Westport Cine'
910 Westport Plaza,
Maryland Heights,
MO
63143
910 Westport Plaza,
Maryland Heights,
MO
63143
4 people
favorited this theater
Additional Info
Previously operated by: Wehrenberg Theatres
Firms: Peters & Koblenc, Inc.
Functions: Restaurant
Nearby Theaters
The Westport Cine' was opened August 10, 1973 seating 842 in two auditoriums. Opened by the Wehrenberg Theatre chain the Westport Cine' was built in the Westport Plaza, an upscale office, entertainment and shopping center. The Westport Cine' played both first run but was located in an area that drew larges crowds for art films.
The Westport Cine' was a very successful theatre but with all the multipexes opening nearby and no room for expanding the theatre, the Wehrenberg chain closed the theatre in February 2001. After closing, the building was converted into a restaurant.
Contributed by
Charles Van Bibber
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Recent comments (view all 15 comments)
The only movie I saw here was the 007 flick “For Your Eyes Only.” I thought it was neat how they synchronized the opening of the curtain & dimming of the house lights with the ever popular Weherenberg Theatres jingle.
The only movie I ever saw here was “Star Wars”.
As I recall, this was one of the few movie theaters that didn’t have a box office. You bought your tickets at the front of the concession stand after you went in. I believe the Alton Cine had a similar “no box office” setup. Can anyone confirm?
A twin cinema that was much, much better than any other twin cinema! One auditorium was equipped for 70mm and 6-track Dolby Stereo. My favorite experience there was in 1978, with Terrence Malick’s “Days of Heaven,” my second-favorite film of all time!
It was a great venue, and hats off to Wehrenberg for elevating the twin to the level of Westport! The union-led crew took great pride in making sure that the projection and sound were right on the money. And, as mentioned, the opening curtains with the Wehrenberg jingle made every showing special!
Other very fond memories include “Star Trek: The Motion Picture,” “Ordinary People,” “Tron” and “Damien: Omen II.” Yes, I love that movie, what can I say? :–)
Kyle, I can confirm the no-box office format. I worked there as an usher from about 1979 to about 1982. Oh, the things I could tell you that went on in there!
Anyway, yes, the front of the cinema had two outdoor alcoves separated by the walls enclosing the front foyer. To get your tickers, you stood in the foyer at the dual cash registers that were at the front of an oblong concession stand.
If anyone knows how to contact any of the staff from that time, I’d love to reconnect.
Bob
Bob_Villhard: PLEASE share some stories!!! Well, at least ones that are somewhat family friendly…Although I only saw one movie at Westport, I always loved going to Westport Plaza. That place had such a neat vibe, but it just seemed to just lose momentum as the 80s and 90s went by, which was reflected in what happened to the theater. If you can share any insight…as well as any stories…we’d all love to hear it!
Does anyone know if the building that used to house Westport Cine is still there? I was looking at Westport Plaza’s website and couldn’t find it in any of the pictures on that site and the center map was no help at all. Does anyone know?
August 10th, 1973 grand opening ad in photo section.
Kyle, Still there according to Google Earth. Uploaded an aerial.
I was also wondering which building (that must currently exist?) was the theater.
Also, in an effort to help grow Westport back to the destination it once was, I would love to see a larger scale movie theater come back here!