Marlow Theatre

The Marlow Theatre opened August 21, 1934, and Film Daily September 21, 1934, reported it was previously called Memorial Hall. The Brainerd Daily Dispatch August 29, 1974, noted the theatre was originally constructed by Everett (Pop) Evans in 1919.

The Daily Dispatch reported in 1965 owner John Rohr first operated the Marlow Theatre in 1934 in a partnership with Homer Fraser and bought out his interest after two years. By 1935 he was traveling to nearby communities with a truck and equipment to show drive-in movies. On the opening of the Gem Theatre in Hill City on November 23, 1938, it was reported Mr. Rohr now had three theatres in operation, which included the Marlow Theatre and the Remer Show Theatre at Hill City. On May16, 1940, it was reported Mr. Rohr had purchased the Marlow Theatre building from Major H.C. Skinner.

As one photograph shows, in the early-1940’s the Marlowe Theatre was remodeled with new streamline styling. The movie shown on the marquee was the 1943 release “So Proudly we Hail" starring Claudette Colbert. Before and after photographs can be seen on Heritage Group North Facebook.

The theatre was operated continuously except for 22 month in which Mr. Rohr spent in the service. On January 13, 1945, Rohr was the subject of a Boxoffice magazine article in which he noted at that time he was in charge of an air base theatre and a writer for the camp newspaper and reading Boxoffice was helpful in keeping in touch with the business upon his discharge.

On November 1, 1965, the Daily Dispatch reported the Marlow Theatre was badly damaged by fire this morning. Mr. Rohr, who had an apartment with his wife above the theatre, reported the fire started in a laundromat on the ground floor. Damages included the screen, sound system, 75 per-cent of the seating, draperies and apartment. On April 15, 1966, Mr. Rohr, with help from his sons, Tom and Mike, reopened the renovated theatre with John Wayne in “The Sons Of Katie Elder".

Heritage Group North notes after being sold by Mr. Rohr in 1979, the Marlow Theatre was demolished by fire in 1980 while showing “The Muppet Movie". A dramatic color night-time photograph of the fire is on their Facebook page.

Film Daily Year Book 1950 lists the Marlow Theatre with 310 seats.

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