In regards to Ron Pierce’s commentary above:
The theater did not have a concession stand. So, no food (popcorn, hot dogs, candy, etc.) was sold.
If anybody remembers, in the same area, there was a Swenson’s Ice Cream ‘joint’ & even so, you weren’t allowed to bring in anything from there. The theater was strictly drinks only - more than likely, booze & beer (2 drink minimum) for adults, and soda for kids.
The showing(s) of “Casablanca” - sometime back in the 70’s, MGM (studios), along with United Artists,
bought most - if not all - of the pre-1950’s Warner Bros. film catalog (“Casablanca” was part of the deal).
Another “newer” MGM title, that was shown at the theater, was 1967’s “The Dirty Dozen” with
Lee Marvin & Charles Bronson. What’s interesting about this - one of the reels, instead of being in English, was in a foreign language (Apparently, the studio didn’t bother to check beforehand. WHOOPS!)
After Bally’s took over the hotel, they basically kept the theater open for about a year.
HOWEVER (and unfortunately), that was the end of the theater getting those MGM pristine studio prints.
So, they started showing non-MGM movies. Amongst those titles that I saw there -
“The Girl Can’t Help It” with Jayne Mansfield,
Woody Allen’s “Take The Money And Run”,
“The Fly” - the remake with Jeff Goldblum,
And “A Shot In The Dark” with Peter Sellers.
The last movie to be shown there was “Diamonds Are Forever” with Sean Connery as “Bond - James Bond - 007”.
The theater no longer exists - Bally’s tore it down & the area became its “Race & Sports Book”.
Thought I’d add - Bally’s is now The Horeshoe.
To David Coppock:
No on the IMAX/1997 version of “Titanic”.
Other than the usual IMAX shorts, I believe the only IMAX feature film shown here was “Fantasia 2000”.
Dear folks,
The last movie that ran at the Fox was
“The Emerald Forest” with Powers Boothe in the summer of 1985.
Sometime afterwards, the theater was TORN DOWN, so that the Charleston Plaza Mall could
(did) do a remodeling job.
As for richjr37’s comment that “‘Police Academy 5’ was the last movie to play there when it
closed on March 30, 1988” - HIGHLY UNLIKELY!
Then again, this is a guy who believed he saw “The Black Stallion” at another Vegas theater
(the Parkway 3) in 70mm… So tell us Rich - HOW was that possible, ESPECIALLY since
United Artists NEVER released that film in that format?
I’m sorry, folks, but my problem with this richjr37 is the fact that this person HAS NO IDEA
was he’s talking about - let alone even commenting on Vegas movie theaters SINCE HE HAS NEVER
LIVED HERE & IS BASED SOMEWHERE IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA!!!
To Scott Neff -
As for that Century Theatres' document, remember - Century was originally known as
Syufy Theatres, and because of what was known as “the ‘Annie’ fiasco”
(a story in itself!), Syufy eventually took over the 2 Mann indoor theaters -
the Fox & the Boulevard Twin, as well as Plitt’s only Vegas indoor theater, the Parkway 3.
As pointed out above, the Fox closed during the summer of 1985 after its engagement of
“The Emerald Forest”.
Both the Boulevard Twin and the Parkway 3 were still in operation in 1988 -
hence that document of yours.
It’s my guess that “Police Academy 5” played at either one or the other -
as well as the Red Rock 11.
Rich, do us a favor -
unless you know your facts, do not - repeat - DO NOT comment on ANYTHING regarding
Las Vegas movie theatres.
The Rancho Circle wasn’t much of a movie theater due to its size (seat count: probably less than 200). During the first several years of its existence, it ran 2nd & 3rd-run features
(a.k.a. “subruns”) after their 1st engagements were over & done with, elsewhere.
(An example: not long after this theater opened up, they ran a triple-bill of “A Boy Named Charlie
Brown”, “Snoopy Come Home”, and “Skin Game” with James Garner & Lou Gossett.)
