George Sparks wanted Fort Smith to have a first class opera house and created the New Theatre. He created interest by having the theater’s Boller Bros. design on display at the Boston Store months prior to its September 29, 1911. It started with a live play by a traveling company of “The Third Degree.” But live stage was not as profitable as films by the end of the War and the New’s policy went over to full time film in 1919 likely on a 30-year leasing agreement. 30 years later it became the “new” Malco Theatre as noted above.
The Majestic Theatre opened on April 2, 1906 for Interstate Theatres. On May 12, 1919 it became the Victory Theatre. Dr. Hoyt Fitzpatrick changed it to a name he trusted - Hoyt’s Theatre on Feb. 25, 1925
Opened namelessly on April 14, 1909 with the film, “The Inauguration of Taft” that had taken place the previous month. $10 in gold went to the person with the name… Joie
Opened December 19, 1941 as a second/third run double-feature house with 625 seats and a balcony for African American patrons. Playing opening night was “Blue Montana Sky” and “Flying Deuces”
W.C. Fields was on hand to greet the opening day Strand Theatre with six acts of vaudeville and Fields' “So’s Your Old Man” with Hons Wagner playing the three manual Austin Grand Pipe organ on November 11, 1926.
East Hampton Theatre #1 was purportedly the former Siebert’s Opera House from the late 19th Century that had switched to films as the Majestic Theatre. The 300-seat venue was run by Paul Blanchard and purchased in late December 1929 by Deputy Sheriff Roy Young who wired it for sound and changed its name to East Hampton Theatre. On January 3, 1934 under operator Nathan Lampert, the interior was ruined by a fire.
According to reports, Lampert built the East Hampton Theatre #2 in 1935 opening in 1936. Lampert’s granddaughter Mary Markoff along with Ted and Joe Markoff (T&J Theatres) took on the venue during the War. They were also running the Colchester Theatre and would open the Portland (CT.) Drive-In while later taking over Norwich’s Midtown Theatre. The East Hampton closed, In 1970, the Knights of Columbus took on the venue converting it to a fraternal hall.
How depressed was everyone with the Wilton Cinema closed on May 30, 1994? So bad that when Loews shuttered following the last showtimes that it showed “Even Cowgirls Get the Blues.” Loews was working month-to-month leasing unable to get a favorable renewal. So they were booted and the space demolished for a T.J. Maxx retail clothing store.
In late 1991, Lake Zurich-based Tom and Jeff Rhyan’s Rhyan Management Corporation (RMC) got permission to build a 2,200 seat 8-plex. The Lake Zurich Theatres opened for RMC here on January 1, 1993 with 8 screens expanding to 10 open screens. A potential expansion fell through due to traffic concerns with Rhyan extending to 12 screens and holding tight. Regal took over the Crystal Lake Showcase and here on May 21, 1999 committed to adding up to 12 more screens to double screen count in Lake Z. With the traffic issues unresolved, Regal left it at a dozen-plex.
The venue closed March 16, 2020 for the COVID-19 pandemic. It reopened briefly in August of 2020 only to close again on October 8, 2020. It then reopened on May 21, 2021. Regal closed here August 14, 2025. A plan earlier in the year proposed demolishing the theater for an apartment complex.
I’m no expert but you appear to be conflating two different venues. And please don’t change the entry above because you may be correct. My research reflects that the Gates Building was a post-Civil War era structure built in 1867. It was known for “Tip Top Hall” - a second floor venue at 13-17 South Main. It had a stage and 250 seats. On May 3, 1913, it became the Tip Top Theatre showing motion pictures run by Abe and Harry Lazinsk who additionally ran the Tip Top dry goods store at street level. The Lazinsks sold out both top and bottom. From 1924 to December 1963, the lower floor housed the local Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Company (A&P) Grocer. (Photos show the Tip Top Store signage on the side and the Great Atlantic & Pacific signage on the front.) In 1924, Paul Blanchard took over the top floor Tip Top Theater showing silent films.
