Westport Cine'
910 Westport Plaza,
Maryland Heights,
MO
63143
910 Westport Plaza,
Maryland Heights,
MO
63143
4 people
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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!
Kyle, Still there according to Google Earth. Uploaded an aerial.
August 10th, 1973 grand opening ad in photo section.
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?
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!
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
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? :–)
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?
The only movie I ever saw here was “Star Wars”.
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.
For the sake of accuracy it was the Westport (one word).
Theatre operated from April 1973 until February 2001. Architectural credit given to Peters & Koblenc, Inc.
I recall Westport showing the “100 Greatest Films” (according to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences). I believe that was sometime around 2000 or so. I was in St. Louis around Christmas just before the Westport Cine closed and drove by it on Christmas Eve. I noticed they had art films playing but were going to show a series of “Classic” movies for New Year’s, one of which was Ferris Bueller. Sadly, I had arrived after the last movie had started and could not get in. By February of the next year, the theater had closed.
Also, when I heard Westport was getting Rocky Horror, I knew it was going to close soon. Any Wehrenberg theater that gets Rocky Horror seems to close not long after.
The last few years that the theatre was open it was being used more for rentals more than anything. They tried a few different formats to bring it back to life including showing old movies from the 40’s & 50’s. Some of the main movies being showng were Indian films. After Shady Oak closed West Port took on The Rocky Horror Picture Show. That was that last movie played.
Actually, the building that used to house the Westport Cine now houses a restaurant called Mageurita Mama’s…like I really care…I’d rather have the theater back. Saw Star Wars there. Great place! :)