Rialto Theatre
439-441 Market Street,
Sunbury,
PA
17801
439-441 Market Street,
Sunbury,
PA
17801
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Overview still needs to be updated. The Rialto was still in operation when it burned. “Midnight Express” released October 6th, 1978 was on the marquee, at the time of the December 27th, 1978 fire.
The Victoria Theatre launched November 9, 1911 by L.J. Chamberlin. With two Powers projectors, diminutive lobby, and sloped floor, the Victoria was a mainstay in silent film presentation in Sunbury. When the Victoria was sold to Comerford Circuit in 1930, it was changed to the Rialto Theatre, the name which it retained until 1978.
The Rialto was still in operation when it burned. “Midnight Express” released October 6th, 1978 was on the marquee, at the time of the December 27th, 1978 fire.
A permit for a theater at Sunbury was issued in March, 1919, and noted in the Department Reports of Pennsylvania that year. No details about the project were given except that it was being built by the “Gen. Amusement Co.” (probably a company set up for the specific purpose of building the house) and designed by architect W. H. Lee. Given that he Rialto was built around 1920, it was probably this project.
The Rialto burned on December 27, 1978. There is a picture of the theatre burning on the Daily Item – Sunbury, PA Website
www.dailyitem.com
Click on Photos, then Photo Gallery, and then Historical Photos and Front Pages.
There is also a picture from the 60’s that has Sunbury’s other theatre, the Strand, in it.
Recall The Rialto playing more childrens films towards the end, along with a lot of double features.
Was in disrepair before the fire, which I thought was in the early 1980’s? Could be wrong…
I have just learned from a past employee of this theatre that it was once named “Victoria”
Here’s a scan of a ticket from the early 1970’s:
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Here’s a 1950’s vintage outside shot:
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The Rialto was actually built circa 1920. The front of the building was a mix of classic and Beaux-Arts style. It had an open air foyer with vaulted ceiling and numerous bare light bulbs. There were offices on the third floor over the lobby. The lobby was about 20x20 feet with restrooms left and right. Seating was approx 475. There was a small stage, tin ceilings and cooling fans mounted to the pilasters. It must have been a pleasantly comfortable theater in its heyday. The Comerford chain aquired it in the late 20’s and added the marquee. Comerford was aquired by Cinecom and Cinecom by Sportservice. And sorry Jeff but it was only leased by American Amusement.
The Rialto (or the Rathole as lovingly called by the locals) was a Sportservice House until purchased by the American Amusement Corp in 1978. It did show sub-run/1st run until it succumbed to a fire in the late 1970’s and was torn down. The vacant lot was purchased by the Zion Lutheran Church and is used by the church.