There had to have been a last minute change in the architectural design of the Loew’s. This illustration was published with the opening day ads and isn’t at all how the auditorium looked. I attended the grand opening and was surprised when I saw a flat screen (yes, flat) no curvature at all although the main curtain did have a very slight curvature. Bottom of screen did not extend down to the floor as illustration shows but was several feet above the floor. When Scope films played it was very apparent the screen was flat across the entire width. This illustration instead very closely resembles the auditorium of downtown’s Palace Theater.
Mike, As I recall the last time I visited, the digital image projected for scope films contained black bars at the top and bottom of the screen displaying a slightly wide image but not true scope.
Well that’s it for Tampa’s drive-ins. The Fun-Lan was the last one in operation within the city having survived all the others now long gone. I saw many films here during the 60s & 70s. The Fun-Lan was a nice, clean and well-managed single screen drive-in during this time under Tampa Bay Theaters Inc. and later Floyd Theaters. The one drawback was the standard-size screen which was never widened for CinemaScope projection. Evidently management wasn’t interested in investing a little extra for a wider screen.
For several decades the swap shop was a weekly destination for flea market lovers so I’m surprised they closed it as well. I would have thought the swap shop (supposedly still drawing decent crowds on the weekends) would have remained open at least for some time following closure of the drive-in.
When the Britton was triplexed it was bad enough although somewhat acceptable. The one large auditorium at the front held a capacity of about 900. At least the side walls and proscenium remained untouched from their original design with the exception of a smaller screen. The two small theaters from midpoint of the auditorium to the rear held about 400 apiece and each one had a balcony. A dividing wall down the center of the balcony gave the two smaller theaters some additional seating. At the time this was thought to be a first in multiplex design…mini theaters with a balcony.
The 8-plex renovation completely destroyed the interior. I shouldn’t have gone but I was curious to see the layout and yes, it was terrible. After checking out several tiny screening rooms I had enough and walked out.
The Britton was originally equipped with 70mm projection. Two big attractions that played in 70mm were Around the World in 80 Days and South Pacific.
It’s official now. The Britton is history. A Google search now lists the theatre as permanently closed. Today I drove past Britton Plaza and the theatre signage facing Dale Mabry has been completely re-purposed from Britton Cinema to Radiant Church. Not sure when the change was made as it’s been at least a year since I was in the area.
A couple years ago they were still running movies occasionally but only on one screen and only in the evening. Titles were not advertised anywhere so you’d have to call and hope someone would answer. The Britton had a great memorable run as a large and beautiful single-screen house from 1956 through 1972. RIP Britton.
Just confirmed: following 19 years of operation this theater will be closing permanently next month. Final day will be July 14th. The former 20-screen complex was reduced to 10-screens several years ago with the headquarters for Ashley Furniture absorbing the empty space. Tentative plans for the remaining 10-screen space are retail and offices.
Thanks rivest266. This is interesting. In your newspaper post for the Alcazar dated 1911 the Bonita Theater is also listed. The address for the Bonita is 710 Franklin which is the same address of the Franklin/Florida. The building shown in the photo appears to be either recently constructed or renovated. I wonder if this building was formerly the Bonita or if a previous building housing the Bonita was demolished. I need to research this.
I saw Grand Prix at the Palace at least twice. I still have the ticket stub along with 7 ticket stubs for Sound of Music. Today it isn’t easy finding someone who remembers Cinerama. The majority of today’s moviegoers have never heard of it nor have the slightest idea what you’re talking about. If they could only experience it…
I was there the day the building was demolished. Before the wrecking ball began pounding the rear wall I entered the building looking for anything I could carry out. Surprisingly the auditorium lights were on. One guy on the main level was attempting to dismantle some seats. I opened the door to the Cinerama projection booth only to find it had been completely stripped to the bare walls. The 70mm projectors and all other equipment had been removed. There was literally nothing at all remaining. I found a “Balcony Closed—Seating on Main Level” sign along with the metal stand still sitting on the balcony stairway.