The theater RARELY played 1st-run features - exceptions: when the theater opened sometime in 1973,
the opening feature was a low budget horror flick called “Pigs” (not only did it have to do with
rabid pigs, but since ‘73 was the year of “The Exorcist”, the guy who made this POS decided to
have an exorcism with a teenage girl as well. Needless to say, “Pigs” didn’t last for more than a week - if it did, maybe 2, but that’s about it.
And sometime in 1974, the theater got the exclusive engagement of “Amazing Grace” starring
Moms Mabley - including the world premiere, which Mabley showed up for.
Unfortunately, the next year (1975) Mabley passes away.
As Samm 98 pointed out above, the theater eventually switched to Spanish language movies -
including an exclusive Vegas engagement on the only movie that Spanish 'Boy Band’ “Menudo” made.
(DON’T EVEN ASK - have NO idea what it was called! All I remember is that when it came here,
the theater put ads in both the Vegas newspapers (The Sun & Review Journal) screaming
“HEY GIRLS - WE GOT THE NEW MENUDO MOVIE!!!”)
I helped Mr. Coate in regards to info on the
Las Vegas Cinerama engagement(s) – there were 2 –
the original First Run “Roadshow”,
and the ‘74 re-release / re-issue.
Just wondering – does anybody know what happened to Bill Murray – NO – NOT the actor, but the manager of the Tilton?? I’m guessing that when the Franks took over the theatre, Bill decided to go bye-bye…..
P.S.– To John Abramson – If I’m not mistaken,
Regal opened this up in ‘93 (not '91) & not long before they ran “The Fugitive” – when I went to see that, the place, itself, still had that “New Theatre Smell” to it!!! lol
But I also seem to remember Regal also posting ads, announcing its grand opening, in the Philly newspapers as well.
I used to live on the East Coast & in So. “Joisey” (Alantic City area). In ‘91, I became the first chief projectionist for the UA Riverview 11 in So. Philly
(my understanding is that they’ve since added more screens). In '93, the Huntingdon Valley was the first theatre to install Dolby Digital (UA installed DTS at my theatre, instead), so on a couple of occasions,
I drove all the way up there to see both “The Fugitive” and “Demolition Man” in that format
(and as for the latter film, I ran that film at my theatre,too!). I have to say that on those 2 occasions,not only was I impressed with the sound but with the presentations as well.
(And for the record, both were shown in the big houses – not the small ones.)
I’m sorry to read what happened to the theatre – but honestly, not really surprised either.
Glenda – are you referring to the Loew’s Cinerama in N.Y.C.?
If so, you might wanna post yer question in the N.Y.C. thread,
since this one is about Las Vegas engagements.
Also, if yer still based in N.Y.C. (or any other major city for that matter), yer best bet would be to go to your local library (main branch) as they may have the N.Y. Times newspaper recorded on microfilm.
Hi – this is Jim Perry writing this reply.
Will try to answer some questions here, but be forewarned – what I’m about to write is either speculation or fact, so please bear with me on this, ok?
First up, I’m a Vegas native & have fond memories of the Cinerama theatre itself.
Unfortunately, when it comes to this particular list, I didn’t see any of these engagements – mostly because I was WAY too young (for the record, I was born on June 13, 1962, so nada on “Circus World” thru “Krakatoa”).
And as for the re-issues of
“This Is Cinerama” & “2001” – let’s just say missed opportunities with these.
To Colbalt:
It depends on 2 things – how the films were shot, format-wise, and how they were presented at the theatre.
As pointed out, all the films listed above were shown in 70mm……
BUT to clarify things more clearly, here’s the list again – only this time with both their format & aspect ratio info.
