The MGM Theatre Photograph and Report form for the State in Webster has an exterior photo dated May 1941. The theatre had a narrow entrance in a brick commercial building at least 3 stories high. There was a small marquee and a small verticle above. The Report states that the State Theatre has been playing MGM films for over 10 years; that it’s over 15 years old and in Good condition. It has 987 seats. The 1940 population of Webster was 13,100. The theatre, along with its nearby mate, the Liberty, were run by E.M. Loew in the early 1940s. The 1927 Film Daily Yearbook lists 3 movie theatres in Webster, 2 with over 900 seats, but none was named “State” or “Liberty”.
The MGM Theatre Photograph and Report form for the Liberty in Webster MA has an exterior photo dated May 1941. The theatre entrance was in the middle of a brick commercial building at least 2 stories high. The attraction posted on the small old-fashioned marquee is “That Night in Rio”. The Report state that the Liberty has been a MGM customer for over 10 years; that it’s over 15 years old, in Good condition, and has 980 seats. The Liberty, along with the State nearby, are listed in the 1942-43 Motion Picture Almanac as being part of the E.M. Loew circuit. There are 3 movie venues listed under Webster MA in the 1927 Film Daily Yearbook: the Coster, the Steinburg, and the St. Jean. Was one of these renamed the Liberty ?
In 1941 there was a Porter Square Theatre included in the MGM reports and it was on Mass. Ave. (no street number given). Built in 1930, 1000 seats. The marquee says only “Porter”, not “Porter Square”. Looks like a little “nabe”.
The MGM Theatre Photograph and Report form for the Boulevard Theatre in Revere has an exterior photo dated May 1941. The theatre entrance was in the middle of a large, rambling old 3-story commercial block with a tower at its right end. The theatre had a wide entrance with a fancy 3-sided marquee above. Above the theatre’s marquee was another large, glittering marquee proclaiming “Beachview Dancing”. The Report states that the theatre is on the “Boulevard”. Looking at a street map of Revere, I conclude that it refers to the Revere Beach Boulevard. The Report states that the theatre has been showing MGM films for over 10 years, that it’s over 15 years old; in Good condition, and has 1302 orchestra seats and 486 balcony seats; total: 1,788 seats. It was run by Interstate theatres.
The Revere Theatre was included in the MGM Theatre Photograph and Report project. There is an exterior photo dated May 1941. The theatre had a massive brick facade with stores on the ground level. There was a rectangular marquee with “Revere” in glittering letters on the front. Attractions were “Philadelphia Story” with James Stewart, Cary Grant and Kath. Hepburn, and Peter Lorre in “The Face Behind the Mask”. (Note: was “Philadelphia Story” a 1941 movie, or later ???) Above the marquee are 3 large arched windows, and a big verticle blade sign. The Report states that the Revere Th. has been a MGM customer for over 10 years, that it’s over 15 years old and in Good condition, and has 1082 orchestra seats and 464 balcony seats, total: 1,546 seats. The 1940 population of Revere was 34,400. The Revere is listed in the 1942-43 Motion Picture Almanac has being operated by the Interstate Theatre Corp.
The MGM Theatre Photograph and Report form for the State in Saugus MA has an exterior photo dated 1941. The theatre had an attractive brick facade, 2 stories high. There was a triangular marquee, with 3 or 4 French doors below. Attractions are “Virginia” and “Jennie”. Above the doors is a large poster card announcing “Cash awards” on Fridays. The Report states that the State is on Central St. in Saugus, that it has been a MGM customer for 10 years; that it’s over 20 years old, in Fair condition and has 539 seats. There were no other movie theatres in Saugus in 1941. The 1927 Film Daily Yearbook does not list the State or any other cinema in Saugus.
The Harvard Theatre in North Cambridge was included in the MGM Theatre Photograph and Report project. There is an exterior photo dated May 1941. The buildings then were all on the edge of the street. The theatre had a fancily-decorated facade 2 stories high. There was a rectangular marquee with “Harvard” across the top front. Attractions were “Western Union” and “She Couldn’t Say No”. The Report states that the theatre has been a MGM customer for over 10 years; that it’s over 15 years old; that it’s in Fair condition and has 1,052 seats. It’s described as a “Neighborhood” theatre. The 1927 Film Daily yearbook lists the Harvard with 1200 seats and open 7 days per week.