Running upstairs to check the old 35mm booth only to find it had also been stripped. Groping blindly in the semi-darkness and grabbing at anything movable I found a half gallon of projector oil and two boxes of carbons. The manager’s office was also empty except for a couple of Cinerama Reservation ticket pads on the floor which I grabbed. About this time the wrecking ball was pounding on the rear wall and the building began shaking. Running quickly downstairs and back into the auditorium I pushed the curtain aside and pulled out a couple strips of the Cinerama screen and made it out safely. I miss the Palace.
I drove by this location yesterday only to find the building was being demolished. All four walls were already down. Piles of debris were being loaded unto dump trucks. The building had been home to the Praise Cathedral Church for nearly 47 years. Pastor Pat Hall was head of the congregation who’s mission included giving clothes and food to people down on their luck.
When a portion of the roof collapsed in 2009 the Tampa City Council condemned the building but gave the church an extension of time to secure funds for repairs and to bring the building up to code. Evidently sufficient funds were raised and the roof was repaired. Then a little more than a year ago a drunk driver lost control and slammed into the front of the building damaging it further. I believe the church has been closed since then. Another city landmark now gone. Please change status to demolished.
Here’s the lineup for 2016’s Summer Classics Series:
Fargo (6/5)
The African Queen (6/12)
Raiders of the Lost Ark (6/19)
Forbidden Planet (6/26)
Pretty in Pink (7/3)
Notorious (7/10)
The French Connection (7/17)
The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly (7/24)
Swing Time (7/31)
All the President’s Men (8/7)
M (8/14)
A Raisin in the Sun (8/21)
The Maltese Falcon (8/28)
The Wizard of Oz (9/4)
Gone with the Wind (9/11)
Casablanca (9/18)
Screenings are on Sunday Afternoons at 3:00, and are preceded by a mini-concert on the Mighty Wurlitzer. Admission is $10, or $8 for Tampa Theatre members.
I just checked today’s schedule. Four features are listed: Jungle Book, The Huntsman, Barbershop, and Batman vs. Superman. So only 4 auditoriums are active. There are 67 reviews on Google for the Britton. Surprisingly the good reviews far outweigh the bad. Maybe they’ve made some improvements. Regardless I still have no desire to visit.
I can’t say that I remember a young girl with a German Shepard. Probably either before or after my time. I was there from around August ‘69 to February '70. Although I didn’t stay very long I enjoyed the work and especially the people. Wages were not good but there were a few perks. Free movies, free passes for family and friends, free popcorn, and all the soda you could drink.
KRULMS54: I worked with Rosie and Mrs. Thom back in 1969 and have fond memories of both ladies. They were the nicest sweetest ladies and a real pleasure to work with. Nice to hear from someone who was close to them. I still think about the time I worked at the Dale Mabry. We ran the cleanest most efficient refreshment stand of all the drive-ins in town. Hard to believe 47 years have since passed.
50 years ago today was the final day of operation for the Ritz as a standard movie house. On January 1st 1966 the theatre reopened as the Ritz Adult featuring triple-X films and live burlesque stage shows.
Mike, I haven’t been to the Fun-Lan in 6 or 7 years so I can’t say for certain if they’ve gone digital on all 4 screens. But according to an article published in the summer of 2013, they had recently installed one digital projector (more than likely for the original large screen) and were considering adding a second one. At that time the manager was quoted as saying, “there’s no alternative. You either are going to have to do it or you’re out of business. I’d hate to see the drive-in go out of business.” So by now I suspect they’ve gone digital on all screens.
Burkeview: The State has a page on CT with several photos. Search “Tampa FL” and click on all or demolished. I never made it to the State but I remember the building. It became a fabric store, and later sat empty a few years before being demolished.
Mike, I felt it was a must to note the record run of the film on its 50th anniversary at the Palace. I’ve watched for comments on other anniversary dates but have seen practically none. I have also noted your various postings in March drawing attention to the anniversary dates, and am fairly shocked and surprised at the seemingly lack of interest and/or comments. This is sad to say the least.
Thanks Anthony. CT contains a wealth of information and is such an invaluable site for us avid theatre lovers. I’ve been with CT for several years now and have noticed a few former daily posters who had provided much information are no longer with us. I often wonder if the site will still be here 50 years from now providing the wealth of information and stories for future generations. Luckily a retired projectionist who worked many of Tampa’s older theatres and drive-ins has provided me with much information and stories which I’ve eagerly posted on the site.
