Google, AI summary.
The Johnston Theatre, which later became the Italy Cinema, was a historic single-screen theater located in the Thornton section of Johnston, Rhode Island.The theater underwent several transformations during its lifespan:Original Johnston Theatre (1941–1967): Opened in 1941, it was located on the second floor of the Ferri Block (a multi-shop building) at the corner of Atwood Avenue and Plainfield Street. During this era, it typically showed double bills and was a popular neighborhood spot for families.Italy Cinema / Cinema Italia (1967–1974): On February 11, 1967, the venue was renamed the Italy Cinema. In 1971, it was leased and re-christened Cinema Italia, specializing in Italian-language films and classics for the local Italian-American community. It even featured an Italian pastry shop on the floor directly beneath it.Final Years & Demolition: In its final years, the theater briefly operated as a porno house. The entire Ferri Block was demolished in the late 1970s and was eventually replaced by a gas station (formerly a Mobil Mart).Note that this historic venue is distinct from the Johnston Cinema, which was located roughly two miles away and originally opened as a Jerry Lewis Cinema in the 1960s.
Fire destroyed the Star Theatre on January 15, 1913.
Fire destroyed the Star Theatre on January 15, 1913.
The seating capacity of the Princess/Lyric was said to be about 500.
I am not sure it actually reopened.
Played at Christmas, 1937.
A 1916 film with Pauline Frederick.
Saw this here at age nine with my parents.
“The Pizza Triangle”
Almost no actual paid ads for this theatre can be found. This is one.
La Scala Theatre opens.
Added treat: the latest speech of Mussolini.
An Italian version of the 1929 “The Lady Lies” with Claudette Colbert.
An Italian version of the 1929 “The Lady Lies” with Claudette Colbert.
Original release, first-run.
I came to see this program here at the age of 13.
It played in the original German-language version.
“For Whom the Bell Tolls” played around October 15, 1947 along with “The Chimp.”
Circa 1908.
Lost film.
“Song of the Butterfly” might be the Italian film from 1939 “Il sogno di Butterfly” - “Dream of Butterfly.”
I believe this was “Westfront 1918” by G.W. Pabst and is available on YouTube.
Across from the Oakland Beach sea food places specializing in chowder, clam cakes, fried fish, stuffies.
Silent film, sound added.
Still Loew’s, before it became Ocean State in 1978.
Google, AI summary. The Johnston Theatre, which later became the Italy Cinema, was a historic single-screen theater located in the Thornton section of Johnston, Rhode Island.The theater underwent several transformations during its lifespan:Original Johnston Theatre (1941–1967): Opened in 1941, it was located on the second floor of the Ferri Block (a multi-shop building) at the corner of Atwood Avenue and Plainfield Street. During this era, it typically showed double bills and was a popular neighborhood spot for families.Italy Cinema / Cinema Italia (1967–1974): On February 11, 1967, the venue was renamed the Italy Cinema. In 1971, it was leased and re-christened Cinema Italia, specializing in Italian-language films and classics for the local Italian-American community. It even featured an Italian pastry shop on the floor directly beneath it.Final Years & Demolition: In its final years, the theater briefly operated as a porno house. The entire Ferri Block was demolished in the late 1970s and was eventually replaced by a gas station (formerly a Mobil Mart).Note that this historic venue is distinct from the Johnston Cinema, which was located roughly two miles away and originally opened as a Jerry Lewis Cinema in the 1960s.