Cape Cinema
35 Hope Lane,
Dennis,
MA
02638
35 Hope Lane,
Dennis,
MA
02638
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Rockwell Kent’s design for the mural was painted by his friend Jo Mielziner who was a stage set designer, (later, a very prominent one). But Kent did come to MA to sign the mural in 1930. Jo Mielziner also signed it.
The Quincy MA Patriot-Ledger of Thurs May 28, 2015 has a feature article reprinted from the Cape Cod Times, with color photo, about the 6400-square foot mural painted on the ceiling and walls. It was designed by the artist Rockwell Kent in his upstate NY studio. But Kent was a Left-wing zealot who vowed never to set foot in Massachusetts again because of the Sacco-Vanzetti case.
1930 interior view here:
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The Cape Cinema in Dennis was named one of the 5 top movie theaters in New England by Yankee Magazine.
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have just purchased 4 postcards from ebay : herewith two lo-res links
: higher to follow : what an amazing cinema !
http://www.flickr.com/photos/kevp/3473379556/
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It looks like a sweet little cinema theatre. Thanks for the photos, Lost Memory.
It is amazing this theatre has survived but as I remember it was the only cinema within miles. When I worked there in the early 70’s the original VitaPhone equipment was still being used. The projection and sound system carried patents held by Edison. A motor generator was used to provide the DC for the antique vacuum tubes. Of course the illumination for the projectors was supplied by carbon arch. It is indeed a historic theatre. To bad the other theatres on Cape Cod didn’t survive.
this one on their website
http://capecinema.com/
Any interior photos of this theatre?
Howard: Thanks for the clarification and the Oz Fun Facts.
Maybe for the East Coast, but not world premiere,
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Paul: Your March 10, 2005 post is most interesting in regards to the real first premiere was held for The Wizard of Oz due to Miss Margaret Hamilton.
The boxoffice record at the Cape Cinema was broken by a 5-day engagement of a new film “The Golden Boys” which played Nov. 17 – 21 and grossed $ 36,290. The movie, originally titled “Chatham”, features David Carradine, Bruce Dern, Rip Torn and Mariel Hemingway. This was reported in the entertainment section of the Boston Herald of Nov. 26, 2007.
Some pix of the outside : renowned for it’s beautiful gardens ( something you rarely hear of in relation to cinemas !
http://www.flickr.com/photos/kevp/1954436739/
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http://www.flickr.com/photos/kevp/1954412479/
There is a MGM Theatre Photograph and Report form for the Cape Cinema with an exterior photo dated May 1941. The Report refers to it simply as “Cinema”. In the photo, there is a large portable poster board next to the entrance. The Report states that the Cinema has been presenting MGM product for over 5 years; that it was less than 15 years old; and was in Deluxe condition. There were 274 seats on the main floor and 40 in the balcony, total: 314 seats. The Patronage was described as “DeLuxe Class – Summer”. There were no other cinemas in Dennis in 1941 and the population was 2,000.
The projection booth
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A framed poster in the lobby calls attention to the fact that the 1939 premiere of “The Wizard of Oz” took place at the Cape Cinema before its New York showing. According to the manager, Margaret Hamilton (Elvira Gulch/Wicked Witch) was appearing at the adjacent Cape Playhouse and arranged for the event.
This medium-sized theatre, which looks like a New England country church from the outside, is one of the joys of Cape Cod. I just attended a Wednesday evening showing of the delightful film set in Mongolia, “The Story of the Weeping Camel.” The audience was large and appreciative of this unusual work, and suggested a clientele that was highly attuned to movies of artistic merit. The previously programmed feature had been “Fahrenheit 9/11” which had played only its allotted two weeks (to smash business!) so that it would not occupy the cinema’s single screen the whole summer and so the cinema could provide a variety of programs for the season. A notice was posted at the entrance and boxoffice to remind people who may have come for the Moore film that it was no longer playing.
The seats here are not regular theatre seats but rather wide padded comfy-chairs with metal arm-rests. They do not have a flip-up seat. The chairs are all covered with clean white fitted coverings. The justly famous ceiling mural mentioned in the Ross Melnick description is a stunning vision and makes you feel that you are in a special place.
The laudable Center Stage Cafe'/Restaurant is steps away in this beautiful complex of separate buildings that includes the Cape Playhouse, a museum, and the cinema. One could spend an entire day here enjoying the cultural/theatrical/cinematic offerings as well as the good food. And one should!