Royal 3 Cinemas

33 Central Avenue SW,
Le Mars, IA 51031

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50sSNIPES
50sSNIPES on November 25, 2024 at 7:17 am

On May 4, 1990, the then-Royal Twin Theater’s owner, 44-year-old Terry March, took his own life by shooting himself in the head on a graveled road almost two miles away south of downtown. His car was also found parked 40ft away on a farm field driveway. Officer Dave Stock of the Plymouth County Sheriff’s Office replied that his death was ruled as a suicide.

50sSNIPES
50sSNIPES on January 10, 2024 at 8:28 am

The Royal Theatre opened its doors on September 14, 1914 with a live presentation of ‘The Mascot" led by the Boston Ideal Opera Company and the theater’s 6-piece orchestra led by Mr. Niles. The 60x100ft theater originally housed 600 seats, and was first operated by the Royal Amusement Company. It would eventually screen movies shortly afterward. The March Bros. chain took over the Royal in 1934 from Dudley C. Scott. The Royal was remodeled in October 1939 and again in July 1967.

In June 1969, the Royal Theatre was twinned, causing its capacity to downgrade from 600 to 385 (with 275 seats in Screen 1 and 110 seats in Screen 2). Screen 1 featured stereo sound, while Screen 2 originally featured mono sound until August 1988 when stereo sound was installed inside Screen 2 during a major upgrade which featured updates to both projection, screen covers, and sound systems.

A third screen was added in September 1996 causing another remodel. Screen 1’s capacity was yet again downgraded from 275 to 110, while Screen 2 remains the same. Screen 3 featured 150 seats and stereo sound. Because of Screen 3’s addiction, the total capacity of the theater stands at 370 seats.

rayman29
rayman29 on October 8, 2022 at 8:00 pm

ACX is just a new name of Main Street. Either way, i don’t think they own the Royal anymore but not sure.

Joe Vogel
Joe Vogel on May 1, 2017 at 4:48 pm

The Royal Theatre had recently changed hands, according to the January 29, 1916, issue of Motography:

“Carl Noltze of Cleghorn has purchased the Royal theater at Le Mars from George Toppings. The Royal will be managed by Mr. Harding, who will continue to run pictures as the regular program, but other shows and sporting events will also be staged.”

Trolleyguy
Trolleyguy on April 14, 2016 at 7:36 am

Operated by Main Street Theatres. Updated website link: http://www.mainstreettheatres.com/lemars.html

dallasmovietheaters
dallasmovietheaters on March 5, 2016 at 4:52 am

1916 ad posted in photos

CSWalczak
CSWalczak on January 25, 2011 at 11:36 am

An article about the renovations that are underway: http://www.lemarssentinel.com/story/1697660.html

Mike Rogers
Mike Rogers on November 2, 2010 at 7:38 pm

Impressed with one-sheets on display.

TLSLOEWS
TLSLOEWS on November 1, 2010 at 2:09 pm

Thanks,Great looking theatre.

CSWalczak
CSWalczak on November 1, 2010 at 12:57 pm

There are plans underway to restore and reopen this theater: http://www.lemarssentinel.com/story/1677301.html

kdavis
kdavis on January 13, 2010 at 1:28 pm

According Sanborn Fire Insurance maps, the Royal Theater dates to at least 1923.

CSWalczak
CSWalczak on November 11, 2009 at 3:14 pm

According to this article, the theater is closed and for sale:
http://www.lemarssentinel.com/story/1586257.html