Was also once a porn theatre called Eve. Reverted to mainstream movies as Lyric and later Towne before becoming the Princess. One notable event was that as the Lyric, it ran the uncensored version of Caligula for a full year.
At one point, the theatre was converted to a bowling alley. It was resurrected as the Golden Princess Theatre and Golden Star showing chinese films. Sat dark for a few years and was resurrected as the Rio.
@MarkKramer: I would have to disagree. The Alma was a brick masonry building. When the owners decided to raze it, it was bulldozed. Dismantling it to be resurrected elsewhere would have been costly. In addition, There are no Brick buildings at NFTRA.
There’s a new building on the site of the old Pantages aka Beacon, Majestic and Hastings Odeon. It’s ironic that the one feet wide bricked section of the old theatre is still there between the two buildings.
Joe:
Olympia Theatre was a theatre built in 1939 and had over 900 seats. It stood at the corner of East Hastings and Nanaimo but it was demolished to make way for the construction of a new Royal Bank. The former Royal Bank branch still stands across the street. The Olympia was once part of the Odeon chain until going Independent. Then it stood empty for years until it was revived as the Roxy in the 80’s for two years. The Roxy closed and the theatre was resurrected as the Olympia following the Ridge Theatre’s format but it was shortlived.
Chuck1231: The Dolphin has been a twin cinema for as long as I can remember. The operators at times may stagger different first-run movies at different times on the same screen, hence the confusion. The Triple cinema concept at one time was very short lived – about 3 months when an Independent ran the theatre.
Such a sad state of affairs given that this theatre is of historical importance and is the oldest standing Pantages Theatre and oldest theatre still standing in Vancouver. An even older theatre, the Imperial was razed recently.
The Wilson Czech Opera House at 415 27t Street was built in 1901 and had served the community as a social hall, dance and dinner theater. Movies were shown there in the Ballroom from the 1930’s to 1960’s. A Museum occupied the basement. This historic landmark will not be rebuilt.
They have a Facebook link:[http://www.facebook.com/pages/Wilson-KS/Czech-Opera-House-of-Wilson-KS/205689848437]
First opened in 1915 as the Dawson Springs Auditorium Co., then changed its Marquee to Sequoia before becoming the Strand in 1920. Operated as the Strand until its demolition in 1980.
Chuck1231: The photos you show are not this old Northridge Cinema on Parthenia, but rather, Fashion Center 10 on 9400 Shirley Ave, Northridge, California.
Jason: I’m very well aware of the Lougheed Mall triple theatre. The Lougheed Mall was originally opened by Famous Players and has always been a triple cinema. Before the Dolphin was operated by ATNY, it was briefly run by independents and they had added a third screen. How they did it, I’m uncertain as I never attended the cinema during this short lived venture. After sitting dark, ATNY reopened it as a twin.
What a sad commentation if heritage value and history does not mean a thing. We’ve already lost the old Imperial Theatre. This Pantages Theatre is one of the earliest built and is also the oldest remaining structure to still stand. I still recall a time when the Carnegie Library was going to be razed as well before being saved.
ChasSmith: Perhaps that may have been the case, but according to several sources, including some highly respectable architectural resources all state that the Warnor was closed in 1961, The Florida and the Colony ran until 1964. All buildings have since been demolished. One thing to note, most of the “blockbuster” films went to the much larger Florida theatre. The two latter films that you mention would certainly fit the blockbuster bill.
The theatre is said to house at least two ghosts: one that dwells in the basement dressing room and another that lurks in the wing of the left orchestra. Staff often report unexplained noises such as footsteps, but there have also been reports of apparitions of a tall man in a white tuxedo and black bow tie. Allegedly this dapper spectre was even spotted in the aisle by a well-known performer from on stage during the middle of his performance.
Here is a Star Wars ad showing the Vogue Theatre with showtimes. What’s missing is that the original presentation of Star Wars at the Vogue was in 70mm Dolby Stereo.
652 Columbia Street, New Westminster, British Columbia
Construction Date
1899
Other Name(s)
Edison Theatre
Statement of Significance
Description of Historic Place
The Paramount Theatre is a modest motion picture theatre building with prominent marquee and neon Paramount signage. Built on the steep slope of the south side of Columbia Street, the main commercial street in New Westminster’s historic downtown core, it has a two storey form on the front facade, with three storeys at the rear.