The theatre is listed as the Woburn Theatre in the 1927 Film Daily Yearbook. As the Strand, it was included in the MGM Theatre Photograph and Report project. There is an exterior photo dated May 1941. The theatre entrance was in a 2-story building with a triangular marquee which had a “S” at the apex and “Strand” along the tops. Attractions are “Tall Dark and Handsome” and “Golden Hoofs”. From the bottom edge of the marquee there is a fancy cloth banner flying, advertising “Blue Orchid Dinnerware” on “Dish Night”. There are 3 sets of double doors below the marquee. The Report states that the Strand is at 459 Main St. in Woburn, that it has been a MGM customer for over 10 years; that it’s over 15 years old; is in Fair condition, and has 813 seats. In the 1942-43 Motion Picture Almanac, the Strand in Woburn is listed as part of Warner Brothers theatres.
The theatre was included in the MGM Theatre Photograph and Report project. There is an exterior photo dated May 1941. It’s difficult to make out, but although the theatre entrance and the shop to its left are right on the sidewalk (and are one story high), the theatre building in back (which is two-plus stories) seems to be sited at an angle to the sidewalk. The theatre has a 1920s-style marquee with “Bellevue Community” in bulbed letters on its front. There was a verticle blade sign above. The Report states that the theatre is at 338A Belgrade Avenue (not Belgrave) in Roslindale, that it has been playing MGM product for over 10 years, and is over 15 years old; is in Fair condition, has 780 seats and is a neighborhood theatre (“Nabe”). It’s listed in the 1927 Film Daily Yearbook, but there is no info; in the 1942-43 Motion Picture Almanac, it’s listed as part of M&P Theatres.
The Reading Theatre was included in the MGM Theatre Photograph and Report project. There is an exterior photo dated April 1941. The front of the theatre is very up-to-date and modern. There is a triangular marquee with “Reading” along the tops. The marquee has black letters on a white background and “Grand Opening Tonight” has been posted; the attractions are “Sea Wolf” and “Her First Romance”.There is a stepladder in the foyer and a plate-glass delivery truck out front. To the right of the entrance is a row of large poster cases. The Report states that the theatre is at 555 Main St. in Reading, that it has been showing MGM films for over 10 years; that it’s in Good condition and has 834 seats. There are no other theatres in Reading and the 1940 population was 10,900. The 1927 Film Daily Yearbook lists the Reading Theatre with only 600 seats, open 6 days per week.
Dennis- the parking lot is just to the north of the building which contains the RKO Boston. The lot is directly across from the Paramount and Opera House. If you go down to the east edge of the parking lot and look south you will see the rear stage wall of the RKO Boston, painted gray with a big scenery-loading door and a small stage door. Go around the corner to the east wall and you will see all the fire exit doors and fire escapes along the right side of the auditorium.
The Strand was included in the MGM Theatre Photograph and Report project. There is an external photo dated May 1941. The theatre was a free-standing building with a handsome facade. It had a glittering rectangular marquee with 3 sets of double doors below. Attraction was “The Sea Wolf” with Edward G. Robinson. The Report states that the Strand is on Main St. in Peabody, that it has been playing MGM films for over 10 years; that it’s over 15 years old and in Good condition, and has 672 orchestra seats and 327 balcony seats, total: 999 seats. There were no competing theatres in Peabody, and the 1940 population was 21,700.
The Auditorium was included in the MGM Theatre Photograph and Report project. There is an external photo dated April 1941. The entrance was at the left end of an imposing commercial building at least 3 stories high. There was an elegant marquee with “Malden Auditorium” across the front. At the time, the Auditorium was temporarily closed. The Report states that the theatre is on Pleasant St. in Malden. It had been playing MGM product. It was over 15 years old, and was in Poor condition. It had 696 seats on the main floor and 441 seats in the balcony, total: 1,137 seats.
The Casino in Ware is listed in the 1927 edition of the Film Daily Yearbook. It was open daily and the seating was listed as “800”. There was also a Bijou Theatre in Ware, with 750 seats, open daily.
Both the Prospect and the Star theatres in Whitensville are listed in the 1927 edition of the Film Daily yearbook. The Prospect, with 792 seats, is open 4 days per week; while the Star, with 400 seats, is open 3 days a week.