Circus World:
Super Technirama 70 – 2.20:1
Mediterranean Holiday:
Superpanorama 70 – 2.20:1
The Hallelujah Trail:
Ultra Panavision – 2.76:1
The Greatist Story Ever Told:
Ultra Panavision – 2.76:1
Battle Of The Bulge:
Ultra Panavision – 2.76:1
Khartoum:
Ultra Panavision – 2.76:1
Grand Prix:
Super Panavision – 2.20:1
2001: A Space Odyssey
Super Panavision – 2.20:1
Ice Station Zebra:
Super Panavision – 2.20:1
Krakatoa, East Of Java:
Super Panavision & Todd-AO – 2.20:1
This Is CINERAMA (Re-Release):
Not sure at this writing, but probably 2.20:1.
My guess is that the ones shown at 2.20:1 used the whole screen & the ones shown at 2.76:1 used most of it (a small portion of the top of the screen wasn’t used).
For the record, the theatre also had some 70mm engagements that were not promoted as “Cinerama” presentations
(and, thus, weren’t listed above) including “My Fair Lady”, “Dr. Zhivago” and
“Gone With The Wind” (all 2.20:1).
As for 35mm presentations, a no-brainer that the whole screen wasn’t used, but I believe the theatre presented films in their correct aspect ratios:
Flat (Spherical) -
1.37:1 (“Fantasia” for example), 1.66:1 or 1.85:1, and Scope – 2.35:1 & maybe 2.55:1. (“The King & I” for a possible rare example on the latter – the theatre had a re-issue engagement in 1966, before showing “Khartoum”).
To Ron Newman:
I take it ya haven’t seen Mike’s list for New Haven yet?? lol!!!
All kidding aside, by the time the theatre did open up, the original Cinerama 3-strip process had been abandoned & switched to 70mm by 2/3 years
(hence no Vegas 3-strip engagements).
And to Terry Wade:
Yes, it became a church.
After the Cinerama’s final engagement
(Clint Eastwood’s 3rd ‘Dirty Harry’ flick, “The Enforcer” – Dec. 22, ‘76 thru Jan. 26, '77), the theatre was renamed The Las Vegas CEN†ERAMA (yep – with the ’t’ resembling a cross!).
Still ran movies, mostly of the religious kind – first in 35mm (still had those original 70/35mm projectors up in the booth – “Ten Commandments”,
a double-bill of “David and Bathsheba” & “The Cross and the Switchblade”, to name a couple), then switched to 16mm
(“pan & scan” versions of “Born Free” and ‘a return engagement’ of “Greatist Story etc.” to name 2 more).
Not sure how long the church organization ran the place, but by ‘83 they were already gone & the building was empty.
Also, by this time, I was working at the Huntridge (twin) theatre, and the guy who ran that (along with the Mountain View 3) was thinking of getting his hands on the Cinerama & re-opening it – unfortunately,
whoever owned the property wasn’t interested (supposedly using an excuse to charge WAY TOO MUCH moola for rent), so there went that idea.
Sadly, the theatre finally met the wrecking ball not too long afterwards ('84??).
In regards to the “Windjammer” listing above, a clarification here.
The following ad for the Nevada Drive-In appeared in both LV Review-Journal and Sun newspapers on November 4, 1958, which said:
“Tonight! We are Testing equipment for the new movie "Miracle!"
A "CINEMIRACLE” FEATURE PICTURE “THE WINDJAMMER STORY"
IT WILL THRILL LAS VEGAS SOON!”
As of this writing, it’s unknown exactly what took place that night, as far as “testing” went (no follow-up info, ads, etc.), but whatever the case, the film never got shown at the drive-in
(or any other Vegas theatres, at the time, for that matter).
Because Cinemiracle was basically a Cinerama “clone”, my guess is that the Nevada was, more than likely, deemed “unsuitable” to play the film there, at least for a couple of reasons:
{A.} Lack of a curved screen
(the drive-in’s original one was flat as a board – no good for a “Windjammer” presentation, in other words), and
{B.} A dinky projection booth that couldn’t accomodate all the equipment used for said presentation
(they would’ve had to build a new one).
No, because this theatre/drive-in never existed in the first place (same with the address) – this “lolo” person who submitted this entry is full of crap!
This should be listed as closed/demolished. Yes - the space is where the Caesars Colosseum live venue is now located, but that’s a different building.
