20 photos from the August 15,1939 Los Angeles premiere of “The Wizard of Oz” via Facebook.
Description courtesy Historic Retro Stardust:
“The L.A. premiere of "The Wizard of Oz” on August 15, 1939, marked a significant moment in film history, celebrated at Sid Grauman’s Chinese Theatre. This iconic event showcased the film’s star-studded cast and attracted attention from both Hollywood elites and fans. The widow of L. Frank Baum, the original author of the Oz books, attended the premiere, highlighting the deep connection between the film and its literary roots.
Filming took place at MGM Studios in Culver City in 1938, where groundbreaking techniques were used, including the innovative use of Technicolor. The film’s production was a meticulous process, from casting to scoring, with Herbert Stothart composing the memorable score. Behind-the-scenes images capture this cinematic journey, reflecting the collaborative effort that brought this timeless classic to life."
History of Corona Facebook link with 10 images, scroll through.
Description credit History of Corona:
“Corona Theatre – To understand the Corona Theatre, you first need to know the owner and founder.
As the movie industry started to launch in the early 1900’s, Glenn Harper and his family of Hollywood were involved from the get go. Glenn started the first movie advertising firm in southern California as well as owned the Rosebud, Apollo, and Vermont theaters in Los Angeles and Hollywood.
Enjoying his success the Harper family took a family vacation to San Diego. It was suggested that instead of following the coast home that they take the inland route. As they journeyed home, they drove through Corona and became enamored with the small town. They stopped, ate a meal, and explored the town. In fact they were so impressed that they returned back to Hollywood, arranged their affairs, and returned to Corona for good.
That said, within a couple of months living in Corona, Mr. Harper realized that the movie business was in his blood and made plans to build a big movie theatre. With $100,000.00 financing from the Corona Securities Corporation, he hired well respected Carl Boller of Boller Architects (Top 5 Theatre Architectural Firms of the time) to design it and Perle T. Glass of Corona to build it.
Because the movie industry was so new at the time and the economy was going so well, the prevailing standard of the time was to build big and grandiose. Architect Boller did just that. He fashioned his design after a Spanish Mission Revival on the outside and incorporated an outdoor "atmospheric” presence on the inside. Every detail was well thought out from the sky painted ceiling to the ornamental light fixtures. Instead of a curtain, wooden doors would swing open to reveal the screen. Once the design work was finished and approved, Perle T. Glass started construction in March of 1929 and finished the 900 seat master piece towards the end of September of the same year.
September 29, 1929 was the night of the premiere of Corona’s new theatre. It was star studded to say the least. Actors Laurel and Hardy performed a skit, early movie stars Buster Keaton, Clara Bow and many others were in attendance. Sid Grauman of Mann’s Chinese Theatre was on hand, and Louella Parsons for Hearst Publishing was there to cover the event. People came from all over the southland and paid $5 to $10 a seat. The whole town was excited and in a spirit of charity Glenn Harper donated the $3000.00 opening night proceeds to the Lions Club of Corona to purchase land for a new hospital. Needless to say, that night in our small town was historic and perfect.
Of course we are lucky to still have this magnificent structure. Just two months after opening it’s doors our country fell into the Great Depression. In the 1960’s when Corona decided to revamp its downtown image, the building no longer looked like it fit in. During the early 90’s it was slated for demolition. Yet it has pulled through, it is still in decent shape and is now owned by a small church here in town.
One mention of the pictures below, the fuzzy one is taken from the Los Angeles Times taken the day of the opening……"
Early 1944 photo added credit Manheim Historical Society.
Searching for an exact address still.
Below history says South Charlotte Street, but Cinematour lists it at 39 Market Square which is a cross street of Charlotte Street.
Either way locals claim it was remodeled or demolished for apartments.
Additional below history also credit Manheim Historical Society.
“Manheim Proud of Modern Theatre,” Manheim Sentinel, September 28, 1939
“The Auditorium, east side of S. Charlotte Street is one of the finest and most up-to-date movie houses in the county. Air conditioning and all the other conveniences go with a place of this nature to make it comfortable for its patrons.
Kauffman converted the Grace Lutheran Church into an opera house, showing movies Wednesday and Saturday nights. He sold the building to James Theros, of Lancaster, in 1926. Mr. Kneller purchased the building from Mr. Theros and in 1927 he reversed the entire inside of the building, as it now is, and provided for a seating capacity of six hundred and fifty. In 1930 the talking pictures replaced the silent screen, and pictures were shown every night except Sunday.
The American Legion occupied the second floor for a number of years. In February of this year (1939) the Legion moved into the Spahr building on South Main Street and Mr. Kneller converted that part of the building into apartments.
Mr. Kneller, because of his public spiritedness, has made the Auditorium available to many of the local organizations for the advancement of their activities.”