In 1929, the Lazinsks bought the silent house back from Blanchard and they programmed a combination of events and silent movies into 1931. They tested sound, switched back to silent films, but soon discontinued all film programming there later in 1931. The venue was returned to its original Tip Top Hall moniker whose use was discontinued during World War II. Following A&P’s departure, the nearly 100-year old building was demolished in January of 1964.
I believe the Colchester Theatre was a 350-seat street level movie house at 236 South Main on November 24, 1934. (A total guess here but the structure might have been a former livery - not an unusual transition even in the 1930s. But not at all sure about that.) Nathan Lampert who was building the new-build East Hampton Theatre came into run it in 1935.
Lampert’s granddaughter Mary Markoff along with Ted and Joe Markoff (T&J Theatres) took on the venue during the War. The Colchester Theatre operated regularly to August 20, 1960 - likely closing at the end of 25-year leasing agreement with “From the Terrace.” The Markoffs would operate the Midtown in Norwich and Portland (Ct.) Drive-In in addition to the East Hampton and Colchester.
Used sporadically with events and screenings throughout the 1960s and early 1970s, the Colchester Theatre comes back one more time on August 30, 1974 after a refresh now with 280 seats and playing “For Pete’s Sake.” This doesn’t work out long-term and the building is sold and used as a fraternal hall in 1979.
I’ve posted some visual evidence from the historical societies in that area perhaps to give some additional evidence if that’s helpful. But again, don’t attribute this research to others (the 1930s is a bit of challenge to figure out and the historical society identifies the earlier building differently) so I may be totally off base here. Perhaps the original contributor can clarify the entry so that it can be properly attributed to him; or a local expert can get this over the goal line.
The post-War Loews Poli would be the replacement for its aged Broadway Theatre in 1949. The project was announced in 1948 and would be built to the architectural plans of New London’s Creighton and McGuire. The Loew’s Poli Theatre was opened on July 13, 1949 with Esther Williams in “Neptune’s Daughter”. Loews would sell its Broadway Theatre to auto dealer Charles R. Simon.
With television impacting operations and the Paramount decree impacting the entire industry, Loews sublet the venue to independent Edward P. Lord in October of 1955. He changed the name to the Midtown Theatre (no dash) resuming operations. Lord bought the local Palace Theatre moving out of his subleasing agreement in early 1966.
On April 27, 1966, John E. Hoddy, who operated the Jewett City theater and Mansfield drive-in, assumed the remaining term of the Midtown Theatre’s 20-year lease and retained its name. The Midtown ran to the end of its lease on April 26, 1969 with Hoddy buying the theatre building previously owned by the Berkman Brothers (who owned the adjoining Sears retail store building).
After a refresh, the venue resumed operations at Cinema Midtown (no dash) with the film, “The Odd Couple,” on June 18, 1968. Cinema Midtown ceased after July 8, 1972 showings of “Oh! Calcutta!” with downtown’s fortunes fading compared to suburban centers. Edward P Lord bought the venue performing upgrades.
Under Lord’s tenure, it became the Lord Cinema at some point- very likely on January 20th, 1978 - operating until October 23, 1988 closing with “Kansas” and “Eight Men Out.“ Finally, on its last leasing agreement cinematically, it became Chubby’s Pub Cinema and Restaurant. Chubbys came in on June 30, 1989 with “No Holds Barred” boasting of an entertainment center under one roof concept. It opened just in time to celebrate its 40th Anniversary in July of 1989. Bar, dancing, and movies with food was its attraction. That worked until January 1, 1991. The building was slated for demolition which was postponed indefinitely.
The Davis Theatre was built for live plays. It scored with movies and became the Broadway Theatre on August 17, 1922 with B.F. Keith vaudeville performers and the film “John Smith” with Eugene O'Brien. It received sound equipment to remain commercially viable.
As it approached its 20-year leasing expiry, Loew’s spent $75,000 to upgrade it to the more moderne Loew’s Poli Broadway Theatre relaunching on February 19, 1942 with Katharine Hepburn as “Woman of the Year” supported by “Mr. And Mrs. North” on a continuous, grind policy. As their opening ad said, the only original elements were the four walls with the venue. After the War, the venue mixed in Polish films for the strong Polish community of Norwich that had begun at the outset of World War I.