Yes, E. 7th Avenue and Broadway are the same street. This street is the main business district running east and west. The address on the program is the correct location of the 40th Street Drive-In.
Fifty years ago today “The Sound of Music” premiered at the Palace and ran for a phenomenal 77 weeks. Presented in TODD-AO and 6-track stereophonic sound on the curved 58-foot wide screen, the reserved seat engagement played to capacity audiences for months with thousands seeing it over and over again, myself included. The 70MM print was later exchanged for a 35MM print for the duration of the run. An article published in the Tampa Tribune during the film’s final week noted the long run as being “unprecedented in
Tampa history.”
Sorry, I didn’t realize the program was two-sided. As I recall the Auto Park was built & operated by S.E. Britton who also owned the 40th Street and possibly others as well. Many drive-ins in Tampa were originally independently owned and were later acquired by Floyd Theatres. Thanks for posting the programs!
Just posted photo of marquee and screen during demolition on January 9, 1981. Message on marquee: “Thanks for 35 years”.
2000? Just researched this theater on Newspapers.com. Final day of operation was December 18, 1958.
There had to have been a last minute change in the architectural design of the Loew’s. This illustration was published with the opening day ads and isn’t at all how the auditorium looked. I attended the grand opening and was surprised when I saw a flat screen (yes, flat) no curvature at all although the main curtain did have a very slight curvature. Bottom of screen did not extend down to the floor as illustration shows but was several feet above the floor. When Scope films played it was very apparent the screen was flat across the entire width. This illustration instead very closely resembles the auditorium of downtown’s Palace Theater.
Mike, As I recall the last time I visited, the digital image projected for scope films contained black bars at the top and bottom of the screen displaying a slightly wide image but not true scope.
Well that’s it for Tampa’s drive-ins. The Fun-Lan was the last one in operation within the city having survived all the others now long gone. I saw many films here during the 60s & 70s. The Fun-Lan was a nice, clean and well-managed single screen drive-in during this time under Tampa Bay Theaters Inc. and later Floyd Theaters. The one drawback was the standard-size screen which was never widened for CinemaScope projection. Evidently management wasn’t interested in investing a little extra for a wider screen.
For several decades the swap shop was a weekly destination for flea market lovers so I’m surprised they closed it as well. I would have thought the swap shop (supposedly still drawing decent crowds on the weekends) would have remained open at least for some time following closure of the drive-in.
When the Britton was triplexed it was bad enough although somewhat acceptable. The one large auditorium at the front held a capacity of about 900. At least the side walls and proscenium remained untouched from their original design with the exception of a smaller screen. The two small theaters from midpoint of the auditorium to the rear held about 400 apiece and each one had a balcony. A dividing wall down the center of the balcony gave the two smaller theaters some additional seating. At the time this was thought to be a first in multiplex design…mini theaters with a balcony.
The 8-plex renovation completely destroyed the interior. I shouldn’t have gone but I was curious to see the layout and yes, it was terrible. After checking out several tiny screening rooms I had enough and walked out.
The Britton was originally equipped with 70mm projection. Two big attractions that played in 70mm were Around the World in 80 Days and South Pacific.
It’s official now. The Britton is history. A Google search now lists the theatre as permanently closed. Today I drove past Britton Plaza and the theatre signage facing Dale Mabry has been completely re-purposed from Britton Cinema to Radiant Church. Not sure when the change was made as it’s been at least a year since I was in the area.
A couple years ago they were still running movies occasionally but only on one screen and only in the evening. Titles were not advertised anywhere so you’d have to call and hope someone would answer. The Britton had a great memorable run as a large and beautiful single-screen house from 1956 through 1972. RIP Britton.
Just confirmed: following 19 years of operation this theater will be closing permanently next month. Final day will be July 14th. The former 20-screen complex was reduced to 10-screens several years ago with the headquarters for Ashley Furniture absorbing the empty space. Tentative plans for the remaining 10-screen space are retail and offices.
