Comments from JAlex

Showing 501 - 525 of 723 comments

JAlex
JAlex commented about Hi-Pointe Theater on Apr 22, 2008 at 8:19 am

Landmark pulled out of the theatre 4/17/2008. However, at this point it looks as if it will reopen soon as an indie under the management of the owner, George James.

JAlex
JAlex commented about Senate Theatre on Mar 29, 2008 at 11:52 am

The Senate closed in October 1964.

JAlex
JAlex commented about Senate Theatre on Mar 29, 2008 at 11:50 am

Building permit for theatre issued in Sept. 1925, so theatre opened in late 1925 or early 1926—no ads were in paper so exact date of opening is indeterminate.

Architect listed on building permit is A. H. Steel.

Most notable event in theatre’s history occurred in July 1948 when 11 patrons were injured as a wall in a building immediately to the south, which was being demolished, crashed through the roof of the Senate during a matinee.

As for the information that the theatre was on the “skirts” of downtown, St. Louisans know that Broadway and Chestnut (where the theatre was located) is in the thick of downtown.

JAlex
JAlex commented about Manchester Cinema I & II on Mar 23, 2008 at 8:34 am

Martin Bloom Associates credited with this two-screen, 300 seats each, cinema.

And to say “Exorcist” ran a year is a “bit” exaggerated!

JAlex
JAlex commented about I-44 Drive-In on Mar 22, 2008 at 1:46 pm

Drive-in was a joint operation between Wehrenberg Theatres and Piccione Enterprises.

Facility opened March 31, 1972.

The venue was designed by Gordon and Wilson.

JAlex
JAlex commented about Gravois Theatre on Mar 22, 2008 at 1:36 pm

Gravois held on and finally closed on January 2, 1972.

JAlex
JAlex commented about Bridgewood Theatre on Mar 19, 2008 at 6:35 pm

Theatre opened as a twin, not a four-plex. One of three Jerry Lewis theatres that were in the St. Louis market, and the only multi-screen.

JAlex
JAlex commented about Northwest Plaza Cinema on Mar 18, 2008 at 9:14 am

The original single screen auditorium was split into two in time for Christmas 1974 when the films available were “Towering Inferno” and “Island at the Top of the World.” At this time publicity said the original 1800-seat auditorium was now two of about 800 seats.

JAlex
JAlex commented about Westport Cine' on Mar 16, 2008 at 9:37 pm

Theatre operated from April 1973 until February 2001. Architectural credit given to Peters & Koblenc, Inc.

JAlex
JAlex commented about Bremen Theater on Mar 16, 2008 at 9:27 pm

Theatre closed in November 1967.

JAlex
JAlex commented about Creve Coeur Cine' on Mar 4, 2008 at 11:47 am

Opening attraction was an exclusive, reserved seat run of “Oliver!” The film ran 27 weeks.

JAlex
JAlex commented about Norside Theatre on Mar 4, 2008 at 9:59 am

Theatre closed September 14, 1969. Ad in the paper the following day read “Closed for Remodeling.” Where have we heard that phrase before?

JAlex
JAlex commented about Twin City Cinema on Mar 3, 2008 at 2:48 pm

Designed by firm of Sauder, Fine and Bildner. There were two auditoria of 300 seats each.

JAlex
JAlex commented about Esquire Theatre on Feb 29, 2008 at 4:43 pm

The area is West Hollywood, which is not part of the city of Los Angeles.

JAlex
JAlex commented about Twin City Cinema on Feb 29, 2008 at 4:03 pm

Interesting…the venue actually opened March 22, 1974.

JAlex
JAlex commented about North Twin Drive-In on Feb 29, 2008 at 9:28 am

The North became a twin in 1974, not 1973.

JAlex
JAlex commented about Kenrick 8 Cine on Feb 25, 2008 at 6:06 am

Needy, one got the feeling when one noticed the feel of the venue.
Maintenance obviously had been cut back; the energy level of the help slipped some notches; and, most telling of all, the Wehrenberg main office was somewhat evasive when asked about Kenrick.

JAlex
JAlex commented about Central City Cinema on Feb 24, 2008 at 9:43 pm

This was one of three Jerry Lewis cinemas that operated in the St. Louis market. Venue opened in May 1972 and was later known as the Central City.

JAlex
JAlex commented about Plitt and Cineplex-Odeon in Chicago on Jan 23, 2008 at 5:36 pm

As well, diehards (like myself) always put an apostrophe in LOEW’S.

JAlex
JAlex commented about Manchester Cinema I & II on Jan 16, 2008 at 6:47 pm

Venue(s) opened in March 1973.

JAlex
JAlex commented about Bonne Terre Cinema 1 & 2 on Jan 16, 2008 at 6:40 pm

Venue opened in 1973.

JAlex
JAlex commented about Tennessee Theatre on Jan 8, 2008 at 8:01 am

Happened to be driving through Knoxville New Years Day and got off I-40 to check out the exterior of the Tennessee. Highlight of the brief visit was the vertical…what a delight to see that the letters were lamped with incandescent bulbs. Now, that is what I call class!

JAlex
JAlex commented about West End Theatre on Dec 14, 2007 at 2:47 pm

In addition to the names I mentioned earlier, theatre also known as the MIDTOWN, the MIDTOWN ART, the PARIS ART and the EXPO ART. These all date from the late-1950s and after.

JAlex
JAlex commented about Kenrick 8 Cine on Dec 12, 2007 at 9:37 pm

Indeed, and I remember the hardcore of Wehrenberg…the Cinderella, Melba, Virginia, and Michigan. Somehow, the loss of Kenrick doesn’t quite compare.

JAlex
JAlex commented about Kenrick 8 Cine on Dec 1, 2007 at 11:13 am

As expected, Wehrenrenberg pulled the plug on this minor player in its chair with only 8 screens.

Last day of operation was November 25, 2007.