Heritage Value
The Paramount Theatre is historically important as one of the oldest surviving motion picture theatre buildings in B.C. Established in 1903 by Frank Kerr, the Edison Theatre moved into the western half of the 1899 Dupont Block in 1910. It was common at this time to convert existing spaces into theatres rather than construct new buildings specifically for that use, as there was concern that the movies would prove to be a passing fad. In 1948 the theatre was leased to Paramount-Famous Players, who completed interior and exterior renovations, including a new neon sign with the name Paramount Theatre. The front facade recalls a period when New Westminster’s downtown was still a regional commercial, retail and entertainment centre, prior to the arrival of the automobile-oriented suburban shopping malls. Downtown areas such as Columbia Street contained all essential services for the expanding population, with movie houses being an essential cultural element. The Paramount Theatre was highly significant to the community, as television was not yet widely available and movies were the main form of public entertainment. Despite its closure as a movie theatre, the Paramount continues to be used for entertainment purposes.
Furthermore, the Paramount Theatre is significant for its contribution to the consistent and distinctive built form of Columbia and Front Streets, which dates from the time when New Westminster was the major centre of commerce and industry for the booming Fraser Valley area.
Source: Heritage Planning Files, City of New Westminster
Character-Defining Elements
Key elements that define the heritage character of the Paramount Theatre include its:
– location with frontages on both Columbia and Front Streets, part of a grouping of late Victorian and Edwardian era commercial buildings in historic downtown New Westminster
– siting on the property lines, with no setbacks
– boxy form, two-storey plus lower level height, flat roof and cubic massing
– exterior theatre elements on the front facade such as its large sheet metal marquee, 1948 neon Paramount Theatre sign, central entry with mahogany doors and chromed hardware, and ticket booth with aluminum sash and black tile
– exterior elements of the rear facade, including original 1899 elements such as the stucco-covered brick walls and segmental arched window openings, and later alterations such as the stage-level doors and the brick clad fly space over the stage
– interior features from the 1948 renovations, such as stepped balconies and the proscenium arch
The movie “Elegy” starring Ben Kingsley was indeed filmed in Vancouver and the Orpheum Theater was used in filming.
Also to clarify a few things, the main address is 884 Granville St.
Previously, prior to major renovations being done (addition of the Westcoast Hall as a secondary entrance), there was another entrance on Seymour Street. The old Capitol Theatre and its replacement, the now demolished Capitol Six also had a second entrance on Seymour Street.
Warren G Harris: Quite an astute eye for detail! Interesting but the T in the Fox has always been spelt “t-h-e-a-t-r-e”. The owner/builders choose to spell it the International British spelling. Morever, the National Association of Theatre Owners recognizes that “theater” are for movie houses and “theatre” are for stage.
Please note that both the Kodak T and Nokia T venues in Los Angeles are spelt with “-re”.
Whenver I get to travel around the Country, I make it a point to visit some of our finest (and not so fine) theaters and movie palaces of yesteryear. The Fox St Louis is one of my favorites. Here is a link to an interesting article regarding the theater which includes a few photos.
sorry. it was intended for the Strand theater entry. I write my text first in Microsoft Word then copy and paste.
In any case, West Vancouver Odeon actually opened in 1947 known simply as the Odeon. It was renamed West Van in 1957. Twinned in 1974 and converted to Triplex in 1980. It was designed by Jay English. When it first opened, the exterior and interior walls, ticket and concession counters were clad with stone work. In fact, the design was very monotone and modern, devoid of any ornamentation. However, English did incorporate an flaired front wall which is typical in many of his designs. I would hardly characterized the original design as being Art Deco. Seating capacity for the theater was 768.
The existing facade was part of a major remodel on the Paradise Theater reflecting an Art Deco design when the owners took over the Globe Theater. You will notice on the photo that the original design was much more simpler:
seanjung
commented about
Venueon
Aug 7, 2008 at 11:29 pm
Before becoming the Plaza, the theater’s grand opening was as the Maple Leaf Theater in 1924. It went dark a few years later due to the depression. It was later remodeled and reopened as the Plaza as a movie house.
Here are a couple of photos circa 1925. One shows both the Maple Leaf and Globe (later Paradise, then Coronet before it was integrated into the Empire Granville Cinemas.
The last theatre in Vancouver to have been situated underground. The others were the Broadway Twins and Royal Centre theatres.
