Rio Theatre
323 Walnut Street,
Harrisburg,
PA
17113
323 Walnut Street,
Harrisburg,
PA
17113
2 people
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The Rio Theatre closed for the summer on June 10, 1954 reopening that September. But a month after reopening, the theatre closed permanently with a double feature of “Coroner Creek” and “Gunfighters” on October 25, 1954. Operator Edward Herre was having the former Rife Hotel demolished next door and decided to take down the Rio, as well. That demolition by Hanover Construction began in December of 1954 and was completed in 1955.
We might add here that the Rio is not only closed, it’s demolished.
My blog may have been removed somehow. I have not posted for years.
The Majestic theater, which had been closed in 1935, underwent a transformation and emerged anew as the Rio on November 4th, 1938, thanks to the efforts of Wilmer & Vincent Corp.
The Majestic and Orpheum theatres both opened on February 3rd, 1908. Grand opening ad posted.
1928 photo as the Majestic Theatre added, courtesy of Arthur H. Lahote. Original source unknown.
After the demolition of the Rio. You can still see the gas station which is to the right in the previous photo of the theater in its prime.
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BTW I now date my previous Rio photo at 1950, the year THE SAVAGE HORDE with Wild Bill Elliott (the film on the marquee) was released.
FLICKr Album:
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I hardly ever attended the Rio, Like JohnS the westerns and B-movies it screened never appealed to me. Then it was one of the first downtown Harrisburg theaters to be razed.
Thus I only have vague recollections of the interior. If anyone has any clearer memories I would like to read them.
JohnS, where on Market St. was the Victoria? Downtown? I don’t recall that theater at all.
Do you remember Harrisburg radio personality, Red McCarthy? He had a show broadcast from a studio on Market St. close to Front St.
I was just starting to run movies at the time the Rio was about to close. My dad took me there twice, my Uncle was the projectionist, I always remember it being real neat and clean…Never worked this one…
Great photo of the Rio. I have a newspaper clipping with that photo. Thanks for posting that on your blog.
You may find a photograph of the Rio on my blog.
Please feel free to check my archives for other theater photos (and for film and film music reviews) and to leave your comments.
Thank you.
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Nice to read your memories of the Rio, Ross! Although the Rio existed in my lifetime (barely) I only know it from newspaper articles. I recall reading that the Rio (which was associated with the State and Colonial) became an “action house” after the Victoria on Market Street was closed and demolished for a 5 & 10 in the 1940s. Westerns were a specialty. Roy Rogers (riding Trigger) appeared on stage a few times as did many other Western stars. Harrisburg radio legend Ed K. Smith used to broadcast a live kids show on WHP radio every Saturday from the Rio. I’ve always supposed that with the demise of Westerns and B pictures (which became television) there wasn’t enough product available to sustain three theaters owned by the same company downtown and the Rio got the ax. I’ve seen photos of the exterior and it was really attractive.
Excellent entry.