Loews decided in post-War times to replace the building with its streamline moderne Loews Poli Theatre opening in 1949. And that’s just what they did. They then sold the building outright to auto dealer Charles R. Simon.
Very technically, there should be a Waterford Drive-in (#1) and a Waterford Drive-In (#2). They are close-by but they are on different tracts and had different addresses. And there’s an operational gap caused by numerous issues.
Waterford Drive-In #1 closed December 28, 1969 “Strange Affair” and “Sterile Cuckoo” supported by a cartoon. The City of Waterford approved of a plan in 1970 for a shopping center to be built on top of the drive-in which would include a new spot for a new Waterford Drive-in. All the land was owned by drive-in operator Waterford Drive-In Theatre, Inc. The Drive-In’s plan was to reopen next door to the east of the proposed center in time for the end of the 1970 season. The old drive-in was demolished in May of 1970.
Due to zoning issues, code enforcement, road access issues, sewage and water connectivity issues, and more they just missed the 1970 opening… by three years. Waterford Drive-In Theatre (#2) opened on August 29, 1973 with “Dillinger” and “Little Cigars.” It closed November 1, 1981 with “Friday The 13th” parts one and two supported by “Cocaine Fiends.” The venue didn’t open for its next season. Operator Carl D. Sherman decided to market the land.
This project in production was the Poquonnock Bridge Drive-In and broke ground on March 2, 1954. It opened June 23, 1954 as the Bridge Drive-In Theatre with “Silver Lodge” supported by “Devil’s Canyon” and two cartoons. Brandt Theatres Circuit took it on for its third season as Brandt’s Bridge Drive-In Theatre through its 1958 season. In 1959, it was AMCO’s Bridge Drive-In Theatre. Under new operators in 1965, it was just the Bridge Drive-In.
The Bridge finished its 20-year leasing agreement and the City came for the property. The final showtimes were on Labor Day, Sept. 3, 1973 with “The Magnificent Seven Ride Again” and “Tom Sawyer.” The ozoners was demolished in June of 1976 in favor of a library.
Closed permanently and appropriately on December 15, 1985 with an Annette Haven double feature with “Ladies Night” and “Brief Affair.” The Groton Square Shopping Center developers had the drive-in vanquished in April of 1986 to put up a Bradlee’s discount store.
In June of 1965, United Artists Theatre Circuit (UATC) announced that it would soon become a near neighbor to the Stop & Shop Store in the Groton’s Shoppers Mart. The “Big G” plaza had been announced in 1956 and would be anchored theatre-less at its opening in the 1960s by A&P / Stop & Shop, Liggett’s Rexall Drugs, and W.T. Grant’s. At a second iteration, the $500,000 cinema was added during the luxury suburban era of cinema exhibition.
The UA Groton was designed as a Dimension 150 venue to display widescreen 70mm films. It was likely on a 25-year lease. New Hampshire-based William Mileto was the architect chosen for the single screen venue. Wide-aisle,“magic seat” seating reduced capacity from 1,000 in the first iteration of the theater to 706 at launch. After a press screening the previous night, it opened on April 19, 1967 wioth “Dr. Zhivago.”
On December 26, 1975, the venue was twinned becoming the UA Groton Cinema 1 & 2. UA closed on July 18, 1991 with “Robin Hood” and “Dying Young.” Assuming it was at the end of a 25-year lease and willing to move onward with the multiplex era, UA likely renewed its lease if the center would assist in some way with the creation of a multiplex there. UA and the center demolished the original auditorium and created a new 6-plex perhaps using some elements from the original building’s face. The new ‘plex relaunched as the all new UA Groton Cinema 6 a year later on June 19, 1992 with “Lethal Weapon 3,” “Encino Man,” “Batman Returns,” “Patriot Games,” and “Aces” Iron Eagle 3."
