The Great Lie”. The event coincided with Bette’s birthday so she attended along with an additional influx of 10,000 tourists. Littleton briefly became the center of attention of all Bette’s fans. When the second Premier theatre burned down in 1949, only a year elapsed before Jack Eames, owner of the two previous Premier theatres, built his 3rd theatre on the same site. It opened in 1951, and was named the Jax Jr. Cinema. It still operates today and I’ll write it up for submission shortly.
The Village Bookstore in Littleton is carrying the new Cinema Treasures' book. So, while you are in Littleton, enjoying the fall folliage, and checking out the Jax Jr Cinema, you’ll also be able to purchase the new Cinema Treasures' Book. So, get going.
I saw the inside of the Hippodrome on the day the demoltion began. Yes, it was huge. A radio announcer was joking about how “you could get lost inside”. I stumbled onto this magnificent theatre because of this radio program. The theatre originally even had an elevator to wisk you up to the upper levels.
This theatre was availabe at a tax auction a few years ago. I’ve never seen the inside but was informed by an official in the tax department that it had been vandalized prior to it being seized by the tax officials. An owner of a retail store next to the complex told me the last time he and his friend attended a movie on the theatre’s “bargain night” they were the only two people in the theatre. Parking was also a problem in the area and supposedly the last owner tried to work out an arrangement with the neighboring church to use their parking lot in the evenings. The church wasn’t interested. The Hollywood does have a balcony and is the larger of the two Dormont theatres. Memory tells me there was no protruding marquee of vertical.
The non-profit group which owns and runs The New Angola Theatre is the Claddagh Commission. Their purpose is to aid and provide employment opportunities to the mentally challanged and others who might need their assistance. So when you see a movie at The New Angola, you’ll not only have great movie experience but you’ll also be helping a worthwhile organization.
I first discovered the Angola theatre in 1996 and seriously considered leasing it from Dightner (sp?), who owned the theatre at the time. The theatre’s mechanics and dire need of improvements scared me away. It was nice to return to the theatre which was almost mine and actually see a movie. The theatre is a second run house but both the admission and concessions are reasonably priced. I saw “Anchorman” on August 28, 2004.
I just looked at the pictures on the Palace’s webite and immediately lusted after this theatre. It looks like a wonderful theatre and many thanks for submitting it. I hope I’ll have the opportunity to see it in person someday. Seth, does it have a balcony and do you know the approximate seating capacity.
I first discovered this theatre in very early August 2004 but the theatre was dark the day I passed through Port Hope. After arriving home, I checked Cinema Treasures to see if the Capitol had been written up and then went to the website link above. I was impressed and decided to return to the Capitol on August 22, 2004 to see a live performance of Agatha Christie’s “Ten Little Indians”. What a lovely little theatre this is and yes, they still show movies. I plan to return soon for a movie. One reason why the Capitol is successful is because like many of these rescued theatres, the Capitol has an “army” of unpaid volunteers.
Today the Capitol seats 361 which appears to be down considerably from its original seating capacity. Newer seating (although they’re still not real wide) and fewer rows as well as a stage in front of the proscenium arch has diminished the seating capacity. Yes, they have a working cloud machine but don’t always use it because they’re worried about replacement parts and are trying to make it last as long as possible.
During October 22nd to 24th, the Capitol is holding a three day vintage film festival, please check out their website above for details. I was informed during the winter months they book films that were shown at the Toronto film festival.
After about a twenty year hiatus, I returned to the Regent on August 20, 2004. The film showing was “Door In The Floor”. The acting was superb but the film was definitely weird. I understand it was based upon a short story by John Irving which accounts for its strangeness.
Much of the original interior of the Regent remains intact and its installation of wider seats and diminished rows provide all the comfort of the newer theatres while the retaining the charm and atmosphere of older theatres. Its 40'+ screen which is both draped and curtained also add to the movie experience. The theatre’s sound quality is unsurpassed. This is the result of part of the theatre being rented to the post production film company. I was told by the theatre’s manager that technicians from Dolby visit the facility quarterly to make sure everything is perfect for the production company.
Despite severe parking problems, I’d boldly state that currently the Regent is probably the best operating theatre in Toronto to see a motion picture.
The now called Regent opened in 1927 and has undergone 3 name changes since then. The opening name was the Belsize. In 1950. the Belsize was renamed the Crest and in 1986, the Crest became the Regent.
