I first moved to Boston in 1975. When I got here, the central part of the city had 28 screens in 20 theatre buildings, with 12 different owners. One chain was clearly dominant — Sack Theatres, with 12 screens in 8 theatres — but moviegoers had plenty of other choices. (note: I’m omitting porn theatres and screens from this count.)
Today, Boston has 32 screens in 2 theatre buildings, both built within the last six years. Both are owned by AMC, though they are legally required to divest one of them.
So we now have more screens, but fewer choices. In 1975, a movie would never play on more than one screen of a multiplex, nor would it play in more than one theatre within central Boston. Today, a movie often plays at both of our remaining two theatres; furthermore, some movies play on two or three screens at one or both theatres.
In today’s paper, I see only 11 different movies playing on those 32 screens.
Where are your current theatres located? I assume that you are interested in expanding your chain only within your current region, but you haven’t told us where that is.
According to a sign outside, the Somerville Theatre will have no live shows this July and August, to allow for renovations in the main theatre. The work will include repainting and “new stage facilities”. I assume the main hall will also be closed for movies during those two months, but I don’t know for sure. (Ian?)
And just to the left of the Globe, the postcard shows the Theatre Premier. The Premier didn’t last very long as a cinema, though its building stands to this day. Does this postcard have a date?
This theatre reopened last night, according to news reports and the theatre’s web site. The following information should be changed:
Name –> CinemaSalem
Status –> Open
Function –> Movies!
Address –> One East India Square, Salem MA 01970
Phone –> 978 744-1400
Official Website –> http://www.CinemaSalem.com
The first week’s features: The Break-up, Over the Hedge, and a revival of The Wizard of Oz. Also, an independent documentary, Hand of God, will be shown next Thursday only.
I saw Spike Lee’s Do The Right Thing here during its first run. It played on both screens, an arrangement I don’t recall seeing for any other film here.
Here’s the official web page for Pope John Paul II Park, which opened in June 2001. The park occupies the sites of both the Drive-In and an adjoining former landfill.
The fictional “Pen Park” in Dennis Lehane’s book Mystic River was based partially on this site.
Nope, I don’t even live in Columbus anymore. But my family is there and I visit a few times each year. If I’m lucky, I get to some event at the Ohio or the Southern while I’m there.
There aren’t too many screens. There are too many unimaginatively-programmed screens. (See my earlier post about Boston 1975 vs Boston 2006.)
So if the Hollywood product is crap, why not devote those screens to other stuff — independent films, foreign films, and revivals?
32 screens should show 32 different movies.
I first moved to Boston in 1975. When I got here, the central part of the city had 28 screens in 20 theatre buildings, with 12 different owners. One chain was clearly dominant — Sack Theatres, with 12 screens in 8 theatres — but moviegoers had plenty of other choices. (note: I’m omitting porn theatres and screens from this count.)
Today, Boston has 32 screens in 2 theatre buildings, both built within the last six years. Both are owned by AMC, though they are legally required to divest one of them.
So we now have more screens, but fewer choices. In 1975, a movie would never play on more than one screen of a multiplex, nor would it play in more than one theatre within central Boston. Today, a movie often plays at both of our remaining two theatres; furthermore, some movies play on two or three screens at one or both theatres.
In today’s paper, I see only 11 different movies playing on those 32 screens.
If it was in 1981, you presumably saw the original Loew’s State, not this replacement.
This is ironic, since Cineplex got its start by building tiny little shoebox theatres, like Beverly Center in Los Angeles.
That is all great news, Ian! I’m looking forward to seeing the result next fall.
I don’t see any projection equipment at that link. Are you sure you posted this under the correct category?
About three weeks ago, I submitted the Star Theatre in Somerville, MA, but it hasn’t been put on the site yet.
Where are your current theatres located? I assume that you are interested in expanding your chain only within your current region, but you haven’t told us where that is.
According to a sign outside, the Somerville Theatre will have no live shows this July and August, to allow for renovations in the main theatre. The work will include repainting and “new stage facilities”. I assume the main hall will also be closed for movies during those two months, but I don’t know for sure. (Ian?)
To clarify, the Globe Theatre is listed here at CinemaTreasures under its later name, the Center Theatre.
In its last years as a cinema, the Center became the Pagoda Theatre. It was then converted into the large Chinese restaurant you see there today.
And just to the left of the Globe, the postcard shows the Theatre Premier. The Premier didn’t last very long as a cinema, though its building stands to this day. Does this postcard have a date?
This theatre reopened last night, according to news reports and the theatre’s web site. The following information should be changed:
Name –> CinemaSalem
Status –> Open
Function –> Movies!
Address –> One East India Square, Salem MA 01970
Phone –> 978 744-1400
Official Website –> http://www.CinemaSalem.com
The first week’s features: The Break-up, Over the Hedge, and a revival of The Wizard of Oz. Also, an independent documentary, Hand of God, will be shown next Thursday only.
Does the sign outside still say Loew’s Paradise (as shown in the picture)?
Good to hear from you. Can you give us some insight as to why the theatre’s booking policy later changed from art films to porn?
I saw Spike Lee’s Do The Right Thing here during its first run. It played on both screens, an arrangement I don’t recall seeing for any other film here.
I’d very much like to read that book — please find out its name and author.
The signs both say “Columbus Palace Theatre”. But I’ve never heard anyone call it that, and CAPA’s website just calls it the Palace Theatre.
Here’s the official web page for Pope John Paul II Park, which opened in June 2001. The park occupies the sites of both the Drive-In and an adjoining former landfill.
The fictional “Pen Park” in Dennis Lehane’s book Mystic River was based partially on this site.
Yes. See the RKO Boston page.
Glad to hear that! Why did it temporarily close?
I don’t see anything stupid about it. Any publicity for old movie theatres is welcome.
Unless of course you think CinemaTreasures itself is stupid, in which case why post here?
Yes, click on “Columbus” near the top and you’ll find it.
Nope, I don’t even live in Columbus anymore. But my family is there and I visit a few times each year. If I’m lucky, I get to some event at the Ohio or the Southern while I’m there.
Here’s an announcement of this summer’s movie series. I hope you can attend one or more.