*Does anyone know where it played in the Seattle / Tacoma area? I don't think it was the Cinerama or the UA 150/70. Was it at the SouthCenter?* -- posted by neeb on Dec 16, 2008
Yes, the UA CINEMA at Tyler Mall had the Riverside first-run exclusive of “The Empire Strikes Back.” The film opened there on June 27, 1980 and played through the autumn months.
There’s some controversy within the industry over whether or not the audio mix on this new print is complete. After comparing the new mix with the mix on the original prints, some have concluded that the new DTS audio mix is missing tracks two and four (the left-center and right-center channels).
The EASTWOOD’s run of “Star Wars” ended up being an Indianapolis exclusive for eight weeks, not twelve. On July 22, 1977 (week nine), two more bookings of “Star Wars” were added to the Indianapolis market (REGENCY 1 & 2 and LAFAYETTE SQUARE II-III-IV).
The EASTWOOD’s run of “Star Wars,” by the way, went on for 55 weeks, which I believe was the longest run in the theater’s history.
[quote]The correct name for this theatre was Charlottetown Mall Cinemas. This theatre never had 8 screens. It opened as a twin cinema. Years later the two auditoriums were split to make a 4-screen cinema. — posted by jce on Feb 9, 2004 at 7:52pm
[/quote]
Are you sure it went from two screens to four? Wasn’t there a period where the theater had three screens? I ask because newspaper advertising from the late 1970s identified it, in typical General Cinema stylization of the era, as Charlottetown I-II-III.
2001 ends record run (The Globe & Mail, 03 Nov 1970)
[i]The world’s longest continuous run of 2001: A Space Odyssey, came to an end last night with the Glendale Theatre’s 1,310th performance of Stanley (Dr. Strangelove) Kubrick’s science fiction epic. According to D.K. Watts, director of advertising for Twentieth Century Theatre, around 400,000 people saw Space Odyssey in the 708-seat house, bringing in just under $1.25-million at the Glendale.
[/i] Space Odyssey ends 127-week run (The Star, 03 Nov 1970) The science fiction film 2001: A Space Odyssey finished its Toronto run at the Glendale Theatre last night with its 1,310th performance. D.K. Watts, director of advertising for Twentieth Century Theatre, said the 127 weeks in one theatre surpassed the run of every other theatre in the world. More than 400,000 people went to the 708-seat Toronto theatre and paid $1.25 million. Space Odyssey left to make way for the world premiere of The Song of Norway.
Bob… The engagement of THE UNSINKABLE MOLLY BROWN at Radio City Music Hall was 35mm; the Hall didn’t get equipped for 70mm until 1970, six years after MOLLY BROWN’s release.
So some might consider the Palace’s engagement of MOLLY BROWN unique in that Chicago ran it in 70mm whereas New York and Los Angeles (U.S. markets #1 and #2) played it in 35mm.
Great movie! I didn’t see it in the theater during its original run, but over the years have seen it numerous times on TV. I was fortunate to have attended in 2003 a 20th anniversary screening at ARCLIGHT HOLLYWOOD which featured a cast-and-crew reunion and Q&A.
dantop500…
Yes, in addition to continuing this Cinerama series, I do plan to post in the coming weeks and months more theater history booking lists. Thanks for your interest! The most recent one I posted was for San Francisco’s Northpoint, which I doubt many readers have seen given the lack of comments since its posting.
Rich37…
I’m not sure. I only have a partial list of where the “Superman” 70mm prints were booked.
Belleville, IL â€" BAC CINEMA
Bloomington, MN â€" SOUTHTOWN
Boston, MA â€" CINEMA 57
Chicago, IL â€" ESQUIRE
Costa Mesa, CA â€" SOUTH COAST PLAZA
Los Angeles, CA â€" CHINESE
Los Angeles, CA â€" NATIONAL
Los Angeles, CA â€" WARNER CENTER
New York, NY â€" ASTOR PLAZA
New York, NY â€" MURRAY HILL
New York, NY â€" ORPHEUM
Northbrook, IL â€" EDENS
Oak Brook, IL â€" OAKBROOK
San Diego, CA â€" CINEMA 21
San Francisco, CA â€" NORTHPOINT
San Jose, CA â€" TOWN & COUNTRY
Schaumburg, IL â€" WOODFIELD
Washington, DC â€" EMBASSY CIRCLE
“Superman” remains my favorite comic-book movie. I don’t think it has been or ever will be topped. The movie has a little bit of everything: epic story, humor, outstanding (at the time) visual effects, GREAT music score, fun elements for kids, and dialogue and situations that appeal to both kids and adults. “Superman” is one of three movies I can claim to have seen over 100 times!
