The Columbia Theatre opened its doors by Landmark in 1999 as a replacement of the downtown Armond Theatre, which last operated as a twin and closed around the same time after 47 years of operation.
The Armond Theatre, named after Armond Clark Blaine of Cranbrook Theatres Limited who was also their manager director, was built on the site of another movie theater called the Cranbrook Auditorium which operated during the vaudeville days and closed in the late-1940s as a movie theater. Prior to the Armond’s opening, Cranbrook had three other movie houses, including the Cranbrook Auditorium, with the other two theaters in the area being the Rex Theatre and the Star Theatre. There was also the Edison Theatre during its early motion picture days. In February 1946, Cranbrook Theatres Limited bought the old Auditorium at the same address for use as a temporary movie theater for only a few years before demolition in early-1950. Cranbrook also had two other movie theaters at the time, which were the Rex Theatre and the Star Theatre. There was also an Edison Theatre during its early motion picture days.
Blueprints were designed by the Vancouver architectural firm of Sharp, Thompson, Berwick and Pratt, an internationally renowned company who also designed many of UBC’s campus buildings, featured reinforced concrete construction with ‘ultra-modern’ plastic doors leading into a handsomely appointed foyer. The main floor boasted ‘saucer-type’ seating, acoustically treated walls, air conditioning and the most up-to-date sound system available. A stadium balcony was also installed. The successful contractor’s bid went to Marwell Construction Co. of Vancouver with work to commence on March 1, 1951 with an estimate $180,000.
The Armond Theatre opened its doors on May 19, 1952 with Gene Kelly in “An American In Paris” (unknown if extras added). Speaking on grand opening is Cranbrook’s then-mayor, who spoke to the audience: “This solid and substantial edifice marks the staunch belief that Mrs. Blaine and her associates hold for the future of the sparkling city of Cranbrook, of which we are all so proud. It is our duty as citizens together with the management to keep the theatre on that high level which will make it a worthy companion of the home, the school and the church, may the curtain never descend upon its glory.”
As of 1952, the Armond features installations of pale green and tan wall panels for the auditorium, green-carpeted aisles, red-upholstered seats and an electrically-operated stage curtain. It was twinned during the 1980s, and after 47 years of service, the Armond closed its doors for the final time in 1999 because of the Columbia Theatre’s opening, located two miles to the north.
The Uptown was twinned in July 1973, and two more screens were added on December 21, 1990, which became a quad. It was closed as a first-run movie theater on June 20, 1996.
It first opened softly on September 21, 1970 with several cartoons and shorts before opening the next day on September 22, 1970 with “2001: A Space Odyssey” in Screen 1 and a double feature of “Thoroughly Modern Millie” and “Funny Girl” in Screen 2.
The Family Drive-In opened its gates on July 21, 1955 with John Agar in “The Lonesome Trail” (unknown if extras added) featuring RCA installations. Unlike most “Family” drive-ins, it last operated as an adult drive-in before closing for good on March 8, 1978 following the arrests of their 55-year-old manager and 17-year-old projectionist.
Correction: Actual opening date is March 11, 1911 as the Chimes Theatre. It was renamed the Cedarburg Theatre in May 1934, and closed in 1945. Please fix.
Opened with “Sacco & Vanzetti” in Screen 1 and “Desperate Characters” in Screen 2. It was closed on May 22, 1986 with “Fire With Fire” in Screen 1 and “Mountain Top Motel Massacre” in Screen 2.
The Rivoli Theatre opened its doors on January 11, 1936 with Ronald Colman in “A Tale With Two Cities” along with an unnamed cartoon and a newsreel. It was first managed by Mark Morgan.
The Columbia Theatre opened its doors by Landmark in 1999 as a replacement of the downtown Armond Theatre, which last operated as a twin and closed around the same time after 47 years of operation.
The Armond Theatre, named after Armond Clark Blaine of Cranbrook Theatres Limited who was also their manager director, was built on the site of another movie theater called the Cranbrook Auditorium which operated during the vaudeville days and closed in the late-1940s as a movie theater. Prior to the Armond’s opening, Cranbrook had three other movie houses, including the Cranbrook Auditorium, with the other two theaters in the area being the Rex Theatre and the Star Theatre. There was also the Edison Theatre during its early motion picture days. In February 1946, Cranbrook Theatres Limited bought the old Auditorium at the same address for use as a temporary movie theater for only a few years before demolition in early-1950. Cranbrook also had two other movie theaters at the time, which were the Rex Theatre and the Star Theatre. There was also an Edison Theatre during its early motion picture days.
