Circle Cinema

dallasmovietheaters on November 4, 2022 at 6:32 pm

The entry for the Circle Cinema by Jeff Chapman reads, “At this time little is known about the Circle Theatre. In the 1970’s it was operating as an adult movie theatre. It was closed in 1983. At this time little is known about the Circle Theatre.” For those hoping for accurate information - including the venue’s name, it’s below.

The circular stadium-shaped adult cinema and retail shop began as what was going to be a chain of sports-themed restaurants called Big Leaguer(s). Opening in 1969 and inspired by the Astrodome, the “mini-stadium” venue booked special guest Rocky Marciano to stoke business. The concept fizzled quickly fading within about six months. The venue was then converted to a live events concept known as The Sound Sircus with live concerts. That business had stops and starts losing its liquor license and for not serving minority patrons closing in 1975.

After a refresh, the venue was reopened as the Circle Cinema - an adult theater arriving late in the porno chic period of film exhibition. It opened on January 21, 1976 with Andrea True in “The Seduction of Lynn Carter” and Bambi Allen in “Affair in the Air.” As a welcome to the neighborhood, the City of Wichita busted the venue for obscene content. The crackdown was unwarranted as the venue showed X-rated fare and not the unrated “XXX” content that might have more of a chance in the court system. By the late 1980s, the Circle catered to gay patrons. The successful venue continued with triple feature films and video rentals.

In 2005, the City tried to zone the business into obsolescence without success and instead constantly harassed the cinema’s patrons with vice busts trying to close the business in that manner. Give the plucky Circle folks credit for not caving even if the entertainment was not in line with most of the public’s sensibilities. The venue’s theatrical exhibition was temporarily closed on March 16, 2020 due to COVID-19 and did not look to be making a comeback. The main business emphasis was on adult toys and CBD products but it was still conducting business / operational as the Circle Cinema.

rivest266 on January 28, 2021 at 1:13 pm

Opened on January 21st, 1976. Grand opening ad posted.