In June 1993, Hoyts Cinemas Corp. bought the Groton and 56 other theaters from UATC with this venue becoming Hoyts Groton Cinemas 6 effective on June 24, 1993. Hoyt’s moved on in March of 2004. Northeast Cinemas took on the venue on March 19, 2004 operating it for a year with new operators on board in March of 2005. Ten years later, Belmont Capital Theatres LLC / Neighborhood Theatres closed here permanently on August 23, 2015. The theater’s signage on the plaza’s outer attractor remained in place nine more years.
Grand opening ad from April 16, 1949 in photos with “Walk a Crooked Mile” and “I Surrender Dear.”
The final showing at the Norwich-New London Drive-In was October 5, 1996 with the West Screen featuring Rodney Dangerfield in “Back to School” and Arnold Schwarzenegger in “The Terminator” and on the East Screen it was Tom Cruise in “Top Gun” and Daniel Greene had “Hands of Steel.” The drive-in closed permanently with the property deteriorating for almost 30 years until crews were brought in to make the property more attractive for future uses.
The Strand opened on April 29, 1922 booked by Morris Pouzzner and managed by George Grinnell. State Senator C.C. Costello addressed the sold out audience. Sound was added to keep the venue viable. Boys shooting coins and hard candy during a March 14, 1960 matinee of “Sink the Mismarck” mentioned abov led to the manager of the venue, James R. Fox, admonishing the behavior and ended the long-standing weekend matinee policy.
On December 12, 1960, the theatre burned down taking nine downtown businesses with it. Pictures of the fire are impressive for the catastrophic damage that erased much of downtown. Reports said that flying theater debris landed in the Mystic River. The final date is December 11, 1960 with Elvis in “G.I. Blues.”
Opened with “Smash Up” supported by two cartoons on December 16, 1948
Opening film was “It’s Love Again” on Nov. 20, 1936.
George Sparks wanted Fort Smith to have a first class opera house and created the New Theatre. He created interest by having the theater’s Boller Bros. design on display at the Boston Store months prior to its September 29, 1911. It started with a live play by a traveling company of “The Third Degree.” But live stage was not as profitable as films by the end of the War and the New’s policy went over to full time film in 1919 likely on a 30-year leasing agreement. 30 years later it became the “new” Malco Theatre as noted above.
The Majestic Theatre opened on April 2, 1906 for Interstate Theatres. On May 12, 1919 it became the Victory Theatre. Dr. Hoyt Fitzpatrick changed it to a name he trusted - Hoyt’s Theatre on Feb. 25, 1925
Transformed to the Spartan Adventure Park after its 2017 demise
Van Buren’s Rex opened July 20, 1928
Opened namelessly on April 14, 1909 with the film, “The Inauguration of Taft” that had taken place the previous month. $10 in gold went to the person with the name… Joie
Opened December 19, 1941 as a second/third run double-feature house with 625 seats and a balcony for African American patrons. Playing opening night was “Blue Montana Sky” and “Flying Deuces”
May 4, 1948 grand opening for Bill Spicer’s 71 Drive-In with “Buck Privates Come Home” in photos.
Grand opening was June 4, 1948 with “Daisy Kenyon” (ad in photos).
W.C. Fields was on hand to greet the opening day Strand Theatre with six acts of vaudeville and Fields' “So’s Your Old Man” with Hons Wagner playing the three manual Austin Grand Pipe organ on November 11, 1926.
East Hampton Theatre #1 was purportedly the former Siebert’s Opera House from the late 19th Century that had switched to films as the Majestic Theatre. The 300-seat venue was run by Paul Blanchard and purchased in late December 1929 by Deputy Sheriff Roy Young who wired it for sound and changed its name to East Hampton Theatre. On January 3, 1934 under operator Nathan Lampert, the interior was ruined by a fire.
According to reports, Lampert built the East Hampton Theatre #2 in 1935 opening in 1936. Lampert’s granddaughter Mary Markoff along with Ted and Joe Markoff (T&J Theatres) took on the venue during the War. They were also running the Colchester Theatre and would open the Portland (CT.) Drive-In while later taking over Norwich’s Midtown Theatre. The East Hampton closed, In 1970, the Knights of Columbus took on the venue converting it to a fraternal hall.