Was also once a porn theatre called Eve. Reverted to mainstream movies as Lyric and later Towne before becoming the Princess. One notable event was that as the Lyric, it ran the uncensored version of Caligula for a full year.
At one point, the theatre was converted to a bowling alley. It was resurrected as the Golden Princess Theatre and Golden Star showing chinese films. Sat dark for a few years and was resurrected as the Rio.
@MarkKramer: I would have to disagree. The Alma was a brick masonry building. When the owners decided to raze it, it was bulldozed. Dismantling it to be resurrected elsewhere would have been costly. In addition, There are no Brick buildings at NFTRA.
There’s a new building on the site of the old Pantages aka Beacon, Majestic and Hastings Odeon. It’s ironic that the one feet wide bricked section of the old theatre is still there between the two buildings.
Joe: Olympia Theatre was a theatre built in 1939 and had over 900 seats. It stood at the corner of East Hastings and Nanaimo but it was demolished to make way for the construction of a new Royal Bank. The former Royal Bank branch still stands across the street. The Olympia was once part of the Odeon chain until going Independent. Then it stood empty for years until it was revived as the Roxy in the 80’s for two years. The Roxy closed and the theatre was resurrected as the Olympia following the Ridge Theatre’s format but it was shortlived.
Chuck1231: The Dolphin has been a twin cinema for as long as I can remember. The operators at times may stagger different first-run movies at different times on the same screen, hence the confusion. The Triple cinema concept at one time was very short lived – about 3 months when an Independent ran the theatre.
Such a sad state of affairs given that this theatre is of historical importance and is the oldest standing Pantages Theatre and oldest theatre still standing in Vancouver. An even older theatre, the Imperial was razed recently.
[url]http://www.facebook.com/pages/Wilson-KS/Czech-Opera-House-of-Wilson-KS/205689848437[/url]
The Wilson Czech Opera House at 415 27t Street was built in 1901 and had served the community as a social hall, dance and dinner theater. Movies were shown there in the Ballroom from the 1930’s to 1960’s. A Museum occupied the basement. This historic landmark will not be rebuilt.
They have a Facebook link:[http://www.facebook.com/pages/Wilson-KS/Czech-Opera-House-of-Wilson-KS/205689848437]
First opened in 1915 as the Dawson Springs Auditorium Co., then changed its Marquee to Sequoia before becoming the Strand in 1920. Operated as the Strand until its demolition in 1980.
Website about the old Winnetka Drive-in:
[url]http://www.drive-insdownunder.com.au/worldwide/ca_winnetka6.htm[/url]
Chuck1231: The photos you show are not this old Northridge Cinema on Parthenia, but rather, Fashion Center 10 on 9400 Shirley Ave, Northridge, California.
Jason: I’m very well aware of the Lougheed Mall triple theatre. The Lougheed Mall was originally opened by Famous Players and has always been a triple cinema. Before the Dolphin was operated by ATNY, it was briefly run by independents and they had added a third screen. How they did it, I’m uncertain as I never attended the cinema during this short lived venture. After sitting dark, ATNY reopened it as a twin.
What a sad commentation if heritage value and history does not mean a thing. We’ve already lost the old Imperial Theatre. This Pantages Theatre is one of the earliest built and is also the oldest remaining structure to still stand. I still recall a time when the Carnegie Library was going to be razed as well before being saved.
ChasSmith: Perhaps that may have been the case, but according to several sources, including some highly respectable architectural resources all state that the Warnor was closed in 1961, The Florida and the Colony ran until 1964. All buildings have since been demolished. One thing to note, most of the “blockbuster” films went to the much larger Florida theatre. The two latter films that you mention would certainly fit the blockbuster bill.
The theatre is said to house at least two ghosts: one that dwells in the basement dressing room and another that lurks in the wing of the left orchestra. Staff often report unexplained noises such as footsteps, but there have also been reports of apparitions of a tall man in a white tuxedo and black bow tie. Allegedly this dapper spectre was even spotted in the aisle by a well-known performer from on stage during the middle of his performance.
Here is a Star Wars ad showing the Vogue Theatre with showtimes. What’s missing is that the original presentation of Star Wars at the Vogue was in 70mm Dolby Stereo.
Paramount Theatre
652 Columbia Street, New Westminster, British Columbia
Construction Date
1899
Other Name(s)
Edison Theatre
Statement of Significance
Description of Historic Place
The Paramount Theatre is a modest motion picture theatre building with prominent marquee and neon Paramount signage. Built on the steep slope of the south side of Columbia Street, the main commercial street in New Westminster’s historic downtown core, it has a two storey form on the front facade, with three storeys at the rear.
