CMX Cinemas Circuit acquired all ten of Star Cinema Grill’s locations on the same day that it closed the locations for the COVID-19 pandemic on March 16, 2020. One month later, CMX filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. The circuit emerged from bankruptcy months later. In the process, they closed a variety of locations where new leasing terms couldn’t be worked out. The CinéBistro at Town Brookhaven was one such venue and was closed permanently on September 3, 2020.
The AMC Classic Ponca City 4 closed temporarily with the rest of the AMC Circuit during the COVID-19 pandemic on March 17, 2020. The theatre reopened September 3, 2020. But in a second wave of announcements by AMC, the Ponca City was closed permanently on November 8, 2020.
The AMC Classic Blueridge 14 closed with the rest of the AMC Circuit during the COVID-19 pandemic on March 17, 2020. In a second wave of announcements by AMC, the Blueridge 14 was closed permanently.
Armory Hall was opened as a 500-seat venue on February 22, 1905. In 1908 it was renamed the Empire Theatre located at Front Street below Church. In 1909 it was refreshed for improved moving picture presentations. Likely at the end of 15 year lease, the Empire then moved to its Haili Street location in 1920 seating 800 patrons and built by Y. Yanagistubo.
Just one year later, in 1921, the (new) Empire was remodeled to the plans of Solomon F. Kenn with screenings moved to to the Yuraku-Kwan. The (new) New Empire then re-emerged slightly larger at 845 seats. When the Palace opened, the Empire became a second-tier theater. However, to remain relevant, on October 9, 1929, it added Vitaphone and Movietone sound systems showing “The Voice of the City.”
At the end of the 1930s, the theatre catered to Filipino and Japanese audiences once a week. The Empire ended its run on May 26, 1940 with Hideo Fujino in “Haha Wa Tsuyoshi” likely at the end of a 20-year lease. In March of 1971, the building collapsed and the facade and much of the building was demolished.
Goodrich Quality Theaters closed the location along with all of its other locations after showtimes on March 18, 2020 as a combination of the COVID-19 pandemic and trying to reorganize in bankruptcy declared a month earlier failed.
In late July, New York-based Mason Asset Managment and Namdar Realty Group bought the Goodrich chain and name but decided that the Savoy 16 would not make the cut when it reopened locations leaving the location as closed. The facility remained closed while awaiting a potential new operator.
That new operator became Phoenix Theatres Entertainment Circuit which changed the venue’s name to Savoy 16 Theatres + IMAX. It was the circuit’s 14th location ready for relaunch when the Governor of Illinois allowed cinemas to reopen.
What proved to be the final screening at this venue turned out to be the film, “Down the Stretch” on October 1, 1936. The theatre closed for a major refresh to reopen on Christmas Day 1936 but just prior to the relaunch, the Lyda / Grand burned down.
The Yuraku-Kwan Theatre launched on July 30, 1919 located near Mooheau Park. On December 3, 1919, the theatre switched to Hollywood films with a contract with Universal Studios and International News Service for newsreels. Two new projectors elevated the presentation.
When the Empire Theatre was rebuilt, its Hollywood studio bookings were moved there beginning on March 13, 1921. The theatre didn’t covert to sound and became a popular venue for Japanese, Chinese and Filipino patrons sometimes featuring live Polynesian music.
The theatre was purchased by the Franklin Circuit and became the Mamo Theatre launching with 996 seats which arrived late postponing opening from September 3d to September 24th, 1937 likely using some part of the Yuarku-Kan.
Royal Theatres of the West Circuit took on the venue retaining its manager. In fact, the Mamo had just one manager from 1945 to its final day of operation on September 10, 1982 ending its movie run with “Tron.” The theatre was then used for live stage plays. On April 17, 1995 the roof partially collapsed and two months later another collapse ending the building’s run. It was replaced by a parking area and Farmers' Market.
The Capitol Theatre launched with Laura La Plante in “The Love Thrill” on March 24, 1927. The real star of opening night, according to reports, was the Mighty Wurlitzer organ, which had its effects in the left arch and the music in the right arch. Two Jones Grand pianos were also in the orchestra pit with seven live performers.