How depressed was everyone with the Wilton Cinema closed on May 30, 1994? So bad that when Loews shuttered following the last showtimes that it showed “Even Cowgirls Get the Blues.” Loews was working month-to-month leasing unable to get a favorable renewal. So they were booted and the space demolished for a T.J. Maxx retail clothing store.
In late 1991, Lake Zurich-based Tom and Jeff Rhyan’s Rhyan Management Corporation (RMC) got permission to build a 2,200 seat 8-plex. The Lake Zurich Theatres opened for RMC here on January 1, 1993 with 8 screens expanding to 10 open screens. A potential expansion fell through due to traffic concerns with Rhyan extending to 12 screens and holding tight. Regal took over the Crystal Lake Showcase and here on May 21, 1999 committed to adding up to 12 more screens to double screen count in Lake Z. With the traffic issues unresolved, Regal left it at a dozen-plex.
The venue closed March 16, 2020 for the COVID-19 pandemic. It reopened briefly in August of 2020 only to close again on October 8, 2020. It then reopened on May 21, 2021. Regal closed here August 14, 2025. A plan earlier in the year proposed demolishing the theater for an apartment complex.
I’m no expert but you appear to be conflating two different venues. And please don’t change the entry above because you may be correct. My research reflects that the Gates Building was a post-Civil War era structure built in 1867. It was known for “Tip Top Hall” - a second floor venue at 13-17 South Main. It had a stage and 250 seats. On May 3, 1913, it became the Tip Top Theatre showing motion pictures run by Abe and Harry Lazinsk who additionally ran the Tip Top dry goods store at street level. The Lazinsks sold out both top and bottom. From 1924 to December 1963, the lower floor housed the local Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Company (A&P) Grocer. (Photos show the Tip Top Store signage on the side and the Great Atlantic & Pacific signage on the front.) In 1924, Paul Blanchard took over the top floor Tip Top Theater showing silent films.
In 1929, the Lazinsks bought the silent house back from Blanchard and they programmed a combination of events and silent movies into 1931. They tested sound, switched back to silent films, but soon discontinued all film programming there later in 1931. The venue was returned to its original Tip Top Hall moniker whose use was discontinued during World War II. Following A&P’s departure, the nearly 100-year old building was demolished in January of 1964.
I believe the Colchester Theatre was a 350-seat street level movie house at 236 South Main on November 24, 1934. (A total guess here but the structure might have been a former livery - not an unusual transition even in the 1930s. But not at all sure about that.) Nathan Lampert who was building the new-build East Hampton Theatre came into run it in 1935.
Lampert’s granddaughter Mary Markoff along with Ted and Joe Markoff (T&J Theatres) took on the venue during the War. The Colchester Theatre operated regularly to August 20, 1960 - likely closing at the end of 25-year leasing agreement with “From the Terrace.” The Markoffs would operate the Midtown in Norwich and Portland (Ct.) Drive-In in addition to the East Hampton and Colchester.
Used sporadically with events and screenings throughout the 1960s and early 1970s, the Colchester Theatre comes back one more time on August 30, 1974 after a refresh now with 280 seats and playing “For Pete’s Sake.” This doesn’t work out long-term and the building is sold and used as a fraternal hall in 1979.
I’ve posted some visual evidence from the historical societies in that area perhaps to give some additional evidence if that’s helpful. But again, don’t attribute this research to others (the 1930s is a bit of challenge to figure out and the historical society identifies the earlier building differently) so I may be totally off base here. Perhaps the original contributor can clarify the entry so that it can be properly attributed to him; or a local expert can get this over the goal line.
Launched July 2, 1953 by T. and J. Markoff’s chain. It closed for the season on September 14, 1985 with “Summer Rental” and “Beverly Hills Cop.”