In the “Theatre Circuits” directory in the 1942-43 Motion Picture Almanac, the Willow Theatre in Williamsett, Massachusetts is listed as part of the Fred E. Leiberman Circuit of Boston, also known as Proven Pictures.
As the Paramount, this theatre was included in the MGM Theatre Photograph and Report project. There is an exterior photo dated May 1941. The theatre had a narrow entrance in a business building with stores on each side. There was a boxy marquee with “Paramount” in script letters on the front. The attraction is “Men of Boys Town.” The Report states that the Paramount is on Main St. in North Adams; it has been a MGM customer for over 10 years and is over 15 years old. The condition is Good, and the seating listed is Orchestra: 859, Balcony: 448, total: 1,307 seats. Competing theatres are the Mohawk and the Richmond. The Paramount is listed in the theatre directory in the 1942-43 Motion Picture Almanac; it was under control of Nathan Goldstein’s Western Massachusetts Theatres, a Paramount affiliate.
The Warwick was included in the MGM Theatre Photograph and Report project. There is an exterior photo dated 1941. The entrance was in the center of a one-story building with decorative elements above the marquee. The latter had “Warwick” on the front; on the side, “Two Features” was posted in white letters on a black background. There were poster cases on either side and a center boxoffice. On each side of the entrance there is a shop; the one on the left is a barber shop. The Report states that the Warwick is on Pleasant St., that it has been presenting MGM product for 15 years; that it was built about 1915, is in Fair condition, and has 643 seats, all apparently on one floor. The type of patronage is shown as “Class” (meaning “high class”). No competing theatres are listed and the 1940 population of Marblehead was 10,850.
Tom N – in the post-war era it was common for movie theatres without A.C. to close for the summer. Two examples that I can recall are the Capitol in Quincy and the Old Howard in Boston. But I can’t remember whether or not the Braintree Th. closed summers. Offhand, I would say it did not. It was a popular local cinema in the 1940s and 1950s. Unfortunately, I never went into it, although I passed it many times when it was open.
The Richmond Theatre on Main St. in North Adams was included in the MGM Theatre Photograph and Report project. There is a facade photo taken in May 1941. The entrance was in the middle of an ornate business building. The theatre had a boxy marquee with “Richmond” in huge letters on the front, with 2 lines below of white letters on a dark background. Attractions were Gary Cooper in “The Westerner” and “Slightly Honorable”. To the left of the entrance was the Hotel Richmond; to the right was a jeweler’s shop. The Report states that the Richmond had been playing MGM product for over 10 years, that it was over 15 years old; in Fair condition, and had 740 seats.
As has been pointed out a couple of times above, the Beacon is a theatre built on a bias: the axis of the auditorium and stage are at an angle to the facade. One Saturday morning in the 1980s I went around back to the scene loading door which was open because a concert was being loaded in. I had never been in the theatre so when I looked through the door I got disoriented— the balcony front was not where I thought it should be! The famous Roxy was also built on a bias, as is the Ambassador Theatre, the legit house on W. 49th St.
The Smith Opera House is listed under Geneva NY in the 1897-98 edition of the Julius Cahn Official Theatrical Guide. The seating capacity is listed as 900. F.K. Hardison was the Mgr. The house, which was on the ground floor, had both gas and electric illumination. The proscenium was 36 feet wide X 22 feet high and the stage was 40 feet deep. There were 6 members of the house orchestra. Geneva had one daily newspaper and 4 weeklies. Hotels were the Franklin, Kirkwood and International. The 1897 population was 10,000.
The Grand Opera House in Galveston is listed in the 1897-98 edition of the Julius Cahn Theatrical Guide, an annual for roadshow producers. The seating capacity is given as 1,677; ticket prices range from 25 cents to $1.50. The house was under the management of Greenwall Theatrical Circuit Company. The proscenium opening was 38 feet wide X 39 feet high; the stage was 42 feet deep. The house was on the ground floor and had both gas and electric illumination. There were 2 local newspapers and 3 hotels. The 1897 population of Galveston was 50,000.