I first saw “Superman” at the Northridge Mall in Salinas, California. In Spring 1979, I moved to Germany (Army brat…) and saw the movie again that year at our post theater, which was the first time I can recall staying for any film’s end credits just to listen to the music.
My favorite “Superman” memory may be the AAFES military theater circuit’s special double feature of “Superman” and “Superman II.”
Another fun memory was its network TV premiere broadcast (1982?) where it was expanded by several minutes and shown over two nights.
Twistr54…
I’m not aware of Grand Rapids ever having a Cinerama theater. The Midtown ran some roadshows (presumably in 35mm) such as THE SOUND OF MUSIC (71-week run!), so perhaps that’s the theater being thought of.
Grand Rapids also had the Eastbrook, which was promoted during the late 1960s as the only Michigan theater outside Detroit with 70mm presentation capability.
Bob…I’ll take a stab at clarifying some of your work-in-progress information by filling in some premiere dates and breaking down your lists as best I can into 70mm, 35mm, roadshow and non-roadshow categories. I’ll add a few titles, too.
Corrected Premiere Dates:
PORGY AND BESS, McVickers, >>> 7/22/59 <<<
BEN HUR, Michael Todd, >>> 12/23/59 <<<
CAN-CAN, Palace, >>> 4/19/60 <<<
SPARTACUS, McVickers, >>> 10/13/60 <<<
THE ALAMO, Palace, >>> 10/26/60 <<<
EXODUS, Cinestage, >>> 12/16/60 <<<
KING OF KINGS, Michael Todd, >>> 10/18/61 <<<
EL CID, Cinestage, >>> 12/21/61 <<<
MUNITY ON THE BOUNTY, Michael Todd, >>> 11/14/62 <<<
LAWRENCE OF ARABIA, Cinestage, >>> 1/16/63 <<<
55 DAYS AT PEKING, Michael Todd, >>> 5/29/63 <<<
CLEOPATRA, State-Lake, >>> 6/26/63 <<<
BECKET, Cinestage, >>> 3/19/64 <<<
MY FAIR LADY, Palace, >>> 10/23/64 <<<
CHEYENNE AUTUMN, McVickers, >>> 12/22/64 <<<
70mm NON roadshow:
SLEEPING BEAUTY (premiered 2/12/59 at State Lake)
SOLOMON AND SHEBA (12/25/59 at Woods)
THE UNSINKABLE MOLLY BROWN (6/24/64 at Palace)
IN HARMS WAY
MacKENNA’S GOLD
AIRPORT
ANNE OF THE THOUSAND DAYS
THE LAST VALLEY
THE CONCERT FOR BANGLADESH
THE POSEIDON ADVENTURE
70mm Roadshow:
THE CARDINAL
LORD JIM
THOSE MAGNIFICENT MEN IN THEIR FLYING MACHINES
THE AGONY AND THE ECSTASY
DOCTOR ZHIVAGO
THE SAND PEBBLES
FAR FROM THE MADDING CROWD
CAMELOT (Bismarck)
FINIAN’S RAINBOW
THE SHOES OF THE FISHERMAN
OLIVER!
FUNNY GIRL
CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG
SWEET CHARITY
PAINT YOUR WAGON
MAROONED
HELLO DOLLY!
DARLING LILI
TORA! TORA! TORA!
35mm Roadshow:
THE TEN COMMANDMENTS
THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK
THE LONGEST DAY
THE BLUE MAX
HAWAII
IS PARIS BURNING?
