Hollis Theatre
49 Hollis Street,
Framingham,
MA
01702
49 Hollis Street,
Framingham,
MA
01702
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Additional Info
Previously operated by: E.M. Loew's Theaters Inc.
Functions: Church
Styles: Streamline Moderne
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Built and operated by E. M. Loew’s Theatres, the Hollis Theatre opened in 1938 at 49 Hollis Street in downtown Framingham. It was one of 43 theates in the chain. The Hollis Theatre joined the St. George Theatre and Gorman Theatre in entertaining Framingham residents until the early-1950’s, when General Cinema built their first shopping center theatre in Shoppers World on the other side of town.
At that time, the glamorous new “Cinema” became the place to go for first run film. Relegated to playing subrun after the Cinema, and hurt by television, all three downtown theatres suffered and the Hollis Theatre closed in 1954.
The St. George Theatre and Gorman Theatre survived until the late-1960’s supported by throngs of kids who filled them up on the weekends to see AIP horror, and kiddie shows.
Contributed by
David Wodeyla
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Recent comments (view all 4 comments)
The MGM Theatre Photograph and Report card for the Hollis has a photo taken in May 1941. There is a square marquee with 3 lines on the front and sides with black letters. Above is what appears to be a false front with “Hollis” in huge letters. Movies playing are Tyrone Power in “In Old Chicago” plus “Phantom Submarine”. The Report states that the Hollis has been presenting MGM product for over 2 years, that it was built in 1939, that it is in Good condition, and that it has 918 seats, all on one floor.
Slight correction in the last paragraph.
While the St. George featured the AIP, Beach Blanket, Hercules, and Three Stooges Sat. mat fare (and blockbusters like “Ten Commandments”), the Gorman, at least in its last years, tended toward the art house features. As a young teen, I remember seeing “Lonliness of the Long Distance Runner”, “This Sporting Life”, and lots of Fellini at the charming Gorman. “Ben-Hur” was one of the few huge films that played there during its last decade.
The Gorman played after the Cinema, http://natickmass.info/Gorman.htm but I don’t remember lots of Fellini.
Well, maybe not “lots”, but I can’t think of where else it would play in Framingham. I could be mistaken… it was a few years ago!