The Cinema Treasure write up prompted me to revisit the Regent after an approximate 20 year hiatus. We saw “Door In The Floor” on August 21, 2004. A very well acted film but very strange. The movie was based upon a short story by John Irving — I guess this summarizes the “strange” aspect quite well.
The Regent, as stated above by Peel, is still a full fledged movie theatre and still owned by the people who’ve owned for many years.
Today with the installation of wider seates and less rows, the total seating capacity is just over 600. The Regent is part of a small chain which consists of 3 single screen theatres (one in Hamilton, Ontario) and a 5 plex in Mississauga. Today the Regent is a second run house showing mostly semi-mainstream films. Despite severe area parking problems and driving from one side of the city to the other, I felt my revisit to the Regent was well worth while. It’s 40'+ draped and curtained screen and comfortabe seating plus excellent sound system (remember Theatre D Digital uses this theatre for mastering) probably make it currently the best theatre in Toronto in which to see a movie.
This is a little addition for the historians: Opened as the Belsize, renamed the Crest in 1950, and renamed the Regent in 1986.
I try to visit the Palace at least once a year because not only is it an enjoyable experience but it’s also a bargain. At the time of the above submission (August 14, 2004) two of us saw “The Village” and split a medium popcorn and a jumbo drink— the total price including admission was $10.00. Oh yes, the popcorn is served in a tub not one of those bags which leaks the butter all over your pants.
A lovely theatre, good movies, great popcorn, and bargain prices — let’s all go to the Palace.
The theatre has a great marquee but the inside is quite another story. If it weren’t for the original lighting fixtures (they’re kind of art deco and very unique) you’d never know you were in an old movie palace. Actually, there are also some visual traces of the molded plaster from the balcony’s front in the rear of two of the auditoriums. I suppose if Jeff hadn’t carved up the theatre into more screens someone would have built a multiplex just ouside of town resulting in the American being torn down. It certainly was the lesser evil
What a great job you did. Hopefully, I’ll be in Maryville before too long to take in one of your vintage film showings. If I ever get my movie theatre, I now know whom to turn to for advice. If you’re lucky I’ll let you know in advance of my purchase so you can change your phone number.
I tried for about 10 years to see the inside of the Rialto but my passings through Williamsport never coincided with the building being open. I finally got inside in April 2004, my first thought was “I wish I owned it”. The was probably the “number 2” theatre in Williamsport second only to the much larger and more palatial Community Arts Center
Probably the most spectacular theatre I’ve been in, and I’ve been inside hundreds. I grew up going to the Uptown theatre despite having to take two buses to get there. The last time I was inside the Uptown it was just a shell of its former self. I saw the inside of the theatre for the last time on the very day it made the switch from English to Spanish films. It had been purchased by the family that owned the Peoples theatre. Their 12 year old son gave me quite an extensive tour. All the huge oil paintings along the staircases had been removed and the auditorium had been painted completely black.
The Chicago Tribune magazine section from April 25, 1993, did a great article with pictures about the Uptown theatre, titled, “A Movie Palace In Search Of A Happy Ending”. Fortunately, its still standing but I doubt the ending will be happy. I think it’d cost a 100 million to restore it back to its original glory. The Tribune (at the time of printing of this article) list the Uptown as “the country’s largest theatre in square feet”
The theatre was named the Crest for many years and owned by the person who also owned the Mt. Pleasant theatre about one block south of the Crest. Both the Crest and the Mt. Pleasant theatres were leased to Viacom’s Famous Players chain for a number of years. It was during this time period that the Crest was renamed the Regent and the theatre was also twinned. The second screen was installed in the balcony. I believe the original owners again operated both theatres after the Famous Players arrangement lapsed. Immediately after the Famous Players arrangement, the now named Regent tried stage productions briefly but soon reverted back to movies. The two theatres operated for many years mostly showing 2nd run semi-mainstream movies.
Prior the the theatres becoming under the Famous Players' helm, I attended both theatres several times. The Crest (Regent) was significantly larger and nicer than the Mt. Pleasant. Sometimes, but not always, the management would let you watch the movie in the officially closed balcony. During this time period the Crest (Regent) had probably a seating capacity of 1200+.
