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The latest movie theater news and updates
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August 30, 2002
Panida Theatre Receives Governor’s Award
COUER D'ALENE, ID — The historic Panida Theatre is not only celebrating its 75th anniversary this year, but has just been awarded the 2002 Governor’s Awards in the Arts, reports the Couer d'Alene Press.
Karen Bowers, executive director of the Panida, says in the article that, in addition to switching from 16mm to 35mm projectors, the theater will be “spruced up” for its anniversary. A gala fundraiser is being held September 14th, including a perfomance by the Couer d'Alene Orchestra and appearances by actors Jack Bannon and Ellen Travolta, Couer d'Alene natives.
The Panida, which is a combination of the words “Panhandle of Idaho”, opened in 1927, and originally was a vaudeville house before switching to movies, which it continued to show until the mid 1980s. Today, the theater screens classic and foreign films, hosts concerts, and live theater.
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August 29, 2002
Richmond’s Ridge Cinemas to Close Sept. 5th
RICHMOND, VA — According to the Richmond Times-Disptach, the popular seven-screen multiplex is being closed by Regal Cinemas on September 5th after 32 years as one of the most popular movie houses in the city.
The Ridge still draws an audience (though a continually smaller one), screening a mix of both mainstream and art features. It opened in 1970 with the Albert Finney and Alec Guinness musical “Scrooge” and Jack Nicholson in “Five Easy Pieces”, as a twin.
The Ridge’s closing has caused some dismay as it is still in decent shape, while other less presentable theaters owned by the chain in the area will continue to remain open.
(Thanks to Mary Wiggins!)
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Texas Theater Restoration to Emphasize JFK Link
DALLAS, TX — Closed since a fire swept through it in 1995, the Texas Theater in Dallas is best known as the place where Lee Harvey Oswald was arrested in 1963 after assasinating President John F. Kennedy. However, once a nearly $6 million restoration is completed in 2003, the theater will host live stage shows, as well as house an exhibit relating to the Oswald arrest there.
The Houston Chronicle reports that the project will restore the Texas' interior to its original appearance, while the exterior will appear similar to how it looked when Oswald was arrested in 1963.
The theater was built for billionaire Howard Hughes in 1931.
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August 28, 2002
Montreal’s Imperial Theatre to Undergo $4.5 Million Restoration
MONTREAL, CANADA — According to a Canada.com article, the 1913 Imperial Theatre in Montreal will be restored to its original appearance inside and out, as well as getting new projection and sound equipment, and a larger stage.
Currently hosting the Montreal World Film Festival, which runs to September 5th, the Imperial will be closed until July of next year, when it will reopen in time to present the FantAsia Film Festival.
(Thanks to Mike Rivest!)
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DuPage Theater’s Future Goes to Vote
LOMBARD, ILLINOIS — A petition led by concerned Lombard residents to save the 74-year old DuPage Theater in downtown Lombard will lead to a vote this November on whether citizens want to save the former movie palace. Village officials are expected to add the vote to the election ballot prior to the election, according to the Daily Herald.
It is expected that Lombard must raise over $5 million, in addition to the $2 already promised by the village and a grant from the state of Illinois.
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August 27, 2002
2600 THEATERS!
The Cinema Treasures theater database continues to grow at a brisk pace. Just weeks after we added our 2500th theater, we’re now proud to announce we now have 2600 theaters!
It goes without saying this milestone would not have been possible without the efforts of those who you use this site. Special thanks go to Bryan Krefft, Celia Stapleton, Chad Irish, Chris Joiner, Dan Kaiser, Drew Taylor, Drew Taylor, George Haider, Grant Smith, Ian Grundy, Jean, Jeff Laffel, Jessica Figueroa, Joe Sedelmaier, Joseph Anthony Sobora, Kristin Knutson, Michael Bathrick, Michael R. Rambo Jr., Paul Knittel, Pete Christy, Peter Davis, Roger Katz, Ron Pierce, Scot S. Wilkinson, Sean Doerr, Serge Bosschaerts, Tammy Conner, Wes Reeves, William Hamilton, and Woody Wheeler for their recent entries.
Again, thanks to all of our users for supporting Cinema Treasures, and the thousands of theaters we’re helping to save!
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New Photos: Return of the UK PART II
Ian Grundy again brings us an excellent batch of theater images from the United Kingdom.
Among today’s shots are a recent exterior view of the Elite; a tiny, 173 seat independent cinema located in Leyburn; as well as current shots of several former theaters, including the Central in Pickering, the Cinema in Richmond, and the Lyric in Northallerton.
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August 26, 2002
New Photos: More US Theaters!
Another week, another new batch of theaters!
Today brings us a nice collection of theater images from all over the US, including a beautiful shot of Catalina Island’s Avalon Theater (thanks to John Ledwon), a vintage photo of the Fox Theatre in Redlands, CA (thanks to Rick Schneblin), photos of 42nd Street’s Liberty and Empire theaters (thanks to Jean), and a wondeful image of the Paramount Theater in Amarillo, TX (thanks to Wes Reeves).
Also… check back tomorrow for yet another great batch of UK theater photos!
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August 23, 2002
New Photos: Return of the UK
We close out our latest batch of theaters photos with an outstanding group of images from Cinema Treasures UK volunteer Ian Grundy.
Ian has helped us greatly expand our UK theater listings and photo collection, and today is no different. This group of 20 images includes shots of the Baroque theaters Coliseum and Theatre Royal, as well as shots of the majestic Empire and the quirky Roxy (which is actually located on the banks of a canal!).
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August 22, 2002
News From Canada
MONTREAL, QB, CANADA — The 900-seat Imperial Cinema will undergo a major restoration and renovation effort next month, following the end of the Montreal World Film Festival on September 2nd.
According to the Montreal Gazette, the $4,5 million project is being funded through $1.4 million of federal and local contributions, $1.7 million from the theater itself, and an additional $500,000 from Senator Kolber whose contribution will give the building a new name, the Sandra and Leo Kolber Building.
In addition to repairing the facade and adding a brand new marquee, the theater will also relocate the projection booth and update its capabilities for 16mm, 35mm, and 70mm presentation as well as add a new sound system. Most intriguing, perhaps, is the addition of two new auditoriums in a building just north of the Imperial that was recently purchased for $450,000.
The Imperial will continue to be the annual host of the Montreal World Film Festival and is scheduled to reopen in time for the FantAsia festival next July. The imperial originally opened in 1915.
REGINA, CG, CANADA — In other Canadian news, the Cornwall Cinemas will close its doors tonight after 21 years. According to the Regina Leader Post, the Famous Players movie house did not renew its lease following months of dwindling audiences who the Canadian exhibitor says are venturing, instead, to newer complexes.
No new tenants have been found for the old four-screen plex.
(Thanks to Mike Rivest and Chad Irish!)