The theater began its operations on Thursday, February 11, 1971, with a double feature of “12 Chairs” and “The Bird with the Crystal Plumage,” and it ceased operations on April 15, 1984, concluding with “Space Raiders” and “Jimmy The Kid.” Throughout its 13 years, the Plaza screened over 875 films, not counting summer children’s features and special late shows, with “Smokey And The Bandit” and “Star Trek II: The Wrath Of Khan” each holding the record for the longest runs at 7 weeks during various return engagements.
While the Plaza never showed “E.T.,” “Star Wars,” or “Return Of The Jedi,” it did play “The Empire Strikes Back” for two weeks in late summer 1981, which was the last 20th Century Fox film screened there for reasons that remain uncertain. In January 1984, the theater attempted to pivot to a “children’s theater,” showcasing classics like the 1939 “Gulliver’s Travels” and 1946’s “The Yearling,” but this effort was short-lived, lasting only two and a half months.
In a drastic change, the owners decided to screen 1983’s “Scarface” for two weeks, but it performed poorly, leading to staff layoffs and the theater’s impending closure. Despite this, a final double feature was scheduled as a last-ditch effort, run solely by the owners, but it fared even worse than “Scarface.” Following the final screening on Sunday, April 15, 1984, the theater officially closed its doors.
Until the early 90’s, much of the equipment and seats were still in place, but by the mid to late 90s, the building was sold and gutted.
The Theater reopened on July 19, 2024, after being gutted and having its historical murals painted over. It has since become a “Performance Theater” / Country bar. It’s a tragic end to a classic Charles Strong theater, which was in great shape before it was sold in October of 2023 to the new owners. https://www.lamarcinemas.com
After the fire in November 1980, the Hotel reopened in July of 1981 and the movie theater did return. When the hotel was sold to Bally’s in 1986, the theater was closed.
The theater began its operations on Thursday, February 11, 1971, with a double feature of “12 Chairs” and “The Bird with the Crystal Plumage,” and it ceased operations on April 15, 1984, concluding with “Space Raiders” and “Jimmy The Kid.” Throughout its 13 years, the Plaza screened over 875 films, not counting summer children’s features and special late shows, with “Smokey And The Bandit” and “Star Trek II: The Wrath Of Khan” each holding the record for the longest runs at 7 weeks during various return engagements.
While the Plaza never showed “E.T.,” “Star Wars,” or “Return Of The Jedi,” it did play “The Empire Strikes Back” for two weeks in late summer 1981, which was the last 20th Century Fox film screened there for reasons that remain uncertain. In January 1984, the theater attempted to pivot to a “children’s theater,” showcasing classics like the 1939 “Gulliver’s Travels” and 1946’s “The Yearling,” but this effort was short-lived, lasting only two and a half months.
In a drastic change, the owners decided to screen 1983’s “Scarface” for two weeks, but it performed poorly, leading to staff layoffs and the theater’s impending closure. Despite this, a final double feature was scheduled as a last-ditch effort, run solely by the owners, but it fared even worse than “Scarface.” Following the final screening on Sunday, April 15, 1984, the theater officially closed its doors.
Until the early 90’s, much of the equipment and seats were still in place, but by the mid to late 90s, the building was sold and gutted.
The Theater reopened on July 19, 2024, after being gutted and having its historical murals painted over. It has since become a “Performance Theater” / Country bar. It’s a tragic end to a classic Charles Strong theater, which was in great shape before it was sold in October of 2023 to the new owners. https://www.lamarcinemas.com
The Coast Cinemas has been listed for sale at 1.4 million. Includes the building and land along with the business.
https://www.loopnet.com/Listing/135-S-Franklin-St-Fort-Bragg-CA/31353647/
After the fire in November 1980, the Hotel reopened in July of 1981 and the movie theater did return. When the hotel was sold to Bally’s in 1986, the theater was closed.
The Theater was sold in October of 2023 and is open again. It looks like they are going to be changing the name to “Main Street Cinema” soon.