Proving that the center panel, was in fact, a solid screen!!!!
This is where I saw Liz Taylor in “C L E O P A T R A”. Manager at the time gave me a complete tour…none of which I remember!!
I see they used the Altec-Lansing “Voice of the Theatre” speakers. Were quit
e the thing at the time!!
I worked for GCC for 7 years. Could never figure out why they built this one in particular. Never easy top find an entrance.
Lo
ved seeing the opening ad…thanks.
Dayton, Ohio. Opened 1947/48, looks like 2 aisles and about 1200 seats, all on one floor. Originally all RCA booth. This from them 1947/48 Theatre Catalogue.
One summer, just prior to the State (twinned)closing, Tom Du Buque and I bought flashlights to tour the house. No one knew we were in there. Very dangerous! But what an experience. Must have ben beautiful prior to twinning.
Speakers were nailed to the back wall of the stage. Great picture for LAWRENCE OF ARABIA and BEN HUR. This theatre, or the Mike Todd, had the booth installed at the front edge of the balcony. The Cinestage and Mike Todd were originally the Harris and Selwyn, legit theatres; almost identical next to each other.
I admit an error. Our Palace Theatre played Cinerama.
During this period, the Strand installed Cinemiracle equipment and a bigger curved screen than the one already in place (the Strand was one our many “roadshow” houses. Therefore, the Strand didn’t play Cinerama until after the “Windjammer” engagement.
And, as we all know, Cinerama and Cinemiracle could be shown in either 3-booth or single booth with mirror arrangements. Our Strand Theatre showed the Cinerama films (after the booth change to Cinemiracle) with the Cinemiracle mirror arrangement,. thus having a slighter visible join-line than with Cinerama.
Almost all of the interior scenes of the ship were 35mm…either scope or flat. A lot of the action scenes in HOW THE WEST WAS WON was shot in 35mm scope.
Don’t think those heavy Cinerama cameras wouldn’t sink those small boats. The railroad log car scenes were in 35mm scope (those scenes somewhat more grainy than 3-camera Cinerama. All of these facts have already been in print.
A Publix/Great States house. Closed several months for remodeling. The place still had wet paint when the fire occurred. Can’t remember the cause. Just down the street was their CROCKER THEATRE…about 1500 seats with balcony. Elgin is the city where we went to shop.
As we all know, much of this production was filmed in 35mm…probably scope. I first saw it at the Opera House in Chicago. The ONLY movie I ever saw there. BIG screen, but boring production.
decodon: what a lame-brain idea. not that broadway needs additional retail space. suggest they make use of what is already available. my money bets that it will collapse into itself. what a shame that would be.
They all look to be about 16-18 years old, including management. And 5'4" tall. Cute uniforms.
Proving that the center panel, was in fact, a solid screen!!!! This is where I saw Liz Taylor in “C L E O P A T R A”. Manager at the time gave me a complete tour…none of which I remember!! I see they used the Altec-Lansing “Voice of the Theatre” speakers. Were quit e the thing at the time!!
Looks like maybe they could make a duct that looked like the front of the balcony…a much better “hide” than what they did. A disgrace e!!
I believe this is from the greater Detroit area. All 3 twins opened on the same date. I opened my first Cinema for GCC on 12/23/1966.
I worked for GCC for 7 years. Could never figure out why they built this one in particular. Never easy top find an entrance. Lo ved seeing the opening ad…thanks.
Dayton, Ohio. Opened 1947/48, looks like 2 aisles and about 1200 seats, all on one floor. Originally all RCA booth. This from them 1947/48 Theatre Catalogue.
AS big Thank You to Ken Roe from the UK for some fabulous shots of the Kings.
Don Bohatka,
THSA
The logo in the ad indicates that it is/was a General Cinema Theatre
This was a General Cinema Theatre.
Great looking vertical sign with elegant Art Deco lettering.
The Chicago B&K ad department was always fabulous. Great looking ads.
If ever there was a Wonder Theatre, this is IT. Largest Theatre in Illinois.
I think it was a triple…all with 16mm projection!
One summer, just prior to the State (twinned)closing, Tom Du Buque and I bought flashlights to tour the house. No one knew we were in there. Very dangerous! But what an experience. Must have ben beautiful prior to twinning.
Speakers were nailed to the back wall of the stage. Great picture for LAWRENCE OF ARABIA and BEN HUR. This theatre, or the Mike Todd, had the booth installed at the front edge of the balcony. The Cinestage and Mike Todd were originally the Harris and Selwyn, legit theatres; almost identical next to each other.
I admit an error. Our Palace Theatre played Cinerama. During this period, the Strand installed Cinemiracle equipment and a bigger curved screen than the one already in place (the Strand was one our many “roadshow” houses. Therefore, the Strand didn’t play Cinerama until after the “Windjammer” engagement.
And, as we all know, Cinerama and Cinemiracle could be shown in either 3-booth or single booth with mirror arrangements. Our Strand Theatre showed the Cinerama films (after the booth change to Cinemiracle) with the Cinemiracle mirror arrangement,. thus having a slighter visible join-line than with Cinerama.
Almost all of the interior scenes of the ship were 35mm…either scope or flat. A lot of the action scenes in HOW THE WEST WAS WON was shot in 35mm scope.
Don’t think those heavy Cinerama cameras wouldn’t sink those small boats. The railroad log car scenes were in 35mm scope (those scenes somewhat more grainy than 3-camera Cinerama. All of these facts have already been in print.
Opened as the WArner. Would make a great legit house.
A Publix/Great States house. Closed several months for remodeling. The place still had wet paint when the fire occurred. Can’t remember the cause. Just down the street was their CROCKER THEATRE…about 1500 seats with balcony. Elgin is the city where we went to shop.
As we all know, much of this production was filmed in 35mm…probably scope. I first saw it at the Opera House in Chicago. The ONLY movie I ever saw there. BIG screen, but boring production.
decodon: what a lame-brain idea. not that broadway needs additional retail space. suggest they make use of what is already available. my money bets that it will collapse into itself. what a shame that would be.