The Armitage was definitely open during the 1950’s and the 60’s. I believe it showed films into or beyond the 1970’s. Evidently, the Armitage also showed classics from time to time. The Chicago Tribune from June 30, 1969, indicates the Armitage was showing, “Gone With The Wind”. The Patio and the Hub were showing the not so classics, “Green Slime” and “Charro” on the same date.
Actually, the Drive-In to which I was referring is the Delevan Drive-In which is located in Delevan, N.Y. not Holland.
Probably the Vintage Drive-In was one the major factors in demise of the Park theatre in Avon. The Park wasn’t open in the during the summer months. Drive-Ins seem to do okay in western N.Y., there’s a small one (single screen) in Holland, N.Y. which I try to get to once a year.
I drove through Exeter on a weekday morning about 11:30 am and, of course, just as I expected, the theatre was closed. I spotted and interesting restaurant and went for lunch. It was a lucky lunch, because went I walked by the theatre again for a second try to gain entry a workman had the door propped open. I gave myself a tour. One side of the candy counter has integrated stools. This is one lovely little theatre and I certainly reccomend going out of your way to see it. The Chrysler, a 1957 I believe, was nowhere to be seen.
I got to see this grand old theatre in October 2004. Unfortunately, my timing wasn’t right for the Portsmouth Film Festival, but I did take in a Jazz and Blues concert featuring Dr. John. This theatre pre-dates the ornate movie palaces built in the 20’s and 30’s but it’s still worth a visit. The acoustics are superb and other than a few seats behind the balcony support poles, there’s not a bad seat in the house.
It must have been two years since I’ve been to the Kingsway but revisited on October 23, 2004, to see “Collaterial”. More updates have taken place since my last visit. A much larger curved screen and digital sound have been installed. The sub run house had about 125 people in attendance for the Tom Cruise movie. Festival theatre are a nice alternative if you’re willing or able to wait a while to see the lastest releases. Unfortunately, many of todays “instant gratification generation” is not willing.
The Pontiac did have a balcony and judging from the photos which I viewed in the Saranac Lake Free Library’s, Adirondack Room, I estimate seating at somewhere betwwen 800 and l000. The renovation which took place during the early years of the Schine ownership, in my opinion, vastly improved the interior appearance of the theatre. I have a nice interior photo of the Pontiac from 1941. If I ever get my website going, I’ll put add a link.
When I revisited the Colonial in Oct. 2004, to see “Maria Full of Grace”, I noticed some significant changes. Grant monies from all levels of government have been donated and lots of work is ongoing. The marquee was in the process of being rebuilt as well as a handicap accessible ramp, although entry is through one of the side exit doors. A plaque outside the theatre bodly states: “The oldest continuously operating theatre in the United States. I’ve seen this claim by other theatres so I’m not sure how accurate this information is. The Colonial is also a seasonal operation so does that still qualify it as "continuosly operating”? Ah, semantics —how complicated they are. Anyway, despite the controversy I stongly recommend a visit to the Colonial. Yes, the popcorn and soda cans are still served outside before you enter the theatre. A small box of popcorn is $1.00 and you help yourself to the real butter. Some things are just better in New Hampshire.
The Palace is now a four-plex and has been for quite some time. The main auditorium is still fully intact and quite impressive. I would have stayed for a movie but could not bring myself to spend money to see “Shark Tale”. Anyway, here’s the new configuration: Main auditorium intact, balcony split down the middle {each containing 160+ seats) a very tiny “auditorium” was created behind the main screen or the stage area which contains 40+ seats.
The “plexing” was done tastefully and the original stenciling was duplicated on the new partitions. The theatre had a good attendance when I looked inside all the auditoriums.
Hi Joe, Are you sure about this theatre having burned down? I’ve seen this theatre at least twice in the past five years and the owner never mentioned a fire. I do know the roof caved in many years ago after an extremely heavy snowfall.
Update on this theatre: This is a picture of the second Premier theatre which was built on the exact same site as the first Premier in Littleton. The first Premier was built in 1920 and burned to the ground in 1924. The second Premier theatre which is shown above was built in 1941, and in 1949, was also destroyed by fire. The theatre pictured above had 800 seats when built and hosted the world premier of the 1941 Bette Davis film, “The Great Lie”. The event coincided with Bette’s birthday so she attended along with an additional influx of 10,000 tourists. Littleton briefly became the center of attention of all Bette’s fans. When the second Premier theatre burned down in 1949, only a year elapsed before Jack Eames, owner of the two previous Premier theatres, built his 3rd theatre on the same site. It opened in 1951, and was named the Jax Jr. Cinema. It still operates today and I’ll write it up for submission shortly.