Blueprints were designed by the Vancouver architectural firm of Sharp, Thompson, Berwick and Pratt, an internationally renowned company who also designed many of UBC’s campus buildings, featured reinforced concrete construction with ‘ultra-modern’ plastic doors leading into a handsomely appointed foyer. The main floor boasted ‘saucer-type’ seating, acoustically treated walls, air conditioning and the most up-to-date sound system available. A stadium balcony was also installed. The successful contractor’s bid went to Marwell Construction Co. of Vancouver with work to commence on March 1, 1951 with an estimate $180,000.
The Armond Theatre opened its doors on May 19, 1952 with Gene Kelly in “An American In Paris” (unknown if extras added). Speaking on grand opening is Cranbrook’s then-mayor, who spoke to the audience: “This solid and substantial edifice marks the staunch belief that Mrs. Blaine and her associates hold for the future of the sparkling city of Cranbrook, of which we are all so proud. It is our duty as citizens together with the management to keep the theatre on that high level which will make it a worthy companion of the home, the school and the church, may the curtain never descend upon its glory.”
As of 1952, the Armond features installations of pale green and tan wall panels for the auditorium, green-carpeted aisles, red-upholstered seats and an electrically-operated stage curtain. It was twinned during the 1980s, and after 47 years of service, the Armond closed its doors for the final time in 1999 because of the Columbia Theatre’s opening, located two miles to the north.
Still open in 1998.
Opened on October 22, 1928.
Also opened with a double feature of “Thoroughly Modern Millie” and “Funny Girl” in Screen 2. Screen 1 opened with “2001: A Space Odyssey”.
I think you should edit the “NOW SHOWING” attraction text. The “NOW GROWING” and “NOW SMOKING” made me laugh.
Actual closing date is March 15, 1998.
Once known as Cinedome 7.
The Uptown was twinned in July 1973, and two more screens were added on December 21, 1990, which became a quad. It was closed as a first-run movie theater on June 20, 1996.
It first opened softly on September 21, 1970 with several cartoons and shorts before opening the next day on September 22, 1970 with “2001: A Space Odyssey” in Screen 1 and a double feature of “Thoroughly Modern Millie” and “Funny Girl” in Screen 2.
Closed on April 4, 1979 with “Magic” and “The Driver”.
The Family Drive-In opened its gates on July 21, 1955 with John Agar in “The Lonesome Trail” (unknown if extras added) featuring RCA installations. Unlike most “Family” drive-ins, it last operated as an adult drive-in before closing for good on March 8, 1978 following the arrests of their 55-year-old manager and 17-year-old projectionist.
The Ritz building was built in 1896, and the theater opened in 1942. It was still open in 1985.
Actual opening date is July 31, 1981.
This actually opened on October 6, 1972 with Jack Lemmon in “War Between Men And Women”.
Closed on June 26, 1973 with “Up The Sandbox” and “Monte Walsh”.
Closed on July 7, 1985 with “Rambo: First Blood Part II”.
Correction: Actual opening date is March 11, 1911 as the Chimes Theatre. It was renamed the Cedarburg Theatre in May 1934, and closed in 1945. Please fix.
Opened with “Sacco & Vanzetti” in Screen 1 and “Desperate Characters” in Screen 2. It was closed on May 22, 1986 with “Fire With Fire” in Screen 1 and “Mountain Top Motel Massacre” in Screen 2.
First operated by Loews, later Sony Theatres, and finally Loews Cineplex. It was closed on August 9, 1999.
It appears to be a mix of first-run, second-run, classic, and film festivals.
Actual opening date is November 16, 1990.
Early August 1948
The Rivoli Theatre opened its doors on January 11, 1936 with Ronald Colman in “A Tale With Two Cities” along with an unnamed cartoon and a newsreel. It was first managed by Mark Morgan.
Anytime!