To give credit where credit is due, a gentlemen named Tommy Holcombe contributed that picture to drive-ins.com. It’s the only picture of the Fox marquee I’ve been able to find.
It concentrates on Miami and Jacksonville theatres and has a lot of old newspaper ads from the Florida Times Union in the Serious Jacksonville Exploitation.
And thanks again for the info. Everybody I asked could never seem to remember where the Village was.
In regards to Jack’s comment on how this theater should be listed, my personal opinion is that the Royal Palm is appropriate.
During most of its lifetime, it was known as the Royal Palm to the point I think anybody coming here looking for this particular theater would input that before the Atlantic. In a bid to keep up with the times, the Royal Palm was remodled and renamed and lasted nowhere near as long as the Royal Palm.
It now primarily hosts things such as THE VAGINA MONOLOGUES and comedy shows with the occasional showing of surf films, however, I don’t think it’s even open anymore. The website is dead and the myspace page gives no updated information.
At one time, the Freebird Cafe, a concert hall in Jax Beach owned by Ronnie Van Zant’s widow Judy, wanted to move their business in to the Atlantic (about 2005, I think). This never happened.
Jack, I’ll try to find some info on the origins of the Royal Palm. I wish Troy Powell and that other cat, Vaughn, would post more. Apparently they were very involved with local theaters, particularly Eastern Federal Theaters, in Jacksonville back in the day.
A very nice write-up. However, if I go to see a movie here, I have to go during the week and a late showing just to avoid the idiots who talk on their cell phone, check their cell phone and just talk to each other in general.
A few weeks ago, I went on a Wednesday Night at around 10pm to see THE STRANGERS. What I didn’t know is that that was the week local schools let out. Tons of high school kids just rappin' their gums. I got a re-admit pass but the manager on duty didn’t even bother to say sorry or anything. He just walked into the office and brought me a pass and walked off. Multiplexes are horrible. If you’re in Jacksonville, check out the San Marco theater for a fun movie going experience.
I don’t know how recent it is, but if you go to Google Maps, type in
4819 Soutel Drive Jacksonville,Fl and click Satellite for the satellite picture, the Ribault still lives!
The address for the Toys R Us is
1972 Wells Road
Orange Park, FL 32073
OP5,
Here’s the Cinema Treasures Listing:
/theaters/17398/
The original exterior looks the same but it’s now a gym.
To give credit where credit is due, a gentlemen named Tommy Holcombe contributed that picture to drive-ins.com. It’s the only picture of the Fox marquee I’ve been able to find.
That’s exactly the spot I was thinking of, which is across from the library. Thanks for clarifying that for me!
You might dig my blog/website:
http://seriousexploitation.blogspot.com/
It concentrates on Miami and Jacksonville theatres and has a lot of old newspaper ads from the Florida Times Union in the Serious Jacksonville Exploitation.
And thanks again for the info. Everybody I asked could never seem to remember where the Village was.
Also once an Eastern Federal Theater.
It definitely was a twin at one time.
EASTERN FEDERAL Newspaper Listings circa 1976
To clarify my quickly worded comments, I don’t think it’s considered a live venue (comedy/plays/hip destination) anymore, like it was trying to be.
In regards to Jack’s comment on how this theater should be listed, my personal opinion is that the Royal Palm is appropriate.
During most of its lifetime, it was known as the Royal Palm to the point I think anybody coming here looking for this particular theater would input that before the Atlantic. In a bid to keep up with the times, the Royal Palm was remodled and renamed and lasted nowhere near as long as the Royal Palm.
It now primarily hosts things such as THE VAGINA MONOLOGUES and comedy shows with the occasional showing of surf films, however, I don’t think it’s even open anymore. The website is dead and the myspace page gives no updated information.
At one time, the Freebird Cafe, a concert hall in Jax Beach owned by Ronnie Van Zant’s widow Judy, wanted to move their business in to the Atlantic (about 2005, I think). This never happened.
Jack, I’ll try to find some info on the origins of the Royal Palm. I wish Troy Powell and that other cat, Vaughn, would post more. Apparently they were very involved with local theaters, particularly Eastern Federal Theaters, in Jacksonville back in the day.
In this 1984 review of exploitation film KILLPOINT, Philadelphia Inquirer film critic Rick Lyman makes special mention of the D&D’s “ambience”.
Philadelphia Inquirer KILLPOINT review (1984)
Thank you for the kind words, Al. I'mn intrigued about the job you had at that agency. Maybe one day you could tell the tale?
A very nice write-up. However, if I go to see a movie here, I have to go during the week and a late showing just to avoid the idiots who talk on their cell phone, check their cell phone and just talk to each other in general.
A few weeks ago, I went on a Wednesday Night at around 10pm to see THE STRANGERS. What I didn’t know is that that was the week local schools let out. Tons of high school kids just rappin' their gums. I got a re-admit pass but the manager on duty didn’t even bother to say sorry or anything. He just walked into the office and brought me a pass and walked off. Multiplexes are horrible. If you’re in Jacksonville, check out the San Marco theater for a fun movie going experience.
OP5 Original (great name by the way): Where exactly was the Village located. Somebody once told me it was across from the library on Plainfield.
A Wometco House. The only thing I ever saw there was PHANTASM II in 1988 and I remember it being a little run-down then.
I think you may have something there. The address is right so a church may have built all over it. I need to go check it out.
I don’t know how recent it is, but if you go to Google Maps, type in
4819 Soutel Drive Jacksonville,Fl and click Satellite for the satellite picture, the Ribault still lives!
The obvious layout of the drive-in remains.
While the drive-in has indeed closed (heavy sigh), the flea market on the grounds will be ongoing on Wednesday until July 31, 2008.
Check out listings from the Playtime’s golden age
here.
Newspaper ads for films that played at the Fox and Midway Drive-Ins and theater times
here.
Newspaper ads and times for films that played at the Fox & Midway
here.
Article on the closing of the Airport Hi-Way 9 here.
Article on Preston Henn, Miami Drive-In mogul here.
Link to Palace pictures here (sorry for bad repro):
View link
Article and picture on Beach Drive-In here (sorry for bad repro):
View link
Link to pics of The Norwood:
http://thenorwoodtwintheater.blogspot.com/
Link to Rex Art theater ad:
View link
New link for my previous comment:
View link