Thanks rivest266. This is interesting. In your newspaper post for the Alcazar dated 1911 the Bonita Theater is also listed. The address for the Bonita is 710 Franklin which is the same address of the Franklin/Florida. The building shown in the photo appears to be either recently constructed or renovated. I wonder if this building was formerly the Bonita or if a previous building housing the Bonita was demolished. I need to research this.
I saw Grand Prix at the Palace at least twice. I still have the ticket stub along with 7 ticket stubs for Sound of Music. Today it isn’t easy finding someone who remembers Cinerama. The majority of today’s moviegoers have never heard of it nor have the slightest idea what you’re talking about. If they could only experience it…
I was there the day the building was demolished. Before the wrecking ball began pounding the rear wall I entered the building looking for anything I could carry out. Surprisingly the auditorium lights were on. One guy on the main level was attempting to dismantle some seats. I opened the door to the Cinerama projection booth only to find it had been completely stripped to the bare walls. The 70mm projectors and all other equipment had been removed. There was literally nothing at all remaining. I found a “Balcony Closed—Seating on Main Level” sign along with the metal stand still sitting on the balcony stairway.
Running upstairs to check the old 35mm booth only to find it had also been stripped. Groping blindly in the semi-darkness and grabbing at anything movable I found a half gallon of projector oil and two boxes of carbons. The manager’s office was also empty except for a couple of Cinerama Reservation ticket pads on the floor which I grabbed. About this time the wrecking ball was pounding on the rear wall and the building began shaking. Running quickly downstairs and back into the auditorium I pushed the curtain aside and pulled out a couple strips of the Cinerama screen and made it out safely. I miss the Palace.
The films scheduled for Tampa Theatre’s 4th annual Halloween series, A Nightmare on Franklin Street:
Oct. 21: A Nightmare on Elm Street (7:30 p.m.); Friday the 13th (10 p.m.)
Oct. 22: The Innocents (2 p.m.); Beetlejuice (4:45 p.m.); The Conjuring (7:30 p.m.)
Oct. 23: Hocus Pocus (2 p.m.); Psycho (4:30 p.m.); Scream (7 p.m.); Halloween (10 p.m.).
Oct. 24: The Witch (7:30 p.m.); It Follows (10 p.m.)
Oct. 25: Dr. Terror’s House of Horrors (7:30 p.m.); Poltergeist (10 p.m.)
Oct. 26: The Omen (10 p.m.)
Oct. 28: Shock Treatment (7:30 p.m.); The Rocky Horror Picture Show (10 p.m.)
Oct. 29: Ghostbusters (3 p.m.); The Haunting (6 p.m.)
Oct. 31: Hotel Transylvania (10 a.m.); I Drink Your Blood (7:30 p.m.)
Oct. 30: The Nightmare Before Christmas (2:30 p.m.); Carrie (5 p.m.); Misery (7:30 p.m.); Creepshow (10 p.m.)
I drove by this location yesterday only to find the building was being demolished. All four walls were already down. Piles of debris were being loaded unto dump trucks. The building had been home to the Praise Cathedral Church for nearly 47 years. Pastor Pat Hall was head of the congregation who’s mission included giving clothes and food to people down on their luck.
When a portion of the roof collapsed in 2009 the Tampa City Council condemned the building but gave the church an extension of time to secure funds for repairs and to bring the building up to code. Evidently sufficient funds were raised and the roof was repaired. Then a little more than a year ago a drunk driver lost control and slammed into the front of the building damaging it further. I believe the church has been closed since then. Another city landmark now gone. Please change status to demolished.
Here’s the lineup for 2016’s Summer Classics Series:
Fargo (6/5)
The African Queen (6/12)
Raiders of the Lost Ark (6/19)
Forbidden Planet (6/26)
Pretty in Pink (7/3)
Notorious (7/10)
The French Connection (7/17)
The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly (7/24)
Swing Time (7/31)
All the President’s Men (8/7)
M (8/14)
A Raisin in the Sun (8/21)
The Maltese Falcon (8/28)
The Wizard of Oz (9/4)
Gone with the Wind (9/11)
Casablanca (9/18)
Screenings are on Sunday Afternoons at 3:00, and are preceded by a mini-concert on the Mighty Wurlitzer. Admission is $10, or $8 for Tampa Theatre members.