The post-War Loews Poli would be the replacement for its aged Broadway Theatre in 1949. The project was announced in 1948 and would be built to the architectural plans of New London’s Creighton and McGuire. The Loew’s Poli Theatre was opened on July 13, 1949 with Esther Williams in “Neptune’s Daughter”. Loews would sell its Broadway Theatre to auto dealer Charles R. Simon.
With television impacting operations and the Paramount decree impacting the entire industry, Loews sublet the venue to independent Edward P. Lord in October of 1955. He changed the name to the Midtown Theatre (no dash) resuming operations. Lord bought the local Palace Theatre moving out of his subleasing agreement in early 1966.
On April 27, 1966, John E. Hoddy, who operated the Jewett City theater and Mansfield drive-in, assumed the remaining term of the Midtown Theatre’s 20-year lease and retained its name. The Midtown ran to the end of its lease on April 26, 1969 with Hoddy buying the theatre building previously owned by the Berkman Brothers (who owned the adjoining Sears retail store building).
After a refresh, the venue resumed operations at Cinema Midtown (no dash) with the film, “The Odd Couple,” on June 18, 1968. Cinema Midtown ceased after July 8, 1972 showings of “Oh! Calcutta!” with downtown’s fortunes fading compared to suburban centers. Edward P Lord bought the venue performing upgrades.
Under Lord’s tenure, it became the Lord Cinema at some point- very likely on January 20th, 1978 - operating until October 23, 1988 closing with “Kansas” and “Eight Men Out.“ Finally, on its last leasing agreement cinematically, it became Chubby’s Pub Cinema and Restaurant. Chubbys came in on June 30, 1989 with “No Holds Barred” boasting of an entertainment center under one roof concept. It opened just in time to celebrate its 40th Anniversary in July of 1989. Bar, dancing, and movies with food was its attraction. That worked until January 1, 1991. The building was slated for demolition which was postponed indefinitely.
The Davis Theatre was built for live plays. It scored with movies and became the Broadway Theatre on August 17, 1922 with B.F. Keith vaudeville performers and the film “John Smith” with Eugene O'Brien. It received sound equipment to remain commercially viable.
As it approached its 20-year leasing expiry, Loew’s spent $75,000 to upgrade it to the more moderne Loew’s Poli Broadway Theatre relaunching on February 19, 1942 with Katharine Hepburn as “Woman of the Year” supported by “Mr. And Mrs. North” on a continuous, grind policy. As their opening ad said, the only original elements were the four walls with the venue. After the War, the venue mixed in Polish films for the strong Polish community of Norwich that had begun at the outset of World War I.
Loews decided in post-War times to replace the building with its streamline moderne Loews Poli Theatre opening in 1949. And that’s just what they did. They then sold the building outright to auto dealer Charles R. Simon.
Very technically, there should be a Waterford Drive-in (#1) and a Waterford Drive-In (#2). They are close-by but they are on different tracts and had different addresses. And there’s an operational gap caused by numerous issues.
Waterford Drive-In #1 closed December 28, 1969 “Strange Affair” and “Sterile Cuckoo” supported by a cartoon. The City of Waterford approved of a plan in 1970 for a shopping center to be built on top of the drive-in which would include a new spot for a new Waterford Drive-in. All the land was owned by drive-in operator Waterford Drive-In Theatre, Inc. The Drive-In’s plan was to reopen next door to the east of the proposed center in time for the end of the 1970 season. The old drive-in was demolished in May of 1970.
Due to zoning issues, code enforcement, road access issues, sewage and water connectivity issues, and more they just missed the 1970 opening… by three years. Waterford Drive-In Theatre (#2) opened on August 29, 1973 with “Dillinger” and “Little Cigars.” It closed November 1, 1981 with “Friday The 13th” parts one and two supported by “Cocaine Fiends.” The venue didn’t open for its next season. Operator Carl D. Sherman decided to market the land.
This project in production was the Poquonnock Bridge Drive-In and broke ground on March 2, 1954. It opened June 23, 1954 as the Bridge Drive-In Theatre with “Silver Lodge” supported by “Devil’s Canyon” and two cartoons. Brandt Theatres Circuit took it on for its third season as Brandt’s Bridge Drive-In Theatre through its 1958 season. In 1959, it was AMCO’s Bridge Drive-In Theatre. Under new operators in 1965, it was just the Bridge Drive-In.
