I was in this theater once before it was twinned and it seemed much larger than 600 seats. More in the thousand range. It seemed quite large to me. I imagine the twinning created 2 long tunnel type theaters similar to Loew’s East and West. I remember it being a nice theater.
It’s too bad groups didnt get together years ago to try to save this theater instead of waiting for the wrecker’s ball. It’s doubtful they can come with the money in so short a time. Such a shame.
I remember my grandmother saying what a dump it was (sorry). She said rats ran freely inside (this was in the 30s or 40s) Dunno what’s there now if anything. It was in a very run down section of downtown.
I saw a flyer saying an Arts Organization is trying to buy the building and soliciting funds, so I guess there’s some hope left. Apparently a study was made of the building and it’s structurely sound (minus the leaky roof, I guess…)
Does anyone still live in that little house next to the theater? i forgot it was even back there. You can see the roof if you are far enough away from the street. It’s behind some small buildings next to the theater…….
It seems the Clinton’s status will be demolished very soon. There was a news story that the whole block will be coming down (including the theater) I was hoping they would just tear down Clintonville Electric. It’s too bad they couldnt save the theater somehow. It’s sat there vacant for decades. Parking Is a problem there though. Greedy landlords……..
Watched The Caretakers the other night and realized the theater in the beginning where Polly Bergen loses it must’ve been the Bruin. (mentioned farther back in this thread, but I didnt read it before today) I could tell from the stores the theater was in Westwood. And it showed the round marquee (not enough of it to see the theater name) What tipped me off was the bear on the side of the concession counter inside. The marqee was showing West Side Story. Does anyone know if the film played there roadshow? Or was this a general release booking?
What was the capacity of the original Severance? I’m sure it wasnt 1,600. I remember Funny Girl played there it its roadshow engagement…..Was there anything special about the original single screen theater?
This still functioned as a movie theater in the 1960s. Unsure exactly when it changed to a rock venue. The early 70’s maybe. It’s too bad as it looks like it was a nice theater at one time. I imagine it’s seen better days after 30 plus years of rock music….
Yeah, but didnt the Liberty lose its entrance when the hotel was built? How would people get in there? That’s another option, I guess if they could figure that out……..
It’s too bad this couldnt be refurbished as a single screen theater again. I know the odds are against it. Does anyone know if the auditorium is wide enough to be refitted with a 70mm screen? It could be used for premieres as someone said; special bookings; film festivals etc. It has such a distinctive facade on the outside. Even a nightclub would be better than it just sitting there.
I was in this theater once before it was twinned and it seemed much larger than 600 seats. More in the thousand range. It seemed quite large to me. I imagine the twinning created 2 long tunnel type theaters similar to Loew’s East and West. I remember it being a nice theater.
They’ll probably build a 7/11 or some strip mall sort of thing there. Progress…….
It’s too bad groups didnt get together years ago to try to save this theater instead of waiting for the wrecker’s ball. It’s doubtful they can come with the money in so short a time. Such a shame.
I remember a lot of Disney films were booked there when I was a kid.
I remember my grandmother saying what a dump it was (sorry). She said rats ran freely inside (this was in the 30s or 40s) Dunno what’s there now if anything. It was in a very run down section of downtown.
I saw a flyer saying an Arts Organization is trying to buy the building and soliciting funds, so I guess there’s some hope left. Apparently a study was made of the building and it’s structurely sound (minus the leaky roof, I guess…)
SO SAD. Seems like there is still a slight ray of hope, but I wouldnt bet on it………
You mean people just defecate in the streets around there? And people are going to live there? LOL.
So the Hipp was heated by steam and had no heating system of its own?
None of the picturs show any balcony. I wonder if it still exists?
Thanks for the pics. I’ve never seen any pictures of the interior. A shame this theater cant be saved!
Does anyone still live in that little house next to the theater? i forgot it was even back there. You can see the roof if you are far enough away from the street. It’s behind some small buildings next to the theater…….
It seems the Clinton’s status will be demolished very soon. There was a news story that the whole block will be coming down (including the theater) I was hoping they would just tear down Clintonville Electric. It’s too bad they couldnt save the theater somehow. It’s sat there vacant for decades. Parking Is a problem there though. Greedy landlords……..
Thanks. I figured due to the theater’s smaller size it probably wasnt……
Watched The Caretakers the other night and realized the theater in the beginning where Polly Bergen loses it must’ve been the Bruin. (mentioned farther back in this thread, but I didnt read it before today) I could tell from the stores the theater was in Westwood. And it showed the round marquee (not enough of it to see the theater name) What tipped me off was the bear on the side of the concession counter inside. The marqee was showing West Side Story. Does anyone know if the film played there roadshow? Or was this a general release booking?
Did the theater have a balcony?
What was the capacity of the original Severance? I’m sure it wasnt 1,600. I remember Funny Girl played there it its roadshow engagement…..Was there anything special about the original single screen theater?
SAD. But not surprising considering how inconsiderate people are in public anymore……..
Did Cleopatra play the Ohio, does anyone know? I dont remember it playing there. (But I dont remember where it played if not, either).
This still functioned as a movie theater in the 1960s. Unsure exactly when it changed to a rock venue. The early 70’s maybe. It’s too bad as it looks like it was a nice theater at one time. I imagine it’s seen better days after 30 plus years of rock music….
Odd, I never heard of this theater till now. I guess I was too small when it closed to remember. It must’ve been the first theater on Euclid Avenue.
Yeah, but didnt the Liberty lose its entrance when the hotel was built? How would people get in there? That’s another option, I guess if they could figure that out……..
LOL, Saps!
I’m not sure about the Ohio showing Cinerama, but the State definitely did towards the end…… (70mm version)
It’s too bad this couldnt be refurbished as a single screen theater again. I know the odds are against it. Does anyone know if the auditorium is wide enough to be refitted with a 70mm screen? It could be used for premieres as someone said; special bookings; film festivals etc. It has such a distinctive facade on the outside. Even a nightclub would be better than it just sitting there.