Heritage Value
The Paramount Theatre is historically important as one of the oldest surviving motion picture theatre buildings in B.C. Established in 1903 by Frank Kerr, the Edison Theatre moved into the western half of the 1899 Dupont Block in 1910. It was common at this time to convert existing spaces into theatres rather than construct new buildings specifically for that use, as there was concern that the movies would prove to be a passing fad. In 1948 the theatre was leased to Paramount-Famous Players, who completed interior and exterior renovations, including a new neon sign with the name Paramount Theatre. The front facade recalls a period when New Westminster’s downtown was still a regional commercial, retail and entertainment centre, prior to the arrival of the automobile-oriented suburban shopping malls. Downtown areas such as Columbia Street contained all essential services for the expanding population, with movie houses being an essential cultural element. The Paramount Theatre was highly significant to the community, as television was not yet widely available and movies were the main form of public entertainment. Despite its closure as a movie theatre, the Paramount continues to be used for entertainment purposes.
Furthermore, the Paramount Theatre is significant for its contribution to the consistent and distinctive built form of Columbia and Front Streets, which dates from the time when New Westminster was the major centre of commerce and industry for the booming Fraser Valley area.
Source: Heritage Planning Files, City of New Westminster
Character-Defining Elements
Key elements that define the heritage character of the Paramount Theatre include its:
– location with frontages on both Columbia and Front Streets, part of a grouping of late Victorian and Edwardian era commercial buildings in historic downtown New Westminster
– siting on the property lines, with no setbacks
– boxy form, two-storey plus lower level height, flat roof and cubic massing
– exterior theatre elements on the front facade such as its large sheet metal marquee, 1948 neon Paramount Theatre sign, central entry with mahogany doors and chromed hardware, and ticket booth with aluminum sash and black tile
– exterior elements of the rear facade, including original 1899 elements such as the stucco-covered brick walls and segmental arched window openings, and later alterations such as the stage-level doors and the brick clad fly space over the stage
– interior features from the 1948 renovations, such as stepped balconies and the proscenium arch
Architect / Designer
George W. Grant
The movie “Elegy” starring Ben Kingsley was indeed filmed in Vancouver and the Orpheum Theater was used in filming.
Also to clarify a few things, the main address is 884 Granville St.
Previously, prior to major renovations being done (addition of the Westcoast Hall as a secondary entrance), there was another entrance on Seymour Street. The old Capitol Theatre and its replacement, the now demolished Capitol Six also had a second entrance on Seymour Street.
Warren G Harris: Quite an astute eye for detail! Interesting but the T in the Fox has always been spelt “t-h-e-a-t-r-e”. The owner/builders choose to spell it the International British spelling. Morever, the National Association of Theatre Owners recognizes that “theater” are for movie houses and “theatre” are for stage.
Please note that both the Kodak T and Nokia T venues in Los Angeles are spelt with “-re”.
Whenver I get to travel around the Country, I make it a point to visit some of our finest (and not so fine) theaters and movie palaces of yesteryear. The Fox St Louis is one of my favorites. Here is a link to an interesting article regarding the theater which includes a few photos.
View link
sorry. it was intended for the Strand theater entry. I write my text first in Microsoft Word then copy and paste.
In any case, West Vancouver Odeon actually opened in 1947 known simply as the Odeon. It was renamed West Van in 1957. Twinned in 1974 and converted to Triplex in 1980. It was designed by Jay English. When it first opened, the exterior and interior walls, ticket and concession counters were clad with stone work. In fact, the design was very monotone and modern, devoid of any ornamentation. However, English did incorporate an flaired front wall which is typical in many of his designs. I would hardly characterized the original design as being Art Deco. Seating capacity for the theater was 768.
The existing facade was part of a major remodel on the Paradise Theater reflecting an Art Deco design when the owners took over the Globe Theater. You will notice on the photo that the original design was much more simpler:
View link
Before becoming the Plaza, the theater’s grand opening was as the Maple Leaf Theater in 1924. It went dark a few years later due to the depression. It was later remodeled and reopened as the Plaza as a movie house.
Here are a couple of photos circa 1925. One shows both the Maple Leaf and Globe (later Paradise, then Coronet before it was integrated into the Empire Granville Cinemas.
View link
View link