A MAN FOR ALL SEASONS
THE HAPPIEST MILLIONAIRE
ULYSSES
THE TAMING OF THE SHREW
THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE
THE CHARGE OF THE LIGHT BRIGADE
HALF A SIXPENCE
THE LION IN WINTER
YOUNG WINSTON
THE GREAT WALTZ
35mm Non Roadshow:
ZULU
THE LONG SHIPS
BORN FREE
CUSTER OF THE WEST
WHERE EAGLES DARE
WOODSTOCK
KELLY’S HEROES
ON A CLEAR DAY YOU CAN SEE TOMORROW
SCROOGE
WATERLOO
MARY, QUEEN OF SCOTS
THE COWBOYS
DELIVERANCE
JEREMIAH JOHNSON
First-Run 70mm Presentations at PICWOOD
THE JAZZ SINGER (02/13/81)
WOLFEN (07/24/81; “Only West Coast Engagement in 70mm 6 Track Dolby Stereo”)
QUEST FOR FIRE (04/02/82)
E.T. THE EXTRA-TERRESTRIAL (07/16/82; 22 weeks)
THE DARK CRYSTAL (12/17/82)
DUNE (12/14/84)
LIFEFORCE (06/21/85)
70mm Moveover and Return Engagement Bookings at PICWOOD
APOCALYPSE NOW (12/20/79; 26 weeks)
THE BLACK HOLE / SLEEPING BEAUTY (08/01/80)
FAME (08/15/80)
DIVINE MADNESS (11/21/80)
THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK (12/17/80)
ALIEN / CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF THE THIRD KIND (03/03/81)
FAME (04/03/81)
SUPERMAN II (09/04/81)
THE JAZZ SINGER / ZOOT SUIT (12/30/81)
APOCALYPSE NOW (01/08/82)
SHARKY’S MACHINE (02/05/82)
RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK (06/11/82)
ROCKY III (05/06/83)
THE RIGHT STUFF (04/04/84)
AMADEUS (05/31/85 for 3 weeks; then again beginning 07/19/85)
No, it didn’t. The 1977 first-run Westwood engagement of “Star Wars” was at the AVCO.
Huh?
The first-run showings of “Superman” in the Seattle area were at:
JOHN DANZ
LAKE CITY
LEWIS & CLARK 3
LYNN FOUR
“The Sound Of Music” played a 44-week roadshow engagement here during 1965-66.
Yes, the UA CINEMA at Tyler Mall had the Riverside first-run exclusive of “The Empire Strikes Back.” The film opened there on June 27, 1980 and played through the autumn months.
Where exactly was the MARK TWAIN located? St. Louis proper? Sappington? Sunset Hills?
There’s some controversy within the industry over whether or not the audio mix on this new print is complete. After comparing the new mix with the mix on the original prints, some have concluded that the new DTS audio mix is missing tracks two and four (the left-center and right-center channels).
The EASTWOOD’s run of “Star Wars” ended up being an Indianapolis exclusive for eight weeks, not twelve. On July 22, 1977 (week nine), two more bookings of “Star Wars” were added to the Indianapolis market (REGENCY 1 & 2 and LAFAYETTE SQUARE II-III-IV).
The EASTWOOD’s run of “Star Wars,” by the way, went on for 55 weeks, which I believe was the longest run in the theater’s history.
2K.
I should probably point out that all the HOUSE OF WAX discussion is off topic since that film was not a roadshow.
The HOUSE OF WAX re-issue began in 1971, not 1972. The Chinese Theater in Hollywood, if the newspaper advertising was correct, did show it in 70mm.
SCENT OF MYSTERY was shown on a reserved-seat basis, so, yes, it is correct to consider it a roadshow movie.
“Star Wars” (1977 original) had a 46-week run here, which I suspect was the longest run in the theater’s history.
[quote]The correct name for this theatre was Charlottetown Mall Cinemas. This theatre never had 8 screens. It opened as a twin cinema. Years later the two auditoriums were split to make a 4-screen cinema. — posted by jce on Feb 9, 2004 at 7:52pm
[/quote]
Are you sure it went from two screens to four? Wasn’t there a period where the theater had three screens? I ask because newspaper advertising from the late 1970s identified it, in typical General Cinema stylization of the era, as Charlottetown I-II-III.
2001 ends record run (The Globe & Mail, 03 Nov 1970)
[i]The world’s longest continuous run of 2001: A Space Odyssey, came to an end last night with the Glendale Theatre’s 1,310th performance of Stanley (Dr. Strangelove) Kubrick’s science fiction epic. According to D.K. Watts, director of advertising for Twentieth Century Theatre, around 400,000 people saw Space Odyssey in the 708-seat house, bringing in just under $1.25-million at the Glendale.