The Village Bookstore in Littleton is carrying the new Cinema Treasures' book. So, while you are in Littleton, enjoying the fall folliage, and checking out the Jax Jr Cinema, you’ll also be able to purchase the new Cinema Treasures' Book. So, get going.
I saw the inside of the Hippodrome on the day the demoltion began. Yes, it was huge. A radio announcer was joking about how “you could get lost inside”. I stumbled onto this magnificent theatre because of this radio program. The theatre originally even had an elevator to wisk you up to the upper levels.
This theatre was availabe at a tax auction a few years ago. I’ve never seen the inside but was informed by an official in the tax department that it had been vandalized prior to it being seized by the tax officials. An owner of a retail store next to the complex told me the last time he and his friend attended a movie on the theatre’s “bargain night” they were the only two people in the theatre. Parking was also a problem in the area and supposedly the last owner tried to work out an arrangement with the neighboring church to use their parking lot in the evenings. The church wasn’t interested. The Hollywood does have a balcony and is the larger of the two Dormont theatres. Memory tells me there was no protruding marquee of vertical.
The non-profit group which owns and runs The New Angola Theatre is the Claddagh Commission. Their purpose is to aid and provide employment opportunities to the mentally challanged and others who might need their assistance. So when you see a movie at The New Angola, you’ll not only have great movie experience but you’ll also be helping a worthwhile organization.
I first discovered the Angola theatre in 1996 and seriously considered leasing it from Dightner (sp?), who owned the theatre at the time. The theatre’s mechanics and dire need of improvements scared me away. It was nice to return to the theatre which was almost mine and actually see a movie. The theatre is a second run house but both the admission and concessions are reasonably priced. I saw “Anchorman” on August 28, 2004.
I just looked at the pictures on the Palace’s webite and immediately lusted after this theatre. It looks like a wonderful theatre and many thanks for submitting it. I hope I’ll have the opportunity to see it in person someday. Seth, does it have a balcony and do you know the approximate seating capacity.
I first discovered this theatre in very early August 2004 but the theatre was dark the day I passed through Port Hope. After arriving home, I checked Cinema Treasures to see if the Capitol had been written up and then went to the website link above. I was impressed and decided to return to the Capitol on August 22, 2004 to see a live performance of Agatha Christie’s “Ten Little Indians”. What a lovely little theatre this is and yes, they still show movies. I plan to return soon for a movie. One reason why the Capitol is successful is because like many of these rescued theatres, the Capitol has an “army” of unpaid volunteers.
Today the Capitol seats 361 which appears to be down considerably from its original seating capacity. Newer seating (although they’re still not real wide) and fewer rows as well as a stage in front of the proscenium arch has diminished the seating capacity. Yes, they have a working cloud machine but don’t always use it because they’re worried about replacement parts and are trying to make it last as long as possible.
During October 22nd to 24th, the Capitol is holding a three day vintage film festival, please check out their website above for details. I was informed during the winter months they book films that were shown at the Toronto film festival.
After about a twenty year hiatus, I returned to the Regent on August 20, 2004. The film showing was “Door In The Floor”. The acting was superb but the film was definitely weird. I understand it was based upon a short story by John Irving which accounts for its strangeness.
Much of the original interior of the Regent remains intact and its installation of wider seats and diminished rows provide all the comfort of the newer theatres while the retaining the charm and atmosphere of older theatres. Its 40'+ screen which is both draped and curtained also add to the movie experience. The theatre’s sound quality is unsurpassed. This is the result of part of the theatre being rented to the post production film company. I was told by the theatre’s manager that technicians from Dolby visit the facility quarterly to make sure everything is perfect for the production company.
Despite severe parking problems, I’d boldly state that currently the Regent is probably the best operating theatre in Toronto to see a motion picture.
The now called Regent opened in 1927 and has undergone 3 name changes since then. The opening name was the Belsize. In 1950. the Belsize was renamed the Crest and in 1986, the Crest became the Regent.