In February of 1928, the venue was equipped with both Movietone and Vitaphone sound systems. Universal presented the World Premiere of “Melody of Love” and at the Capitol on September 24, 1928. Over the years, stars including Barbara Stanwyck, Lillian Gish and magician Harry Blackstone would appear on the Capitol stage. Its Spanish courtyard atmospheric design would eventually be updated and its Wurlitzer would be jettisoned in 1965 and sent to Colorado Springs. Dubinsky Brothers Circuit took on the venue in 1972 and closed the location on January 6, 1985. The terra cotta, wrought iron and archways were among the elements sold at salvage prior to the theater’s demolition.
The former Lydia turned Grand Theatre had a major renovation in 1936 that cost as much as most small-town new theatres in 1936. Owner Harry Schiller was preparing the theatre for a Christmas 1936 relaunch as the New Grand when a fire on December 8, 1936 destroyed the theatre. A new plan was drawn up with work starting almost immediately.
On May 7, 1937, the new New Grand launched with “A Star is Born.”
Fred H. Michelson began construction of his new theater in 1907 in downtown Grand Island. The Michelson launched on May 18, 1908 with live acts and motion pictures. The Strand replaced the Michelson on October 27, 1920 with its new Bartola Organ played by B.G. Cowham and playing Cecil B. DeMille’s “Something to Think About.” Dorothy Root Gibbs succeeded him playing the Bartola. The Strand ended its operations on April 27, 1924 with Gaston Glass in “After the Ball.” After unsuccessfully finding a new operator, the venue was retrofitted in 1926 and 1927 for an L.J. Skaggs Grocery Store.
The Gothenburg Opera House launched with the live play, “Valley Farm,” on June 4, 1909. And the patrons didn’t have to wait long for the first films to play there - the first moving picture show was a week later on June 12, 1909. Films became the predominant form there and the venue was renamed the Sun Theatre on November 23, 1917 relaunching with Douglas Fairbanks starring in “The Americano.”
The Strand replaced the Michelson on October 27, 1920 with its new Bartola Organ played by B.G. Cowham and playing Cecil B. DeMille’s “Something to Think About.”
The Elks Theatre opened with a live stage presentation of “The Wizard of Oz” on December 22, 1904. The theatre became the Orpheum Theatre on May 22, 1921 staying live. But then the Orpheum relied more heavily on motion pictures installing sound in 1929. Its major, multi-month 1930 refresh largely was aimed at presenting talkies. And W.F. McAleer pulled off a major coup in 1932 by signing up exhibition contracts with both MGM and Warner Brothers to become the top movie house in town.
The final film at the Orpheum was December 19, 1939 with “Nurse Edith Cavell.” Showings of “Nonotchka” were cancelled when the film print and theatre burned ending the theater’s run on December 20, 1939.
The Parsons launched on December 17, 1941 with Robert Young in “Married Bachelor" with seating for 750 people. Shy of its third anniversary, a fire on September 23, 1943 gutted the theatre. H.J. Griffith Amusements Circuit had to get dispensation to rebuild the venue from the War Production Board. The New Parsons Theatre launched on August 31, 1944 with Lucille Ball and Dick Powell in “Meet the People.”
Commonwealth Circuit took on the location. The final operator was B&B Theaters Circuit which turned the venue into a three-plex rebranding as the Parsons Cinema. It was the 46th location for B&B. The Parsons was split on the lower floor and an upper floor auditorium was created in the former balcony. B&B discontinued a policy of late night X-rated films. Seating count for all three theaters combined was 500.
The two screens opened on December 21, 1984 still under the Parsons Theatre. The name of the theatre officially changed to the Parsons Cinema with a grand opening celebrating Screen #3’s arrival on February 2, 1985. B&B subleased to a couple who were considering purchasing and renovating the venue in November of 1998. That became moot when the theatre burned down due to a faulty furnace on December 15, 1998.
