The history of the Wurlitzer organ (Opus 558, 3/15) that was installed in Shea’s Hippodrome in 1922 at a cost of 50,000is a fascinating story. It was rescued and purchased (for a mere $2,000) even as the theatre was being demolished. It was then installed at the Maple Leaf Gardens and expanded in size. It was later removed from the Gardens and stored at the Imperial Theatre on Yonge, and then installed at Casa Loma after again being modified. The complete story can be read here: http://www.theatreorgans.com/toronto/history.html
I too was surprised that it had not been entered previously; recently I was rereading “Palaces of the Night: Canada’s Grand Theatres” by John Lindsay and thought I would see what CT had to say about it and discovered there was no entry.
There are some terrific interior shots of Shea’s in that book, showing that it had, at least at one time, twelve opera boxes and elaborate ceiling lighting. I had noted the 1947 picture before during a previous hunt, but had not been able to match it up to a specific theatre as there is no vertical and the theatre’s name is not visible anywhere else in the picture. I finally figured it out when I came across the 1921 picture and matched the designs in the facade’s brickwork.
And thank you, TE, for pointing out the errors that I and others have advertently made from time to time. I think now that the Odeon, Odeon Hyland, Odeon Danforth, and Odeon Lakeshore are now properly entered.
The English version page on the same site says that it is the Cartier Theater. Generally, the French do not refer to a building that exclusively shows motion pictures as a theater, prefering to use the term cinema.
Tim, I am going to request that the moderators change the entry for this page to “Odeon Theater” and create a new page entry for the Odeon Lakeshore (aka Biltmore New Toronto) and that they move move Chuck 1231’s picture link to the new page.
According to this website, the architects for the New Orleans and St. Louis Martin Cinerama theaters were Cinerama Inc., and Finch Alexander Barnes Rothschild and Paschal: View link
Yes, Music Box Films is owned by the same company that operates Chicago’s Music Box Theater. Further information here: http://www.musicboxfilms.com/about/
It was called Eitel’s Palace when the first Cinerama film was shown there. Although Cinerama premiered in New York in 1952, Chicago’s first showing was in July of 1953.
That is a nice picture, one I had not seen before.
However the accompanying text is incorrect as regards the Cinerama projection booths at the Palace, As noted above, they were suspended from the balcony overhang, in front of the loge boxes, not attached to the auditorium floor.
The accompanying diagram (which appeared in a number of Cinerama programs and in other places) also suggests that most Cinerama installations had the booths at the top of a balcony. Except for a few purpose-built installations (such as the Martin and Cooper Cinerama theaters – where the booths were archtecturally blended into the side walls),the booths were on the main floor in order to to achieve the necessary straight-ahead projection of the images and alignment of the panels.
I wish though there was more clarity about the claim that these “digital IMAX screens will be 25% larger than average screens.” Some of AMC’s existing screens are very small, so I wonder what what the current “average screen” currently is.
If it means 25% larger than average existing IMAX screens worldwide, then I might be impressed (though I still think Cinerama and the original Todd-AO were more immersive processes; to me, though I like IMAX, it’s a case of bigger not being better).
The history of the Wurlitzer organ (Opus 558, 3/15) that was installed in Shea’s Hippodrome in 1922 at a cost of 50,000is a fascinating story. It was rescued and purchased (for a mere $2,000) even as the theatre was being demolished. It was then installed at the Maple Leaf Gardens and expanded in size. It was later removed from the Gardens and stored at the Imperial Theatre on Yonge, and then installed at Casa Loma after again being modified. The complete story can be read here: http://www.theatreorgans.com/toronto/history.html
A photo taken after the reopening:
View link
Another photo, probably before the graffiti:
View link
Here’s a picture of the Beach Mall, which formerly housed the Beach Theatre:
View link
I too was surprised that it had not been entered previously; recently I was rereading “Palaces of the Night: Canada’s Grand Theatres” by John Lindsay and thought I would see what CT had to say about it and discovered there was no entry.
There are some terrific interior shots of Shea’s in that book, showing that it had, at least at one time, twelve opera boxes and elaborate ceiling lighting. I had noted the 1947 picture before during a previous hunt, but had not been able to match it up to a specific theatre as there is no vertical and the theatre’s name is not visible anywhere else in the picture. I finally figured it out when I came across the 1921 picture and matched the designs in the facade’s brickwork.
Here’s a picture of the building that once housed the Classic Theater:
View link
The 1982 picture is most likely of different College Theater.
And thank you, TE, for pointing out the errors that I and others have advertently made from time to time. I think now that the Odeon, Odeon Hyland, Odeon Danforth, and Odeon Lakeshore are now properly entered.
The English version page on the same site says that it is the Cartier Theater. Generally, the French do not refer to a building that exclusively shows motion pictures as a theater, prefering to use the term cinema.
A picture of the Odeon Hyland:
View link
They have since corrected that as well.
Apparently this was once considered as a posssible theater for showing Cinerama, as plans were drawn up though not executed.
Picture of the Ezella asa church from 1985:
View link
A picture of the Vine Theater from 1955:
View link
1982 picture of the Gladmer after it closed:
View link
Two pictures of the Shaw-Hayden:
View link
View link
Tim, I am going to request that the moderators change the entry for this page to “Odeon Theater” and create a new page entry for the Odeon Lakeshore (aka Biltmore New Toronto) and that they move move Chuck 1231’s picture link to the new page.
Based on the picture posted by Chuck1231, it is evident that the theater was twinned prior to its closure. Screens should be 2.
According to this website, the architects for the New Orleans and St. Louis Martin Cinerama theaters were Cinerama Inc., and Finch Alexander Barnes Rothschild and Paschal: View link
This should (also) be posted to the Rotunda’s page.
Yes, Music Box Films is owned by the same company that operates Chicago’s Music Box Theater. Further information here:
http://www.musicboxfilms.com/about/
This theater is being targeted for demolition by the City of Garfield Heights. Details here:
View link
It was called Eitel’s Palace when the first Cinerama film was shown there. Although Cinerama premiered in New York in 1952, Chicago’s first showing was in July of 1953.
That is a nice picture, one I had not seen before.
However the accompanying text is incorrect as regards the Cinerama projection booths at the Palace, As noted above, they were suspended from the balcony overhang, in front of the loge boxes, not attached to the auditorium floor.
The accompanying diagram (which appeared in a number of Cinerama programs and in other places) also suggests that most Cinerama installations had the booths at the top of a balcony. Except for a few purpose-built installations (such as the Martin and Cooper Cinerama theaters – where the booths were archtecturally blended into the side walls),the booths were on the main floor in order to to achieve the necessary straight-ahead projection of the images and alignment of the panels.
I wish though there was more clarity about the claim that these “digital IMAX screens will be 25% larger than average screens.” Some of AMC’s existing screens are very small, so I wonder what what the current “average screen” currently is.
If it means 25% larger than average existing IMAX screens worldwide, then I might be impressed (though I still think Cinerama and the original Todd-AO were more immersive processes; to me, though I like IMAX, it’s a case of bigger not being better).