The Cinema Treasure write up prompted me to revisit the Regent after an approximate 20 year hiatus. We saw “Door In The Floor” on August 21, 2004. A very well acted film but very strange. The movie was based upon a short story by John Irving — I guess this summarizes the “strange” aspect quite well.
The Regent, as stated above by Peel, is still a full fledged movie theatre and still owned by the people who’ve owned for many years.
Today with the installation of wider seates and less rows, the total seating capacity is just over 600. The Regent is part of a small chain which consists of 3 single screen theatres (one in Hamilton, Ontario) and a 5 plex in Mississauga. Today the Regent is a second run house showing mostly semi-mainstream films. Despite severe area parking problems and driving from one side of the city to the other, I felt my revisit to the Regent was well worth while. It’s 40'+ draped and curtained screen and comfortabe seating plus excellent sound system (remember Theatre D Digital uses this theatre for mastering) probably make it currently the best theatre in Toronto in which to see a movie.
This is a little addition for the historians: Opened as the Belsize, renamed the Crest in 1950, and renamed the Regent in 1986.
I try to visit the Palace at least once a year because not only is it an enjoyable experience but it’s also a bargain. At the time of the above submission (August 14, 2004) two of us saw “The Village” and split a medium popcorn and a jumbo drink— the total price including admission was $10.00. Oh yes, the popcorn is served in a tub not one of those bags which leaks the butter all over your pants.
A lovely theatre, good movies, great popcorn, and bargain prices — let’s all go to the Palace.
The theatre has a great marquee but the inside is quite another story. If it weren’t for the original lighting fixtures (they’re kind of art deco and very unique) you’d never know you were in an old movie palace. Actually, there are also some visual traces of the molded plaster from the balcony’s front in the rear of two of the auditoriums. I suppose if Jeff hadn’t carved up the theatre into more screens someone would have built a multiplex just ouside of town resulting in the American being torn down. It certainly was the lesser evil
What a great job you did. Hopefully, I’ll be in Maryville before too long to take in one of your vintage film showings. If I ever get my movie theatre, I now know whom to turn to for advice. If you’re lucky I’ll let you know in advance of my purchase so you can change your phone number.
I tried for about 10 years to see the inside of the Rialto but my passings through Williamsport never coincided with the building being open. I finally got inside in April 2004, my first thought was “I wish I owned it”. The was probably the “number 2” theatre in Williamsport second only to the much larger and more palatial Community Arts Center
Probably the most spectacular theatre I’ve been in, and I’ve been inside hundreds. I grew up going to the Uptown theatre despite having to take two buses to get there. The last time I was inside the Uptown it was just a shell of its former self. I saw the inside of the theatre for the last time on the very day it made the switch from English to Spanish films. It had been purchased by the family that owned the Peoples theatre. Their 12 year old son gave me quite an extensive tour. All the huge oil paintings along the staircases had been removed and the auditorium had been painted completely black.
The Chicago Tribune magazine section from April 25, 1993, did a great article with pictures about the Uptown theatre, titled, “A Movie Palace In Search Of A Happy Ending”. Fortunately, its still standing but I doubt the ending will be happy. I think it’d cost a 100 million to restore it back to its original glory. The Tribune (at the time of printing of this article) list the Uptown as “the country’s largest theatre in square feet”
Brian, thanks for the link to the Wilmette theatre. I enjoyed the photo’s and hope to take in a movie during a future trip to the Chicago area.
The theatre was named the Crest for many years and owned by the person who also owned the Mt. Pleasant theatre about one block south of the Crest. Both the Crest and the Mt. Pleasant theatres were leased to Viacom’s Famous Players chain for a number of years. It was during this time period that the Crest was renamed the Regent and the theatre was also twinned. The second screen was installed in the balcony. I believe the original owners again operated both theatres after the Famous Players arrangement lapsed. Immediately after the Famous Players arrangement, the now named Regent tried stage productions briefly but soon reverted back to movies. The two theatres operated for many years mostly showing 2nd run semi-mainstream movies.
Prior the the theatres becoming under the Famous Players' helm, I attended both theatres several times. The Crest (Regent) was significantly larger and nicer than the Mt. Pleasant. Sometimes, but not always, the management would let you watch the movie in the officially closed balcony. During this time period the Crest (Regent) had probably a seating capacity of 1200+.