As a kid I caught the tail end of the Cinerama engagement. I wish I had been an adult back then. As a kid I did see “2001” and “Krakatoa” at the GG. I can only imagine how mega-great it must have been in the late 50’s-early 60’s. Thanks for posting.
Awesome landmark. I was in the area visiting friends when the marquee and facade pulled me into this theater. The friendly staff let me walk all around inside except the roped off area up stairs. This palace is an excellent tribute to an amazing era…..I wish I had been around during it’s heyday.
Awesome landmark. I was in the area visiting friends when the marquee and facade pulled me into this theater. The friendly staff let me walk all around inside except the roped off area up stairs. This palace is an excellent tribute to an amazing era…..I wish I had been around during it’s heyday.
By chance, any pictures of Roxy’s screen during the CinemaScope era? The pre-CinemaScope picture shows a dang tiny screen for such a mammoth movie palace?
“All About Eve” must have been a tough sell box-office wise. It has such a strong literary pedigree that not all adults(and no kids) would enjoy all the clever show biz sarcasm. But I could be wrong.
To JimC, Thanks again for your detailed response my wanting to scavenge a few seats. Such as tragic waste to a great building.
Btw, looks like The Castro Theater will be the only surviving large vintage single screen movie “palace” in SF. Does anyone else notice that theater has an odoriferous smell?
This is really facinating reading. My older brother and sister told me we saw a “Sampson” movie there which means I was 3 years old then.
Hard to believe there were once 2 dozen movie theaters between 4th & 10th on Market street. What a MAGICAL time that must have been. And so tragic that most all are gone. Sad.
Tough month for losing great San Francisco iconic memories, Pete Wilson, Bill Walsh and The Coronet Theater.
I’ll just be thankful for the experiences of sold out great motion picture events in that palace. I’ll never forget the original Star Wars, Close Encounters, Love Story and The Godfather I&II opening Saturday nights!!!!
Saw Speilberg’s War Of The Worlds last night and couldn’t help think how awesome this film would have been at The Coronet with a pack house. Oh well…..
Awesome list and Excellent 70MM link. I had almost forgotten how really special movie theater going use to be like pre-80’s.
The opening minute of Close Encounters at the Coronet, on the first Saturday nite showing, had the already frenzied sold out audience yelling with excitement as John Williams'music score built up to an orchestral opening crescendo, was PRICELESS. You had to be there.
To be followed in May by the finale of the phenomenal Star Wars saga…….ironically could be the final curtain for our last grand single screen megastructure.
People, I do not see the passionate public outcry of protesting which San Francisco is famous for to save this theater.
A screen bigger than it’s 1959 Ben Hur presentation? Goose bumps!
Awesome. Too bad no plans for a single movie screen. Still, glad to see a movie palace is saved.
As a kid I caught the tail end of the Cinerama engagement. I wish I had been an adult back then. As a kid I did see “2001” and “Krakatoa” at the GG. I can only imagine how mega-great it must have been in the late 50’s-early 60’s. Thanks for posting.
Awesome landmark. I was in the area visiting friends when the marquee and facade pulled me into this theater. The friendly staff let me walk all around inside except the roped off area up stairs. This palace is an excellent tribute to an amazing era…..I wish I had been around during it’s heyday.
Awesome landmark. I was in the area visiting friends when the marquee and facade pulled me into this theater. The friendly staff let me walk all around inside except the roped off area up stairs. This palace is an excellent tribute to an amazing era…..I wish I had been around during it’s heyday.
I absolutely loved the 70MM curved screen format of the 1960’s. You people in L.A. are sooooooo lucky. I’m jealous!!
By chance, any pictures of Roxy’s screen during the CinemaScope era? The pre-CinemaScope picture shows a dang tiny screen for such a mammoth movie palace?
“All About Eve” must have been a tough sell box-office wise. It has such a strong literary pedigree that not all adults(and no kids) would enjoy all the clever show biz sarcasm. But I could be wrong.
This is addictive reading. Thanks.
Such a tragic loss. The Roxy demolition in NYC was also a mammoth miscalculated loss.
Happened to read some of the ROXY Theater NY comments. It’s also facinating movie palace nostalgia to rival the FOX.
Will never forget all the grand movie memories of that palace. Especially the big 70mm movie events of the 70’s.
To JimC, Thanks again for your detailed response my wanting to scavenge a few seats. Such as tragic waste to a great building.
Btw, looks like The Castro Theater will be the only surviving large vintage single screen movie “palace” in SF. Does anyone else notice that theater has an odoriferous smell?
This is really facinating reading. My older brother and sister told me we saw a “Sampson” movie there which means I was 3 years old then.
Hard to believe there were once 2 dozen movie theaters between 4th & 10th on Market street. What a MAGICAL time that must have been. And so tragic that most all are gone. Sad.
Tough month for losing great San Francisco iconic memories, Pete Wilson, Bill Walsh and The Coronet Theater.
I’ll just be thankful for the experiences of sold out great motion picture events in that palace. I’ll never forget the original Star Wars, Close Encounters, Love Story and The Godfather I&II opening Saturday nights!!!!
Hello JC or anyone else:
Did you notice whether anyone can take a theater chair/seat which would otherwise be dumped and destroyed?
This is historically sad, and would love to salvage and refurbish a Coronet Theater seat, and pass on the movie experiences to my kids.
Would appreciate an answer/solution very much!
Indeed. Tearing down a single screen theater in ANY neighborhood is tragic.
I think that neighborhood did not get involved to protest or fight to save the Coronet theater.
Saw Speilberg’s War Of The Worlds last night and couldn’t help think how awesome this film would have been at The Coronet with a pack house. Oh well…..
STAR WARS III is scheduled at the Metro.
Question to anyone:
To maximize our state-of-the-art movie experience, Does the Metro have the THX-Dolby/70MM systems upgrades for a movie this size?
If so, we’ll skip the Metreon.
Awesome list and Excellent 70MM link. I had almost forgotten how really special movie theater going use to be like pre-80’s.
The opening minute of Close Encounters at the Coronet, on the first Saturday nite showing, had the already frenzied sold out audience yelling with excitement as John Williams'music score built up to an orchestral opening crescendo, was PRICELESS. You had to be there.
STAR WARS III opens in 3 months, May 19.
Demolition is scheduled Decmeber.
Would a 3+ month lease extension be a guaranteed FINANCIAL JACKPOT for Regal Entertainment Co. and the new building owners?
Heck, the net profits will pay for the wrecking ball crew.
Local Presidio mogul George Lucas has yet to pick a theater for the benefit showings. ???…..
To be followed in May by the finale of the phenomenal Star Wars saga…….ironically could be the final curtain for our last grand single screen megastructure.
People, I do not see the passionate public outcry of protesting which San Francisco is famous for to save this theater.
Remember the FOX.
In 1964, the first run of “My Fair Lady” which seemingly ran forever. And of course, “Godfathers I & II, packed to the rafters.