Note: This theatre opened for the first time in 1941 - not 1921. The note above correctly states that the Parsons Amusement Company (which owned the Elks Theatre as of 1918 and also the Liberty Theatre both in Parsons) did build a new theater but it was in Nevada, Missouri in 1921 (which the note also says)… not a new theater in Parsons.
Homer H. Daniels launched the Liberty Theatre here on May 9, 1919. The opening film was William S. Hart in “The Hell Hound of Alaska.” Dickinson Theatres Circuit took on the venue closing it in 1928. When the circuit closed the Best for a refresh and name change to the Uptown on June 16, 1928, Dickinson reopened the Liberty on June 18, 1928 to carry the Best/Uptown bookings.
After Dickinson closed the Liberty in 1929, Daniels reacquired the venue equipping it with Photophone to project sound films. It reopened September 13, 1929 with “We Americans” as a new named revealed to those patrons for the first time as the Gala Theatre. Daniels closed the Gala for the summer of 1931 but sold it in October. The theatre chairs were sold at 50 cents each as the theatre redecorated.
With new seating and a refresh, the Gala nameplate was jettisoned in favor of the Ritz Theatre. It debuted on November 23, 1931 with Jaynet Gaynor with “Daddy Long Legs” and Glenn Tryon “The College Racket” supported by a Graham McNamee sports short and newsreel.
H.J. Griffith Amusements merged with Dickinson creating Griffith-Dickinson in 1939. Griffith decided to refresh the front of the building to a streamlined moderne look. After a naming contest, the name Katy was chosen with the Katy Theatre debuting June 20, 1941 with Henry Fonda in “Chad Hanna” and Roy Rogers in “The Sheriff of Tombstone.”
CMX Cinemas Circuit acquired all ten of Star Cinema Grill’s locations on the same day that it closed the locations for the COVID-19 pandemic on March 16, 2020. One month later, CMX filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. The circuit emerged from bankruptcy months later. In the process, they closed a variety of locations where new leasing terms couldn’t be worked out. The CinéBistro at Town Brookhaven was one such venue and was closed permanently on September 3, 2020.
The AMC Classic Ponca City 4 closed temporarily with the rest of the AMC Circuit during the COVID-19 pandemic on March 17, 2020. The theatre reopened September 3, 2020. But in a second wave of announcements by AMC, the Ponca City was closed permanently on November 8, 2020.
The AMC Classic Blueridge 14 closed with the rest of the AMC Circuit during the COVID-19 pandemic on March 17, 2020. In a second wave of announcements by AMC, the Blueridge 14 was closed permanently.
Armory Hall was opened as a 500-seat venue on February 22, 1905. In 1908 it was renamed the Empire Theatre located at Front Street below Church. In 1909 it was refreshed for improved moving picture presentations. Likely at the end of 15 year lease, the Empire then moved to its Haili Street location in 1920 seating 800 patrons and built by Y. Yanagistubo.
Just one year later, in 1921, the (new) Empire was remodeled to the plans of Solomon F. Kenn with screenings moved to to the Yuraku-Kwan. The (new) New Empire then re-emerged slightly larger at 845 seats. When the Palace opened, the Empire became a second-tier theater. However, to remain relevant, on October 9, 1929, it added Vitaphone and Movietone sound systems showing “The Voice of the City.”
At the end of the 1930s, the theatre catered to Filipino and Japanese audiences once a week. The Empire ended its run on May 26, 1940 with Hideo Fujino in “Haha Wa Tsuyoshi” likely at the end of a 20-year lease. In March of 1971, the building collapsed and the facade and much of the building was demolished.
Goodrich Quality Theaters closed the location along with all of its other locations after showtimes on March 18, 2020 as a combination of the COVID-19 pandemic and trying to reorganize in bankruptcy declared a month earlier failed.
In late July, New York-based Mason Asset Managment and Namdar Realty Group bought the Goodrich chain and name but decided that the Savoy 16 would not make the cut when it reopened locations leaving the location as closed. The facility remained closed while awaiting a potential new operator.