[/i] Space Odyssey ends 127-week run (The Star, 03 Nov 1970)
The science fiction film 2001: A Space Odyssey finished its Toronto run at the Glendale Theatre last night with its 1,310th performance. D.K. Watts, director of advertising for Twentieth Century Theatre, said the 127 weeks in one theatre surpassed the run of every other theatre in the world. More than 400,000 people went to the 708-seat Toronto theatre and paid $1.25 million. Space Odyssey left to make way for the world premiere of The Song of Norway.
CinemarkFan: Contact me… (Or add your e-mail address to your profile so I may contact you…)
Bob… The engagement of THE UNSINKABLE MOLLY BROWN at Radio City Music Hall was 35mm; the Hall didn’t get equipped for 70mm until 1970, six years after MOLLY BROWN’s release.
So some might consider the Palace’s engagement of MOLLY BROWN unique in that Chicago ran it in 70mm whereas New York and Los Angeles (U.S. markets #1 and #2) played it in 35mm.
“The Breakfast Club”??? In 70mm???
Great movie! I didn’t see it in the theater during its original run, but over the years have seen it numerous times on TV. I was fortunate to have attended in 2003 a 20th anniversary screening at ARCLIGHT HOLLYWOOD which featured a cast-and-crew reunion and Q&A.
dantop500…
Yes, in addition to continuing this Cinerama series, I do plan to post in the coming weeks and months more theater history booking lists. Thanks for your interest! The most recent one I posted was for San Francisco’s Northpoint, which I doubt many readers have seen given the lack of comments since its posting.
Rich37…
I’m not sure. I only have a partial list of where the “Superman” 70mm prints were booked.
Belleville, IL â€" BAC CINEMA
Bloomington, MN â€" SOUTHTOWN
Boston, MA â€" CINEMA 57
Chicago, IL â€" ESQUIRE
Costa Mesa, CA â€" SOUTH COAST PLAZA
Los Angeles, CA â€" CHINESE
Los Angeles, CA â€" NATIONAL
Los Angeles, CA â€" WARNER CENTER
New York, NY â€" ASTOR PLAZA
New York, NY â€" MURRAY HILL
New York, NY â€" ORPHEUM
Northbrook, IL â€" EDENS
Oak Brook, IL â€" OAKBROOK
San Diego, CA â€" CINEMA 21
San Francisco, CA â€" NORTHPOINT
San Jose, CA â€" TOWN & COUNTRY
Schaumburg, IL â€" WOODFIELD
Washington, DC â€" EMBASSY CIRCLE
“Superman” remains my favorite comic-book movie. I don’t think it has been or ever will be topped. The movie has a little bit of everything: epic story, humor, outstanding (at the time) visual effects, GREAT music score, fun elements for kids, and dialogue and situations that appeal to both kids and adults. “Superman” is one of three movies I can claim to have seen over 100 times!
I first saw “Superman” at the Northridge Mall in Salinas, California. In Spring 1979, I moved to Germany (Army brat…) and saw the movie again that year at our post theater, which was the first time I can recall staying for any film’s end credits just to listen to the music.
My favorite “Superman” memory may be the AAFES military theater circuit’s special double feature of “Superman” and “Superman II.”
Another fun memory was its network TV premiere broadcast (1982?) where it was expanded by several minutes and shown over two nights.
Twistr54…
I’m not aware of Grand Rapids ever having a Cinerama theater. The Midtown ran some roadshows (presumably in 35mm) such as THE SOUND OF MUSIC (71-week run!), so perhaps that’s the theater being thought of.
Grand Rapids also had the Eastbrook, which was promoted during the late 1960s as the only Michigan theater outside Detroit with 70mm presentation capability.
Bob…I’ll take a stab at clarifying some of your work-in-progress information by filling in some premiere dates and breaking down your lists as best I can into 70mm, 35mm, roadshow and non-roadshow categories. I’ll add a few titles, too.
