Norwich Cinemas

This was a theatre in a strip mall. It was owned by Hoyts, Welch, and Cinema North at various times I believe. You can see a photo of it prior to its closing at http://www.cinematour.com/tour.php?db=us&id=5847 .

I believe this was also partof the Loews family.

This cinema was located in Barkers Shopping Center with Barkers Supermarket the original tenant back in 1959. More than 15 years later, the architectural plans were approved in January of 1976 for this automated twin-cinema to be located in what was Barkers Shopping Center between Barkers and the Consumer Food Outlet store. The Norwich Cinema 1 & 2 opened August 18, 1976 with “Murder By Death” and “Silent Movie" likely on a 25-year leasing agreement.

On May 18, 1980, Hoyts Cinemas took on the venue renaming it as Hoyt’s Norwich Cinemas 2 with “Bird on a Wire” and “Pretty Woman.” Barkers must have checked out because in 1991, the center was renamed as the East Great Plains Plaza. Hoyts closed at the end of its lease on January 4, 2001 with “Cast Away” and “…Grinch….”

Raymond Welch - operator of Welch’s Jawett City Cinema, remodeled the venue reducing seat count with new seats and cupholders. That reopening occurred as the Welch Norwich Cinemas on April 20, 2001 and.- after benefit screenings of “Pokemon 3” and “"See Spot Run,” it launched that night with “Crocodile Dundee in L.A.” and “Heartbreakers” with a late show of “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.”

Welch had added Willimantic and Dayville cinemas but declared bankruptcy in 2003. In that reorganization, he closed the Welch Norwich Cinemas on March 20, 2003 with “Dreamcatcher” and, of course, “Bringing Down The House.” Welch also closed the Jewett City cinema days later in reoganization. The Cinema’s floors were leveled and the space was converted for use for an outpatient, blood center. I’m thinking the entry should be the Norwich Cinemas.