I just checked today’s schedule. Four features are listed: Jungle Book, The Huntsman, Barbershop, and Batman vs. Superman. So only 4 auditoriums are active. There are 67 reviews on Google for the Britton. Surprisingly the good reviews far outweigh the bad. Maybe they’ve made some improvements. Regardless I still have no desire to visit.
I can’t say that I remember a young girl with a German Shepard. Probably either before or after my time. I was there from around August ‘69 to February '70. Although I didn’t stay very long I enjoyed the work and especially the people. Wages were not good but there were a few perks. Free movies, free passes for family and friends, free popcorn, and all the soda you could drink.
KRULMS54: I worked with Rosie and Mrs. Thom back in 1969 and have fond memories of both ladies. They were the nicest sweetest ladies and a real pleasure to work with. Nice to hear from someone who was close to them. I still think about the time I worked at the Dale Mabry. We ran the cleanest most efficient refreshment stand of all the drive-ins in town. Hard to believe 47 years have since passed.
This is terrible. Nearly all single screeners have suffered the same fate. Either this or being sliced into small screening rooms.
50 years ago today was the final day of operation for the Ritz as a standard movie house. On January 1st 1966 the theatre reopened as the Ritz Adult featuring triple-X films and live burlesque stage shows.
Mike, I haven’t been to the Fun-Lan in 6 or 7 years so I can’t say for certain if they’ve gone digital on all 4 screens. But according to an article published in the summer of 2013, they had recently installed one digital projector (more than likely for the original large screen) and were considering adding a second one. At that time the manager was quoted as saying, “there’s no alternative. You either are going to have to do it or you’re out of business. I’d hate to see the drive-in go out of business.” So by now I suspect they’ve gone digital on all screens.
This years Summer Classic Film Series was just announced. Showings are Sunday afternoon at 3:00 with extra showing of Casablanca on Saturday at 7:30.
The Wizard of Oz (June 7th)
Key Largo (June 14th)
Caddyshack (June 21st)
Vertigo (June 28th)
Back to the Future (July 5th)
Top Hat (July 12th)
Breakfast at Tiffany’s (July 19th)
The Sound of Music Sing-Along (July 26th)
Gone With the Wind (August 2nd)
West Side Story (August 9th)
Goodfellas (August 16th)
Casablanca (August 22nd & 23rd)
Phantom of the Opera 1925 (August 30th)
Burkeview: The State has a page on CT with several photos. Search “Tampa FL” and click on all or demolished. I never made it to the State but I remember the building. It became a fabric store, and later sat empty a few years before being demolished.
Mike, I felt it was a must to note the record run of the film on its 50th anniversary at the Palace. I’ve watched for comments on other anniversary dates but have seen practically none. I have also noted your various postings in March drawing attention to the anniversary dates, and am fairly shocked and surprised at the seemingly lack of interest and/or comments. This is sad to say the least.
Thanks Anthony. CT contains a wealth of information and is such an invaluable site for us avid theatre lovers. I’ve been with CT for several years now and have noticed a few former daily posters who had provided much information are no longer with us. I often wonder if the site will still be here 50 years from now providing the wealth of information and stories for future generations. Luckily a retired projectionist who worked many of Tampa’s older theatres and drive-ins has provided me with much information and stories which I’ve eagerly posted on the site.
Yes, E. 7th Avenue and Broadway are the same street. This street is the main business district running east and west. The address on the program is the correct location of the 40th Street Drive-In.
Fifty years ago today “The Sound of Music” premiered at the Palace and ran for a phenomenal 77 weeks. Presented in TODD-AO and 6-track stereophonic sound on the curved 58-foot wide screen, the reserved seat engagement played to capacity audiences for months with thousands seeing it over and over again, myself included. The 70MM print was later exchanged for a 35MM print for the duration of the run. An article published in the Tampa Tribune during the film’s final week noted the long run as being “unprecedented in Tampa history.”
Sorry, I didn’t realize the program was two-sided. As I recall the Auto Park was built & operated by S.E. Britton who also owned the 40th Street and possibly others as well. Many drive-ins in Tampa were originally independently owned and were later acquired by Floyd Theatres. Thanks for posting the programs!