The Bridge finished its 20-year leasing agreement and the City came for the property. The final showtimes were on Labor Day, Sept. 3, 1973 with “The Magnificent Seven Ride Again” and “Tom Sawyer.” The ozoners was demolished in June of 1976 in favor of a library.
The Cameo closed appropriately with Linda Lovelace in “Deep Throat” supported by Kay Parker in “Taboo” on October 7, 1985
Closed permanently and appropriately on December 15, 1985 with an Annette Haven double feature with “Ladies Night” and “Brief Affair.” The Groton Square Shopping Center developers had the drive-in vanquished in April of 1986 to put up a Bradlee’s discount store.
In June of 1965, United Artists Theatre Circuit (UATC) announced that it would soon become a near neighbor to the Stop & Shop Store in the Groton’s Shoppers Mart. The “Big G” plaza had been announced in 1956 and would be anchored theatre-less at its opening in the 1960s by A&P / Stop & Shop, Liggett’s Rexall Drugs, and W.T. Grant’s. At a second iteration, the $500,000 cinema was added during the luxury suburban era of cinema exhibition.
The UA Groton was designed as a Dimension 150 venue to display widescreen 70mm films. It was likely on a 25-year lease. New Hampshire-based William Mileto was the architect chosen for the single screen venue. Wide-aisle,“magic seat” seating reduced capacity from 1,000 in the first iteration of the theater to 706 at launch. After a press screening the previous night, it opened on April 19, 1967 wioth “Dr. Zhivago.”
On December 26, 1975, the venue was twinned becoming the UA Groton Cinema 1 & 2. UA closed on July 18, 1991 with “Robin Hood” and “Dying Young.” Assuming it was at the end of a 25-year lease and willing to move onward with the multiplex era, UA likely renewed its lease if the center would assist in some way with the creation of a multiplex there. UA and the center demolished the original auditorium and created a new 6-plex perhaps using some elements from the original building’s face. The new ‘plex relaunched as the all new UA Groton Cinema 6 a year later on June 19, 1992 with “Lethal Weapon 3,” “Encino Man,” “Batman Returns,” “Patriot Games,” and “Aces” Iron Eagle 3."
In June 1993, Hoyts Cinemas Corp. bought the Groton and 56 other theaters from UATC with this venue becoming Hoyts Groton Cinemas 6 effective on June 24, 1993. Hoyt’s moved on in March of 2004. Northeast Cinemas took on the venue on March 19, 2004 operating it for a year with new operators on board in March of 2005. Ten years later, Belmont Capital Theatres LLC / Neighborhood Theatres closed here permanently on August 23, 2015. The theater’s signage on the plaza’s outer attractor remained in place nine more years.
Grand opening ad from April 16, 1949 in photos with “Walk a Crooked Mile” and “I Surrender Dear.”
The final showing at the Norwich-New London Drive-In was October 5, 1996 with the West Screen featuring Rodney Dangerfield in “Back to School” and Arnold Schwarzenegger in “The Terminator” and on the East Screen it was Tom Cruise in “Top Gun” and Daniel Greene had “Hands of Steel.” The drive-in closed permanently with the property deteriorating for almost 30 years until crews were brought in to make the property more attractive for future uses.
The Strand opened on April 29, 1922 booked by Morris Pouzzner and managed by George Grinnell. State Senator C.C. Costello addressed the sold out audience. Sound was added to keep the venue viable. Boys shooting coins and hard candy during a March 14, 1960 matinee of “Sink the Mismarck” mentioned abov led to the manager of the venue, James R. Fox, admonishing the behavior and ended the long-standing weekend matinee policy.
On December 12, 1960, the theatre burned down taking nine downtown businesses with it. Pictures of the fire are impressive for the catastrophic damage that erased much of downtown. Reports said that flying theater debris landed in the Mystic River. The final date is December 11, 1960 with Elvis in “G.I. Blues.”