That new operator became Phoenix Theatres Entertainment Circuit which changed the venue’s name to Savoy 16 Theatres + IMAX. It was the circuit’s 14th location ready for relaunch when the Governor of Illinois allowed cinemas to reopen.
What proved to be the final screening at this venue turned out to be the film, “Down the Stretch” on October 1, 1936. The theatre closed for a major refresh to reopen on Christmas Day 1936 but just prior to the relaunch, the Lyda / Grand burned down.
The Yuraku-Kwan Theatre launched on July 30, 1919 located near Mooheau Park. On December 3, 1919, the theatre switched to Hollywood films with a contract with Universal Studios and International News Service for newsreels. Two new projectors elevated the presentation.
When the Empire Theatre was rebuilt, its Hollywood studio bookings were moved there beginning on March 13, 1921. The theatre didn’t covert to sound and became a popular venue for Japanese, Chinese and Filipino patrons sometimes featuring live Polynesian music.
The theatre was purchased by the Franklin Circuit and became the Mamo Theatre launching with 996 seats which arrived late postponing opening from September 3d to September 24th, 1937 likely using some part of the Yuarku-Kan.
Royal Theatres of the West Circuit took on the venue retaining its manager. In fact, the Mamo had just one manager from 1945 to its final day of operation on September 10, 1982 ending its movie run with “Tron.” The theatre was then used for live stage plays. On April 17, 1995 the roof partially collapsed and two months later another collapse ending the building’s run. It was replaced by a parking area and Farmers' Market.
BTW: It was never called the Yara-Kwan Theatre.
The Capitol Theatre launched with Laura La Plante in “The Love Thrill” on March 24, 1927. The real star of opening night, according to reports, was the Mighty Wurlitzer organ, which had its effects in the left arch and the music in the right arch. Two Jones Grand pianos were also in the orchestra pit with seven live performers.
In February of 1928, the venue was equipped with both Movietone and Vitaphone sound systems. Universal presented the World Premiere of “Melody of Love” and at the Capitol on September 24, 1928. Over the years, stars including Barbara Stanwyck, Lillian Gish and magician Harry Blackstone would appear on the Capitol stage. Its Spanish courtyard atmospheric design would eventually be updated and its Wurlitzer would be jettisoned in 1965 and sent to Colorado Springs. Dubinsky Brothers Circuit took on the venue in 1972 and closed the location on January 6, 1985. The terra cotta, wrought iron and archways were among the elements sold at salvage prior to the theater’s demolition.
The Island Theatre launched with “College Days” on May 19, 1927.
My error - Lyda
Worked with Corgan Architects to add an second screen upstairs in 2021.
The former Lydia turned Grand Theatre had a major renovation in 1936 that cost as much as most small-town new theatres in 1936. Owner Harry Schiller was preparing the theatre for a Christmas 1936 relaunch as the New Grand when a fire on December 8, 1936 destroyed the theatre. A new plan was drawn up with work starting almost immediately.
On May 7, 1937, the new New Grand launched with “A Star is Born.”
Fred H. Michelson began construction of his new theater in 1907 in downtown Grand Island. The Michelson launched on May 18, 1908 with live acts and motion pictures. The Strand replaced the Michelson on October 27, 1920 with its new Bartola Organ played by B.G. Cowham and playing Cecil B. DeMille’s “Something to Think About.” Dorothy Root Gibbs succeeded him playing the Bartola. The Strand ended its operations on April 27, 1924 with Gaston Glass in “After the Ball.” After unsuccessfully finding a new operator, the venue was retrofitted in 1926 and 1927 for an L.J. Skaggs Grocery Store.
The Gothenburg Opera House launched with the live play, “Valley Farm,” on June 4, 1909. And the patrons didn’t have to wait long for the first films to play there - the first moving picture show was a week later on June 12, 1909. Films became the predominant form there and the venue was renamed the Sun Theatre on November 23, 1917 relaunching with Douglas Fairbanks starring in “The Americano.”
Closes January 14, 2021 permanently for demolition.