The MGM Theatre Photograph and Report form for the State in Webster has an exterior photo dated May 1941. The theatre had a narrow entrance in a brick commercial building at least 3 stories high. There was a small marquee and a small verticle above. The Report states that the State Theatre has been playing MGM films for over 10 years; that it’s over 15 years old and in Good condition. It has 987 seats. The 1940 population of Webster was 13,100. The theatre, along with its nearby mate, the Liberty, were run by E.M. Loew in the early 1940s. The 1927 Film Daily Yearbook lists 3 movie theatres in Webster, 2 with over 900 seats, but none was named “State” or “Liberty”.
The MGM Theatre Photograph and Report form for the Liberty in Webster MA has an exterior photo dated May 1941. The theatre entrance was in the middle of a brick commercial building at least 2 stories high. The attraction posted on the small old-fashioned marquee is “That Night in Rio”. The Report state that the Liberty has been a MGM customer for over 10 years; that it’s over 15 years old, in Good condition, and has 980 seats. The Liberty, along with the State nearby, are listed in the 1942-43 Motion Picture Almanac as being part of the E.M. Loew circuit. There are 3 movie venues listed under Webster MA in the 1927 Film Daily Yearbook: the Coster, the Steinburg, and the St. Jean. Was one of these renamed the Liberty ?
In 1941 there was a Porter Square Theatre included in the MGM reports and it was on Mass. Ave. (no street number given). Built in 1930, 1000 seats. The marquee says only “Porter”, not “Porter Square”. Looks like a little “nabe”.
The MGM Theatre Photograph and Report form for the Boulevard Theatre in Revere has an exterior photo dated May 1941. The theatre entrance was in the middle of a large, rambling old 3-story commercial block with a tower at its right end. The theatre had a wide entrance with a fancy 3-sided marquee above. Above the theatre’s marquee was another large, glittering marquee proclaiming “Beachview Dancing”. The Report states that the theatre is on the “Boulevard”. Looking at a street map of Revere, I conclude that it refers to the Revere Beach Boulevard. The Report states that the theatre has been showing MGM films for over 10 years, that it’s over 15 years old; in Good condition, and has 1302 orchestra seats and 486 balcony seats; total: 1,788 seats. It was run by Interstate theatres.
The Revere Theatre was included in the MGM Theatre Photograph and Report project. There is an exterior photo dated May 1941. The theatre had a massive brick facade with stores on the ground level. There was a rectangular marquee with “Revere” in glittering letters on the front. Attractions were “Philadelphia Story” with James Stewart, Cary Grant and Kath. Hepburn, and Peter Lorre in “The Face Behind the Mask”. (Note: was “Philadelphia Story” a 1941 movie, or later ???) Above the marquee are 3 large arched windows, and a big verticle blade sign. The Report states that the Revere Th. has been a MGM customer for over 10 years, that it’s over 15 years old and in Good condition, and has 1082 orchestra seats and 464 balcony seats, total: 1,546 seats. The 1940 population of Revere was 34,400. The Revere is listed in the 1942-43 Motion Picture Almanac has being operated by the Interstate Theatre Corp.
The MGM Theatre Photograph and Report form for the State in Saugus MA has an exterior photo dated 1941. The theatre had an attractive brick facade, 2 stories high. There was a triangular marquee, with 3 or 4 French doors below. Attractions are “Virginia” and “Jennie”. Above the doors is a large poster card announcing “Cash awards” on Fridays. The Report states that the State is on Central St. in Saugus, that it has been a MGM customer for 10 years; that it’s over 20 years old, in Fair condition and has 539 seats. There were no other movie theatres in Saugus in 1941. The 1927 Film Daily Yearbook does not list the State or any other cinema in Saugus.
The Harvard Theatre in North Cambridge was included in the MGM Theatre Photograph and Report project. There is an exterior photo dated May 1941. The buildings then were all on the edge of the street. The theatre had a fancily-decorated facade 2 stories high. There was a rectangular marquee with “Harvard” across the top front. Attractions were “Western Union” and “She Couldn’t Say No”. The Report states that the theatre has been a MGM customer for over 10 years; that it’s over 15 years old; that it’s in Fair condition and has 1,052 seats. It’s described as a “Neighborhood” theatre. The 1927 Film Daily yearbook lists the Harvard with 1200 seats and open 7 days per week.
