King Cinema III

216 S. 7th Street,
La Crosse, WI 54601

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Additional Info

Previously operated by: Marcus Theatres

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King Cinema III

Opened on August 22, 1972 as a planned twin theatre originally intended for the Jerry Lewis chain. It showed first run features. It was operated by Marcus Theatres from 1984. On April 17, 1987 the largest screen was divided into two screens and it operated as a triple screen until it closed in 2004. The theater has been demolished since then.

Contributed by Chuck Van Bibber

Recent comments (view all 11 comments)

Corsair09
Corsair09 on August 30, 2005 at 3:34 am

A shamne really, but towards the end, it was showing second-run films, and just couldn’t compete with either of the big multiplex theaters in La Crosse. I will always have fond memories of the old King Theaters though, as that was where my parents took me to see this new film that was out, that everyone was talking about.. “Star Wars.” Also, in 1970’s, we never had much money, but we managed to go see movies there back when they had $.99 movies. We all shared a popcorn and soda..

In later years, I lived in an apartment builing just down the street from the King while I was in College. The building is still there, on the corner of Seventh and Cass, and is the same unfortunate shade of green. In the summer time, the smell of fresh popcorn emanating from the King Theater would be nearly overwhelming.

Farewell, old friend..

kencmcintyre
kencmcintyre on August 8, 2006 at 1:22 pm

Here is an article about the closing from the local paper:
http://tinyurl.com/ektdh

wisdoug
wisdoug on September 13, 2006 at 4:16 pm

Alas, the King Theater is simply a vacant lot at this point. There is nothing to remind one of the theater that once occupied the spot.

wisdoug
wisdoug on December 15, 2007 at 8:57 am

A federal government building now occupies this spot. A lovely building but still hard to replace the memories.

davidsdata110011
davidsdata110011 on January 28, 2011 at 12:19 pm

Originally owned by Cinemaland Theatres of Minneapolis' Marvin Mann, Ted Mann’s brother. Marcus Theatres purchased the theatre in May, 1983.

Coate
Coate on January 28, 2011 at 1:22 pm

<<< “I will always have fond memories of the old King Theaters though, as that was where my parents took me to see this new film that was out, that everyone was talking about…‘Star Wars.’ ” >>>

The La Crosse first-run engagement of “Star Wars” was actually at the Plitt Hollywood, not at the King. Perhaps it was during one of the film’s numerous re-issues that you saw it at the King?

drbjerkaas
drbjerkaas on February 1, 2011 at 7:21 am

All original Star Wars movies were show at the Hollywood. Mike is correct. Star Wars Ep. IV was shown at the King in August, 1980 with a 2 minute trailer for TESB. That’s the only time Star Wars was shown at the King.

Coate
Coate on February 1, 2011 at 9:05 am

That would be August of ‘79. :–)

PackerBacker
PackerBacker on March 21, 2018 at 9:40 am

David is correct. Th King theatre was originally going to be a Jerry Lewis Cinema, but money became a problem and Marvin Mann of Cinemaland Theatres in Minneapolis purchased the Theatre managed by Dick Lepsch. The King was originally a twin theatre.

rivest266
rivest266 on January 16, 2019 at 2:11 pm

This opened on August 22nd, 1972 (a day before the Marcus Cinemas opened) as a twin cinema and taken over by Marcus in 1984. The largest cinema was split into two creating three screens opening on April 17th, 1987 and closed in 2004. 1972 grand opening ad posted.

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