In regards to Ron Pierce’s commentary above: The theater did not have a concession stand. So, no food (popcorn, hot dogs, candy, etc.) was sold. If anybody remembers, in the same area, there was a Swenson’s Ice Cream ‘joint’ & even so, you weren’t allowed to bring in anything from there. The theater was strictly drinks only - more than likely, booze & beer (2 drink minimum) for adults, and soda for kids. The showing(s) of “Casablanca” - sometime back in the 70’s, MGM (studios), along with United Artists, bought most - if not all - of the pre-1950’s Warner Bros. film catalog (“Casablanca” was part of the deal). Another “newer” MGM title, that was shown at the theater, was 1967’s “The Dirty Dozen” with Lee Marvin & Charles Bronson. What’s interesting about this - one of the reels, instead of being in English, was in a foreign language (Apparently, the studio didn’t bother to check beforehand. WHOOPS!)
After Bally’s took over the hotel, they basically kept the theater open for about a year. HOWEVER (and unfortunately), that was the end of the theater getting those MGM pristine studio prints. So, they started showing non-MGM movies. Amongst those titles that I saw there - “The Girl Can’t Help It” with Jayne Mansfield, Woody Allen’s “Take The Money And Run”, “The Fly” - the remake with Jeff Goldblum, And “A Shot In The Dark” with Peter Sellers.
The last movie to be shown there was “Diamonds Are Forever” with Sean Connery as
“Bond - James Bond - 007”.
The theater no longer exists - Bally’s tore it down & the area became its “Race & Sports Book”. Thought I’d add - Bally’s is now The Horeshoe.
To David Coppock: No on the IMAX/1997 version of “Titanic”. Other than the usual IMAX shorts, I believe the only IMAX feature film shown here was “Fantasia 2000”.
Dear folks, The last movie that ran at the Fox was “The Emerald Forest” with Powers Boothe in the summer of 1985. Sometime afterwards, the theater was TORN DOWN, so that the Charleston Plaza Mall could (did) do a remodeling job. As for richjr37’s comment that “‘Police Academy 5’ was the last movie to play there when it closed on March 30, 1988” - HIGHLY UNLIKELY! Then again, this is a guy who believed he saw “The Black Stallion” at another Vegas theater (the Parkway 3) in 70mm… So tell us Rich - HOW was that possible, ESPECIALLY since United Artists NEVER released that film in that format?
I’m sorry, folks, but my problem with this richjr37 is the fact that this person HAS NO IDEA was he’s talking about - let alone even commenting on Vegas movie theaters SINCE HE HAS NEVER LIVED HERE & IS BASED SOMEWHERE IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA!!!
To Scott Neff - As for that Century Theatres' document, remember - Century was originally known as Syufy Theatres, and because of what was known as “the ‘Annie’ fiasco” (a story in itself!), Syufy eventually took over the 2 Mann indoor theaters - the Fox & the Boulevard Twin, as well as Plitt’s only Vegas indoor theater, the Parkway 3. As pointed out above, the Fox closed during the summer of 1985 after its engagement of “The Emerald Forest”. Both the Boulevard Twin and the Parkway 3 were still in operation in 1988 - hence that document of yours. It’s my guess that “Police Academy 5” played at either one or the other - as well as the Red Rock 11.
Rich, do us a favor - unless you know your facts, do not - repeat - DO NOT comment on ANYTHING regarding Las Vegas movie theatres.
Jim Perry - a TRUE Vegas Native.