The theatre is listed as the Woburn Theatre in the 1927 Film Daily Yearbook. As the Strand, it was included in the MGM Theatre Photograph and Report project. There is an exterior photo dated May 1941. The theatre entrance was in a 2-story building with a triangular marquee which had a “S” at the apex and “Strand” along the tops. Attractions are “Tall Dark and Handsome” and “Golden Hoofs”. From the bottom edge of the marquee there is a fancy cloth banner flying, advertising “Blue Orchid Dinnerware” on “Dish Night”. There are 3 sets of double doors below the marquee. The Report states that the Strand is at 459 Main St. in Woburn, that it has been a MGM customer for over 10 years; that it’s over 15 years old; is in Fair condition, and has 813 seats. In the 1942-43 Motion Picture Almanac, the Strand in Woburn is listed as part of Warner Brothers theatres.
The theatre was included in the MGM Theatre Photograph and Report project. There is an exterior photo dated May 1941. It’s difficult to make out, but although the theatre entrance and the shop to its left are right on the sidewalk (and are one story high), the theatre building in back (which is two-plus stories) seems to be sited at an angle to the sidewalk. The theatre has a 1920s-style marquee with “Bellevue Community” in bulbed letters on its front. There was a verticle blade sign above. The Report states that the theatre is at 338A Belgrade Avenue (not Belgrave) in Roslindale, that it has been playing MGM product for over 10 years, and is over 15 years old; is in Fair condition, has 780 seats and is a neighborhood theatre (“Nabe”). It’s listed in the 1927 Film Daily Yearbook, but there is no info; in the 1942-43 Motion Picture Almanac, it’s listed as part of M&P Theatres.
The Reading Theatre was included in the MGM Theatre Photograph and Report project. There is an exterior photo dated April 1941. The front of the theatre is very up-to-date and modern. There is a triangular marquee with “Reading” along the tops. The marquee has black letters on a white background and “Grand Opening Tonight” has been posted; the attractions are “Sea Wolf” and “Her First Romance”.There is a stepladder in the foyer and a plate-glass delivery truck out front. To the right of the entrance is a row of large poster cases. The Report states that the theatre is at 555 Main St. in Reading, that it has been showing MGM films for over 10 years; that it’s in Good condition and has 834 seats. There are no other theatres in Reading and the 1940 population was 10,900. The 1927 Film Daily Yearbook lists the Reading Theatre with only 600 seats, open 6 days per week.
In the 1942-43 edition of the Motion Picture Almanac, the Strand in Peabody is listed as part of the E.M. Loew circuit.
Dennis- the parking lot is just to the north of the building which contains the RKO Boston. The lot is directly across from the Paramount and Opera House. If you go down to the east edge of the parking lot and look south you will see the rear stage wall of the RKO Boston, painted gray with a big scenery-loading door and a small stage door. Go around the corner to the east wall and you will see all the fire exit doors and fire escapes along the right side of the auditorium.
The Strand was included in the MGM Theatre Photograph and Report project. There is an external photo dated May 1941. The theatre was a free-standing building with a handsome facade. It had a glittering rectangular marquee with 3 sets of double doors below. Attraction was “The Sea Wolf” with Edward G. Robinson. The Report states that the Strand is on Main St. in Peabody, that it has been playing MGM films for over 10 years; that it’s over 15 years old and in Good condition, and has 672 orchestra seats and 327 balcony seats, total: 999 seats. There were no competing theatres in Peabody, and the 1940 population was 21,700.
The Auditorium was included in the MGM Theatre Photograph and Report project. There is an external photo dated April 1941. The entrance was at the left end of an imposing commercial building at least 3 stories high. There was an elegant marquee with “Malden Auditorium” across the front. At the time, the Auditorium was temporarily closed. The Report states that the theatre is on Pleasant St. in Malden. It had been playing MGM product. It was over 15 years old, and was in Poor condition. It had 696 seats on the main floor and 441 seats in the balcony, total: 1,137 seats.
The Casino in Ware is listed in the 1927 edition of the Film Daily Yearbook. It was open daily and the seating was listed as “800”. There was also a Bijou Theatre in Ware, with 750 seats, open daily.
The Walden Theatre in Williamstown is listed in the 1927 edition of the Film Daily yearbook as having 529 seats and being open daily.