The May 15, 1913 Opening Night print ad image reads: (Formerally The Electric Theatre) beneath Princess, so it must have opened under that name originally. (the “Formerally” typo was theirs).
So Previous Names should read:
Electric Theatre, Princess Theatre, Roxy Theatre chronologically.
The building is still standing.
Visible if you search “100 W. Lincoln Street,
Saybrook, IL 61770” and scroll right on Google Street View.
It is next to the vacant corner lot, across the street from both Saybrook water towers.
However street view will not go down Lincoln Street, so securing it’s actual address is not possible unless someone goes there in person.
It is unfortunately two hours away from me.
I’ll see if the folks at Casey’s General Store in the next block would be so kind as to get it for us.
Thank you.
That was not included in the 1964-1980 list of bookings, that was posted in the comments December 25, 2007.
It would go in between these two:
Photo as Holy Tabernacle Church added credit Peoria Public Library.
On the back was written that it was later Krieling Roofing Company Warehouse.
Photo appears to be mid `50s.
Photo added:
Graduation Ceremony of the Barnesboro High School Class of 1937 at the Vernon Theatre in Barnesboro, Cambria County. The marquee at the front of the building was not added yet. One of the movies playing was “Two Against The World.”
20 photos from the August 15,1939 Los Angeles premiere of “The Wizard of Oz” via Facebook. Description courtesy Historic Retro Stardust:
“The L.A. premiere of "The Wizard of Oz” on August 15, 1939, marked a significant moment in film history, celebrated at Sid Grauman’s Chinese Theatre. This iconic event showcased the film’s star-studded cast and attracted attention from both Hollywood elites and fans. The widow of L. Frank Baum, the original author of the Oz books, attended the premiere, highlighting the deep connection between the film and its literary roots. Filming took place at MGM Studios in Culver City in 1938, where groundbreaking techniques were used, including the innovative use of Technicolor. The film’s production was a meticulous process, from casting to scoring, with Herbert Stothart composing the memorable score. Behind-the-scenes images capture this cinematic journey, reflecting the collaborative effort that brought this timeless classic to life."
https://www.facebook.com/100063638482927/posts/1183682163763055/?rdid=e74zajeOCVsMAUMF
History of Corona Facebook link with 10 images, scroll through. Description credit History of Corona:
“Corona Theatre – To understand the Corona Theatre, you first need to know the owner and founder.
As the movie industry started to launch in the early 1900’s, Glenn Harper and his family of Hollywood were involved from the get go. Glenn started the first movie advertising firm in southern California as well as owned the Rosebud, Apollo, and Vermont theaters in Los Angeles and Hollywood. Enjoying his success the Harper family took a family vacation to San Diego. It was suggested that instead of following the coast home that they take the inland route. As they journeyed home, they drove through Corona and became enamored with the small town. They stopped, ate a meal, and explored the town. In fact they were so impressed that they returned back to Hollywood, arranged their affairs, and returned to Corona for good. That said, within a couple of months living in Corona, Mr. Harper realized that the movie business was in his blood and made plans to build a big movie theatre. With $100,000.00 financing from the Corona Securities Corporation, he hired well respected Carl Boller of Boller Architects (Top 5 Theatre Architectural Firms of the time) to design it and Perle T. Glass of Corona to build it. Because the movie industry was so new at the time and the economy was going so well, the prevailing standard of the time was to build big and grandiose. Architect Boller did just that. He fashioned his design after a Spanish Mission Revival on the outside and incorporated an outdoor "atmospheric” presence on the inside. Every detail was well thought out from the sky painted ceiling to the ornamental light fixtures. Instead of a curtain, wooden doors would swing open to reveal the screen. Once the design work was finished and approved, Perle T. Glass started construction in March of 1929 and finished the 900 seat master piece towards the end of September of the same year.
September 29, 1929 was the night of the premiere of Corona’s new theatre. It was star studded to say the least. Actors Laurel and Hardy performed a skit, early movie stars Buster Keaton, Clara Bow and many others were in attendance. Sid Grauman of Mann’s Chinese Theatre was on hand, and Louella Parsons for Hearst Publishing was there to cover the event. People came from all over the southland and paid $5 to $10 a seat. The whole town was excited and in a spirit of charity Glenn Harper donated the $3000.00 opening night proceeds to the Lions Club of Corona to purchase land for a new hospital. Needless to say, that night in our small town was historic and perfect. Of course we are lucky to still have this magnificent structure. Just two months after opening it’s doors our country fell into the Great Depression. In the 1960’s when Corona decided to revamp its downtown image, the building no longer looked like it fit in. During the early 90’s it was slated for demolition. Yet it has pulled through, it is still in decent shape and is now owned by a small church here in town. One mention of the pictures below, the fuzzy one is taken from the Los Angeles Times taken the day of the opening……"
https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=829363687116016&set=pcb.829382760447442
Updated website and Facebook page links below.