The Rancho Circle wasn’t much of a movie theater due to its size (seat count: probably less than 200). During the first several years of its existence, it ran 2nd & 3rd-run features (a.k.a. “subruns”) after their 1st engagements were over & done with, elsewhere. (An example: not long after this theater opened up, they ran a triple-bill of “A Boy Named Charlie Brown”, “Snoopy Come Home”, and “Skin Game” with James Garner & Lou Gossett.) The theater RARELY played 1st-run features - exceptions: when the theater opened sometime in 1973, the opening feature was a low budget horror flick called “Pigs” (not only did it have to do with rabid pigs, but since ‘73 was the year of “The Exorcist”, the guy who made this POS decided to have an exorcism with a teenage girl as well. Needless to say, “Pigs” didn’t last for more than a week - if it did, maybe 2, but that’s about it. And sometime in 1974, the theater got the exclusive engagement of “Amazing Grace” starring
Moms Mabley - including the world premiere, which Mabley showed up for. Unfortunately, the next year (1975) Mabley passes away. As Samm 98 pointed out above, the theater eventually switched to Spanish language movies - including an exclusive Vegas engagement on the only movie that Spanish 'Boy Band’ “Menudo” made. (DON’T EVEN ASK - have NO idea what it was called! All I remember is that when it came here, the theater put ads in both the Vegas newspapers (The Sun & Review Journal) screaming “HEY GIRLS - WE GOT THE NEW MENUDO MOVIE!!!”)
BILL!!!!! It’s Jim Perry – I’m on Facebook, under the “nom de plummage” ya see here. Drop me a line there. GOOD TO SEE YA!
Cheers.
I helped Mr. Coate in regards to info on the Las Vegas Cinerama engagement(s) – there were 2 – the original First Run “Roadshow”, and the ‘74 re-release / re-issue.
Well Done, Mike!
Just wondering – does anybody know what happened to Bill Murray – NO – NOT the actor, but the manager of the Tilton?? I’m guessing that when the Franks took over the theatre, Bill decided to go bye-bye…..
P.S.– To John Abramson – If I’m not mistaken, Regal opened this up in ‘93 (not '91) & not long before they ran “The Fugitive” – when I went to see that, the place, itself, still had that “New Theatre Smell” to it!!! lol But I also seem to remember Regal also posting ads, announcing its grand opening, in the Philly newspapers as well.
I used to live on the East Coast & in So. “Joisey” (Alantic City area). In ‘91, I became the first chief projectionist for the UA Riverview 11 in So. Philly (my understanding is that they’ve since added more screens). In '93, the Huntingdon Valley was the first theatre to install Dolby Digital (UA installed DTS at my theatre, instead), so on a couple of occasions, I drove all the way up there to see both “The Fugitive” and “Demolition Man” in that format (and as for the latter film, I ran that film at my theatre,too!). I have to say that on those 2 occasions,not only was I impressed with the sound but with the presentations as well. (And for the record, both were shown in the big houses – not the small ones.) I’m sorry to read what happened to the theatre – but honestly, not really surprised either.
Glenda – are you referring to the Loew’s Cinerama in N.Y.C.?
If so, you might wanna post yer question in the N.Y.C. thread,
since this one is about Las Vegas engagements.
Also, if yer still based in N.Y.C. (or any other major city for that matter), yer best bet would be to go to your local library (main branch) as they may have the N.Y. Times newspaper recorded on microfilm.
Hi – this is Jim Perry writing this reply.
Will try to answer some questions here, but be forewarned – what I’m about to write is either speculation or fact, so please bear with me on this, ok?
First up, I’m a Vegas native & have fond memories of the Cinerama theatre itself.
Unfortunately, when it comes to this particular list, I didn’t see any of these engagements – mostly because I was WAY too young (for the record, I was born on June 13, 1962, so nada on “Circus World” thru “Krakatoa”).
And as for the re-issues of
“This Is Cinerama” & “2001” – let’s just say missed opportunities with these.
To Colbalt:
It depends on 2 things – how the films were shot, format-wise, and how they were presented at the theatre.
As pointed out, all the films listed above were shown in 70mm……
BUT to clarify things more clearly, here’s the list again – only this time with both their format & aspect ratio info.