Both the Prospect and the Star theatres in Whitensville are listed in the 1927 edition of the Film Daily yearbook. The Prospect, with 792 seats, is open 4 days per week; while the Star, with 400 seats, is open 3 days a week.
In the “Theatre Circuits” directory in the 1942-43 Motion Picture Almanac, the Willow Theatre in Williamsett, Massachusetts is listed as part of the Fred E. Leiberman Circuit of Boston, also known as Proven Pictures.
As the Paramount, this theatre was included in the MGM Theatre Photograph and Report project. There is an exterior photo dated May 1941. The theatre had a narrow entrance in a business building with stores on each side. There was a boxy marquee with “Paramount” in script letters on the front. The attraction is “Men of Boys Town.” The Report states that the Paramount is on Main St. in North Adams; it has been a MGM customer for over 10 years and is over 15 years old. The condition is Good, and the seating listed is Orchestra: 859, Balcony: 448, total: 1,307 seats. Competing theatres are the Mohawk and the Richmond. The Paramount is listed in the theatre directory in the 1942-43 Motion Picture Almanac; it was under control of Nathan Goldstein’s Western Massachusetts Theatres, a Paramount affiliate.
The Warwick was included in the MGM Theatre Photograph and Report project. There is an exterior photo dated 1941. The entrance was in the center of a one-story building with decorative elements above the marquee. The latter had “Warwick” on the front; on the side, “Two Features” was posted in white letters on a black background. There were poster cases on either side and a center boxoffice. On each side of the entrance there is a shop; the one on the left is a barber shop. The Report states that the Warwick is on Pleasant St., that it has been presenting MGM product for 15 years; that it was built about 1915, is in Fair condition, and has 643 seats, all apparently on one floor. The type of patronage is shown as “Class” (meaning “high class”). No competing theatres are listed and the 1940 population of Marblehead was 10,850.
Tom N – in the post-war era it was common for movie theatres without A.C. to close for the summer. Two examples that I can recall are the Capitol in Quincy and the Old Howard in Boston. But I can’t remember whether or not the Braintree Th. closed summers. Offhand, I would say it did not. It was a popular local cinema in the 1940s and 1950s. Unfortunately, I never went into it, although I passed it many times when it was open.
The Richmond Theatre on Main St. in North Adams was included in the MGM Theatre Photograph and Report project. There is a facade photo taken in May 1941. The entrance was in the middle of an ornate business building. The theatre had a boxy marquee with “Richmond” in huge letters on the front, with 2 lines below of white letters on a dark background. Attractions were Gary Cooper in “The Westerner” and “Slightly Honorable”. To the left of the entrance was the Hotel Richmond; to the right was a jeweler’s shop. The Report states that the Richmond had been playing MGM product for over 10 years, that it was over 15 years old; in Fair condition, and had 740 seats.
As has been pointed out a couple of times above, the Beacon is a theatre built on a bias: the axis of the auditorium and stage are at an angle to the facade. One Saturday morning in the 1980s I went around back to the scene loading door which was open because a concert was being loaded in. I had never been in the theatre so when I looked through the door I got disoriented— the balcony front was not where I thought it should be! The famous Roxy was also built on a bias, as is the Ambassador Theatre, the legit house on W. 49th St.
The Smith Opera House is listed under Geneva NY in the 1897-98 edition of the Julius Cahn Official Theatrical Guide. The seating capacity is listed as 900. F.K. Hardison was the Mgr. The house, which was on the ground floor, had both gas and electric illumination. The proscenium was 36 feet wide X 22 feet high and the stage was 40 feet deep. There were 6 members of the house orchestra. Geneva had one daily newspaper and 4 weeklies. Hotels were the Franklin, Kirkwood and International. The 1897 population was 10,000.
The Grand Opera House in Galveston is listed in the 1897-98 edition of the Julius Cahn Theatrical Guide, an annual for roadshow producers. The seating capacity is given as 1,677; ticket prices range from 25 cents to $1.50. The house was under the management of Greenwall Theatrical Circuit Company. The proscenium opening was 38 feet wide X 39 feet high; the stage was 42 feet deep. The house was on the ground floor and had both gas and electric illumination. There were 2 local newspapers and 3 hotels. The 1897 population of Galveston was 50,000.