The Elks theatre became the Orpheum Theatre on May 22, 1921 staying with live presentations
On May 7, 1937, the Grand launches with “A Star is Born.”
September 14, 1913 launch of the Majestic Theatre.
The Island Theatre launched with “College Days” on May 19, 1927.
The Strand Theatre launched in Arcadia (though not necessarily here) on July 2, 1930 with talking pictures.
The Strand replaced the Michelson on October 27, 1920 with its new Bartola Organ played by B.G. Cowham and playing Cecil B. DeMille’s “Something to Think About.”
The Elks Theatre opened with a live stage presentation of “The Wizard of Oz” on December 22, 1904. The theatre became the Orpheum Theatre on May 22, 1921 staying live. But then the Orpheum relied more heavily on motion pictures installing sound in 1929. Its major, multi-month 1930 refresh largely was aimed at presenting talkies. And W.F. McAleer pulled off a major coup in 1932 by signing up exhibition contracts with both MGM and Warner Brothers to become the top movie house in town.
The final film at the Orpheum was December 19, 1939 with “Nurse Edith Cavell.” Showings of “Nonotchka” were cancelled when the film print and theatre burned ending the theater’s run on December 20, 1939.
December 20, 1939 - Fire ends the Orpheum.
The Parsons launched on December 17, 1941 with Robert Young in “Married Bachelor" with seating for 750 people. Shy of its third anniversary, a fire on September 23, 1943 gutted the theatre. H.J. Griffith Amusements Circuit had to get dispensation to rebuild the venue from the War Production Board. The New Parsons Theatre launched on August 31, 1944 with Lucille Ball and Dick Powell in “Meet the People.”
Commonwealth Circuit took on the location. The final operator was B&B Theaters Circuit which turned the venue into a three-plex rebranding as the Parsons Cinema. It was the 46th location for B&B. The Parsons was split on the lower floor and an upper floor auditorium was created in the former balcony. B&B discontinued a policy of late night X-rated films. Seating count for all three theaters combined was 500.
The two screens opened on December 21, 1984 still under the Parsons Theatre. The name of the theatre officially changed to the Parsons Cinema with a grand opening celebrating Screen #3’s arrival on February 2, 1985. B&B subleased to a couple who were considering purchasing and renovating the venue in November of 1998. That became moot when the theatre burned down due to a faulty furnace on December 15, 1998.
Note: This theatre opened for the first time in 1941 - not 1921. The note above correctly states that the Parsons Amusement Company (which owned the Elks Theatre as of 1918 and also the Liberty Theatre both in Parsons) did build a new theater but it was in Nevada, Missouri in 1921 (which the note also says)… not a new theater in Parsons.
Homer H. Daniels launched the Liberty Theatre here on May 9, 1919. The opening film was William S. Hart in “The Hell Hound of Alaska.” Dickinson Theatres Circuit took on the venue closing it in 1928. When the circuit closed the Best for a refresh and name change to the Uptown on June 16, 1928, Dickinson reopened the Liberty on June 18, 1928 to carry the Best/Uptown bookings.
After Dickinson closed the Liberty in 1929, Daniels reacquired the venue equipping it with Photophone to project sound films. It reopened September 13, 1929 with “We Americans” as a new named revealed to those patrons for the first time as the Gala Theatre. Daniels closed the Gala for the summer of 1931 but sold it in October. The theatre chairs were sold at 50 cents each as the theatre redecorated.
With new seating and a refresh, the Gala nameplate was jettisoned in favor of the Ritz Theatre. It debuted on November 23, 1931 with Jaynet Gaynor with “Daddy Long Legs” and Glenn Tryon “The College Racket” supported by a Graham McNamee sports short and newsreel.
H.J. Griffith Amusements merged with Dickinson creating Griffith-Dickinson in 1939. Griffith decided to refresh the front of the building to a streamlined moderne look. After a naming contest, the name Katy was chosen with the Katy Theatre debuting June 20, 1941 with Henry Fonda in “Chad Hanna” and Roy Rogers in “The Sheriff of Tombstone.”
Address has typo - 1911 Main is correct.