Howard Theatre
2614 N. Front Street,
Philadelphia,
PA
19133
2614 N. Front Street,
Philadelphia,
PA
19133
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The Howard Theatre is listed consistently into 1959 at 2614-2620 North Front Street. On October 24, 1963, the Howard played adult films and had live burlesque rebranded as the Howard Follies Theatre. (See photo.) Protests led to the end of that practice on August 5, 1964. A final operator came in rebranding under an “art” house policy as the renamed Art Howard Theatre. It appears that two adult titles would be placed with a more mainstream title. The Art Howard ceased operations on February 14, 1965 with a triple feature of Doris Wishman in “Diary of a Nudist,” Rose Alba in “Eves on Skis.” and Kim Novak in “Kiss Me, Stupid.” Clearly, the marquee remained “Howard” so no real need to change the listing entry.
Used to see 3-D movies there. Must have been a good projectionist as I don’t remember anyone getting headaches from the movies.
After it was demolished, the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) redeveloped the site as part of a new community of affordable housing.
I grew up 3 blocks from this theater and I don’t remember this ever being an adult theater.It was purchased in the mid 60’s by a private buyer and turned into an old style movie theater showing films like Godzilla 1954 an old western serials.This didn’t last long and within a few years became a Baptist church then eventually an apartment complex.
In 1963 this theater was operating with an adults-only policy and advertising as the “Howard Follies.”