https://www.woodstockil.gov/257/Opera-House
https://www.facebook.com/woodstockoperahouse
Editorial from today’s Chicago Tribune. Link has no paywall.
https://archive.ph/RD2od
Here is the Rogers Park/West Ridge Historical Society collection of Nortown Photos.
https://rpwrhs.catalogaccess.com/sites/23?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR1Zhx1KlM56oISc8_uE_-vxCOg-VyBrQiTsuyIuwuD0qtHBpXvBAYlGlus_aem_e4ynafiAsDLgcxT6zkuo5g
Many vintage photos on the MCNY Collections website.
https://collections.mcny.org/CS.aspx?VP3=DamView&VBID=24UP1GZLS07DM&FR_=1&W=1366&H=587
Here is a May 2022 piece on State Theatre with photos.
https://www.hubspringfield.com/features/state-theater-hatfield-052722.aspx
Crisper full size version of above photo via Facebook.
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=894527846179669&set=a.550672600565197
Early 1944 photo added credit Manheim Historical Society. Searching for an exact address still. Below history says South Charlotte Street, but Cinematour lists it at 39 Market Square which is a cross street of Charlotte Street. Either way locals claim it was remodeled or demolished for apartments.
Additional below history also credit Manheim Historical Society. “Manheim Proud of Modern Theatre,” Manheim Sentinel, September 28, 1939
“The Auditorium, east side of S. Charlotte Street is one of the finest and most up-to-date movie houses in the county. Air conditioning and all the other conveniences go with a place of this nature to make it comfortable for its patrons.
The American Legion occupied the second floor for a number of years. In February of this year (1939) the Legion moved into the Spahr building on South Main Street and Mr. Kneller converted that part of the building into apartments.
Mr. Kneller, because of his public spiritedness, has made the Auditorium available to many of the local organizations for the advancement of their activities.”
Demolished prior to November 2018, when the Shawna M. Girgis Building replaced it. Named after City of Bedford Mayor Shawna Girgis.
https://www.ivytech.edu/about-ivy-tech/news/bloomington/2018/ivy-tech-location-in-bedford-moving-to-new-stonegate-arts-education-center-in-january/
Crisper version of the 1942 photo credit Genesee Theatre via Facebook post below.
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=996775915814123&set=a.457401893084864
Crisper version of the 1942 photo credit Genesee Theatre via Facebook post below.
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=996775915814123&set=a.457401893084864
The May 15, 1913 Opening Night print ad image reads: (Formerally The Electric Theatre) beneath Princess, so it must have opened under that name originally. (the “Formerally” typo was theirs). So Previous Names should read: Electric Theatre, Princess Theatre, Roxy Theatre chronologically. The building is still standing. Visible if you search “100 W. Lincoln Street, Saybrook, IL 61770” and scroll right on Google Street View. It is next to the vacant corner lot, across the street from both Saybrook water towers. However street view will not go down Lincoln Street, so securing it’s actual address is not possible unless someone goes there in person. It is unfortunately two hours away from me. I’ll see if the folks at Casey’s General Store in the next block would be so kind as to get it for us.
Not sure if it has been demolished.
There is a building at 221 N. Austin in Lamesa Texas that sure looks like it was a theatre.
The Genesee Theatre Facebook page has a recent post with 10 photos from prior to the renovation.
https://www.facebook.com/@GeneseeTheatre
Thank you. That was not included in the 1964-1980 list of bookings, that was posted in the comments December 25, 2007. It would go in between these two:
4/4/80 – NIJINSKY
4/25/80 – NIGHT GAMES
Photo is from 1974.
Pickwick Drive-In is in the background right in “Foxtrot”, Season 6 Episode 16 of “CHiP’s” per this Facebook post with Then & Now photos.
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=28721444627454661&set=gm.2006900569773327&idorvanity=405517713244962
Radio spot for the 1961 Horror Chamber of Blood event via YouTube.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=chNm4_FPbxc
Radio spot for the above showings.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=chNm4_FPbxc
August 1963 photo credit Ernest Grassel Collection/Peoria Public Library.
Ernest Grassel Collection/Peoria Public Library.
Photo as Holy Tabernacle Church added credit Peoria Public Library. On the back was written that it was later Krieling Roofing Company Warehouse. Photo appears to be mid `50s.
Undated photo added as Faith Prayer League Revival Center Church, credit Peoria Public Library.
Photo added: Graduation Ceremony of the Barnesboro High School Class of 1937 at the Vernon Theatre in Barnesboro, Cambria County. The marquee at the front of the building was not added yet. One of the movies playing was “Two Against The World.”