President Theatre
2308 Snyder Avenue,
Philadelphia,
PA
19145
2308 Snyder Avenue,
Philadelphia,
PA
19145
1 person favorited this theater
Additional Info
Architects: David Supowitz
Functions: Banquet Hall, Church
Styles: Art Deco
Nearby Theaters
The President Theatre opened in 1936 with seating for just over 1,000. The theatre was located on Snyder Avenue at S. 23rd Street. It closed on September 28, 1975 with Warren Beatty in “Shampoo”. It later converted into a banquet hall, which it continues to serve as today, as well as being used as a church.
Contributed by
Bryan
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Recent comments (view all 9 comments)
Currently called Addeo’s President Banquet Room, and still in operation (I believe).
The theater was “restored” to it’s former glory to play a major role in the 1995 movie “Two Bits”, starring Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio and Al Pacino. The story takes place on a hot summer day in 1933 South Philly, where 12-year old Gennaro lives with his widowed mom and his ailing grandpa, who sits outside holding tight to his last quarter, promised to Gennaro, which Gennaro would like to have to buy a ticket to the new local movie theater.
More movie info here: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0114753/
That theater is the President, and was called the President in the movie. There were many shots of the exterior, recreated wonderfully to a period-correct look – though I’m not sure how true it was to the original. The building facade looks to be in good shape today due to the movie’s recreation efforts.
Recent aerial photo of the building, showing the facade, can be seen here:
http://lawrenceotoole.com/images/president.jpg
In 1961, the phone number was Dewey 4-6000.
Here is an undated photo:
http://tinyurl.com/ytk7es
Looks like it’s a church now.
http://tinyurl.com/yge5ycl
As I recall, Tuesday night was Ladies Night and they had a double feature of tear jerkers:)
I my family owned the movie theater and then the catering hall it was converted to for many years. Looking for an old photo with my families name on the marquee if any has one. Thanks
Looks to have closed as a discount sub-run dollar house with “Shampoo” at the end of a leasing period on September 28, 1975 with “Shampoo.”
Gil A I remember it had the name in the center of the marquee Adios