Corrected Premiere Dates:
PORGY AND BESS, McVickers, >>> 7/22/59 <<<
BEN HUR, Michael Todd, >>> 12/23/59 <<<
CAN-CAN, Palace, >>> 4/19/60 <<<
SPARTACUS, McVickers, >>> 10/13/60 <<<
THE ALAMO, Palace, >>> 10/26/60 <<<
EXODUS, Cinestage, >>> 12/16/60 <<<
KING OF KINGS, Michael Todd, >>> 10/18/61 <<<
EL CID, Cinestage, >>> 12/21/61 <<<
MUNITY ON THE BOUNTY, Michael Todd, >>> 11/14/62 <<<
LAWRENCE OF ARABIA, Cinestage, >>> 1/16/63 <<<
55 DAYS AT PEKING, Michael Todd, >>> 5/29/63 <<<
CLEOPATRA, State-Lake, >>> 6/26/63 <<<
BECKET, Cinestage, >>> 3/19/64 <<<
MY FAIR LADY, Palace, >>> 10/23/64 <<<
CHEYENNE AUTUMN, McVickers, >>> 12/22/64 <<<
70mm NON roadshow:
SLEEPING BEAUTY (premiered 2/12/59 at State Lake)
SOLOMON AND SHEBA (12/25/59 at Woods)
THE UNSINKABLE MOLLY BROWN (6/24/64 at Palace)
IN HARMS WAY
MacKENNA’S GOLD
AIRPORT
ANNE OF THE THOUSAND DAYS
THE LAST VALLEY
THE CONCERT FOR BANGLADESH
THE POSEIDON ADVENTURE
70mm Roadshow:
THE CARDINAL
LORD JIM
THOSE MAGNIFICENT MEN IN THEIR FLYING MACHINES
THE AGONY AND THE ECSTASY
DOCTOR ZHIVAGO
THE SAND PEBBLES
FAR FROM THE MADDING CROWD
CAMELOT (Bismarck)
FINIAN’S RAINBOW
THE SHOES OF THE FISHERMAN
OLIVER!
FUNNY GIRL
CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG
SWEET CHARITY
PAINT YOUR WAGON
MAROONED
HELLO DOLLY!
DARLING LILI
TORA! TORA! TORA!
35mm Roadshow:
THE TEN COMMANDMENTS
THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK
THE LONGEST DAY
THE BLUE MAX
HAWAII
IS PARIS BURNING?
A MAN FOR ALL SEASONS
THE HAPPIEST MILLIONAIRE
ULYSSES
THE TAMING OF THE SHREW
THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE
THE CHARGE OF THE LIGHT BRIGADE
HALF A SIXPENCE
THE LION IN WINTER
YOUNG WINSTON
THE GREAT WALTZ
35mm Non Roadshow:
ZULU
THE LONG SHIPS
BORN FREE
CUSTER OF THE WEST
WHERE EAGLES DARE
WOODSTOCK
KELLY’S HEROES
ON A CLEAR DAY YOU CAN SEE TOMORROW
SCROOGE
WATERLOO
MARY, QUEEN OF SCOTS
THE COWBOYS
DELIVERANCE
JEREMIAH JOHNSON
First-Run 70mm Presentations at PICWOOD
THE JAZZ SINGER (02/13/81)
WOLFEN (07/24/81; “Only West Coast Engagement in 70mm 6 Track Dolby Stereo”)
QUEST FOR FIRE (04/02/82)
E.T. THE EXTRA-TERRESTRIAL (07/16/82; 22 weeks)
THE DARK CRYSTAL (12/17/82)
DUNE (12/14/84)
LIFEFORCE (06/21/85)
70mm Moveover and Return Engagement Bookings at PICWOOD
APOCALYPSE NOW (12/20/79; 26 weeks)
THE BLACK HOLE / SLEEPING BEAUTY (08/01/80)
FAME (08/15/80)
DIVINE MADNESS (11/21/80)
THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK (12/17/80)
ALIEN / CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF THE THIRD KIND (03/03/81)
FAME (04/03/81)
SUPERMAN II (09/04/81)
THE JAZZ SINGER / ZOOT SUIT (12/30/81)
APOCALYPSE NOW (01/08/82)
SHARKY’S MACHINE (02/05/82)
RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK (06/11/82)
ROCKY III (05/06/83)
THE RIGHT STUFF (04/04/84)
AMADEUS (05/31/85 for 3 weeks; then again beginning 07/19/85)