Circus World:
Super Technirama 70 – 2.20:1
Mediterranean Holiday:
Superpanorama 70 – 2.20:1
The Hallelujah Trail:
Ultra Panavision – 2.76:1
The Greatist Story Ever Told:
Ultra Panavision – 2.76:1
Battle Of The Bulge:
Ultra Panavision – 2.76:1
Khartoum:
Ultra Panavision – 2.76:1
Grand Prix:
Super Panavision – 2.20:1
2001: A Space Odyssey
Super Panavision – 2.20:1
Ice Station Zebra:
Super Panavision – 2.20:1
Krakatoa, East Of Java:
Super Panavision & Todd-AO – 2.20:1
This Is CINERAMA (Re-Release):
Not sure at this writing, but probably 2.20:1.
My guess is that the ones shown at 2.20:1 used the whole screen & the ones shown at 2.76:1 used most of it (a small portion of the top of the screen wasn’t used).
For the record, the theatre also had some 70mm engagements that were not promoted as “Cinerama” presentations
(and, thus, weren’t listed above) including “My Fair Lady”, “Dr. Zhivago” and
“Gone With The Wind” (all 2.20:1).
As for 35mm presentations, a no-brainer that the whole screen wasn’t used, but I believe the theatre presented films in their correct aspect ratios:
Flat (Spherical) -
1.37:1 (“Fantasia” for example), 1.66:1 or 1.85:1, and Scope – 2.35:1 & maybe 2.55:1. (“The King & I” for a possible rare example on the latter – the theatre had a re-issue engagement in 1966, before showing “Khartoum”).
To Ron Newman:
I take it ya haven’t seen Mike’s list for New Haven yet?? lol!!!
All kidding aside, by the time the theatre did open up, the original Cinerama 3-strip process had been abandoned & switched to 70mm by 2/3 years
(hence no Vegas 3-strip engagements).
And to Terry Wade:
Yes, it became a church.
After the Cinerama’s final engagement
(Clint Eastwood’s 3rd ‘Dirty Harry’ flick, “The Enforcer” – Dec. 22, ‘76 thru Jan. 26, '77), the theatre was renamed The Las Vegas CEN†ERAMA (yep – with the ’t’ resembling a cross!).
Still ran movies, mostly of the religious kind – first in 35mm (still had those original 70/35mm projectors up in the booth – “Ten Commandments”,
a double-bill of “David and Bathsheba” & “The Cross and the Switchblade”, to name a couple), then switched to 16mm
(“pan & scan” versions of “Born Free” and ‘a return engagement’ of “Greatist Story etc.” to name 2 more).
Not sure how long the church organization ran the place, but by ‘83 they were already gone & the building was empty.
Also, by this time, I was working at the Huntridge (twin) theatre, and the guy who ran that (along with the Mountain View 3) was thinking of getting his hands on the Cinerama & re-opening it – unfortunately,
whoever owned the property wasn’t interested (supposedly using an excuse to charge WAY TOO MUCH moola for rent), so there went that idea.
Sadly, the theatre finally met the wrecking ball not too long afterwards ('84??).
In regards to the “Windjammer” listing above, a clarification here.
The following ad for the Nevada Drive-In appeared in both LV Review-Journal and Sun newspapers on November 4, 1958, which said:
“Tonight! We are Testing equipment for the new movie "Miracle!"
A "CINEMIRACLE” FEATURE PICTURE “THE WINDJAMMER STORY"
IT WILL THRILL LAS VEGAS SOON!”
As of this writing, it’s unknown exactly what took place that night, as far as “testing” went (no follow-up info, ads, etc.), but whatever the case, the film never got shown at the drive-in
(or any other Vegas theatres, at the time, for that matter).
Because Cinemiracle was basically a Cinerama “clone”, my guess is that the Nevada was, more than likely, deemed “unsuitable” to play the film there, at least for a couple of reasons:
{A.} Lack of a curved screen
(the drive-in’s original one was flat as a board – no good for a “Windjammer” presentation, in other words), and
{B.} A dinky projection booth that couldn’t accomodate all the equipment used for said presentation
(they would’ve had to build a new one).
Cheers!
No, because this theatre/drive-in never existed in the first place (same with the address) – this “lolo” person who submitted this entry is full of crap!