In the 40s and 50s,The Loop was also a place for bus travelers who were making connections to catch up on the news and spend a few minutes relaxing. It was located around the corner from the Trailways bus station, which can be seen in the 1988 movie “Red Heat” Before the new Greyhound station was built, their buses used a storefront across State street from the Loop Theater, near the State Lake theater. So, it was just a quick dash across the street to catch a newsreel.
That new multiplex might be a time in coming, given the current national economic problems. Currently, there is no construction activity at that site. The Eastgate is actually a very nice theater, parking is easy and plentiful, staff always cordial and helpful, and the auditoriums comfortable.
The new theater will actually be the third one to be built in this area. The current Eastgate replaced a smaller complex that was in the East Towne Mall itself.
Because this theater sits on the bank of the Baraboo River, it sustntined heavy flood damage in June. It is currently closed, hopefully to reopen soon.
Today the sign reads “Open soon.” Another indication that the theater will never show a film again. Nova’s 4-plex in nearby Whitewater, Wisconsin is still open, but also for sale. Never a good sign.
Last night, on the CBS crime program “Criminal Minds,” the Alex was featured in one segment. The show was supposed to be taking place in Chula Vista, yet the teen girls in it had gone to this movie theater, which was shown in a couple of shots.
Pretty ambitious to travel 135 miles to Glendale just to see a movie and meet some boys.
This theater is currently being demolished to provide parking for the old hotel next door which is being renovated. Asbestos abatement has held up the demolition for a while.
The lobby of this closed theater is currently being used as a hiring center for the new Walmart Supercenter being erected across the expressway. Nothing else going on with it as far as I can see.
When I was in the US Army in 1964, while on leave, I visited a former barracks mate who lived in Batavia. He and his father owned the old Batavia theater, which they were using as living quarters and business space. At that time there was nothing on the exterior to indicate that it had been a theater at one time, but the lobby and auditorium were still in place.
According to the Mineral Point Chamber of Commerce, this theater did indeed go by the name of Point until the early 1990s. Here’s a little more detail about its early years and restoration.
“Like most communities, many professional entertainment and touring show groups played Mineral Point, along with local theatrical productions. Many of these productions were held at local public halls and probably at the Opera Hall in the old courthouse. As early as 1889, the local newspapers began urging the City of Mineral Point to build a new opera house. There were finally successful when an Opera House was included in the plans for the new Municipal Building. In February 1915, the town dedicated the new Opera House in the the new City Hall (137 High Street). The new Opera House contained boxes holding twenty seats, and a main floor and balcony which seated 703. A stage and screen, protected by an asbestos curtain, extended across the back of the building. It had steam heat and electric lights. In 1963, residents restored the interior of the building and repaired the interior filigree detailing with original molds found in Milwaukee by Robert Neal. In 1988, the city began planning restoration of the theater.”
Sal De Grazia was a neighbor of mine and it broke his heart that he couldn’t keep the place open. Economics were against him and the place declined. I would take my family there from time to time but the place was just too run-down and dreary.
The last film shown there was in 1985, the potboiler REMO WILLIAMS. The title remained on the marquee for months afterwards.
We are all humans, and therefore capable of deep emotion. Nothing to be ashamed about with that. As for myself, I bawled during “Bang the Drum Slowly” when the Robert DeNiro character was dying but continued bravely playing with his team.
On a recent trip to the Philippines, I found out that this theater is now closed, a victim of shopping mall theaters and bootleg DVDs. Towards the end, it showed porno, but was not successful.
Its space is now occupied by retail stores and warehousing.
To help relight the marquee, the Orpheum will be hosting an advanced presentation of the new WB movie, “We Are Marshall.” Proceeds from this will be put toward refurbishing the sign to its former glory. Details are on the official website above.
The Gard Theater building has been spruced up with fresh paint and stucco work. It sits on a corner, with a restaurant contained in the major section of the street frontage. The theater entrance is small,and the only thing resembling a marquee is a blue canvas awning with the words “Theater” printed in white.
Only open on weekends, showing family-oriented films at 7 & 9 on Fridays and Saturdays, and at 7 on Sundays.
Marcus Theaters has announced that the South Towne will be closed later this year. This is because they are constructing a new multiplex a few miles away at a business park. This new theater will have 1484 seats with 12 screens. Provisions are being made to add an additional 3 screens at a later date.
The closure of this theater was inevitable. This will leave only one bargain house in Madison.
The little multiplex is located in a building which does little to disguise its former use as a department store. The food is OK, but nothing special. Auditoriums are shoeboxes, each with circular tables having 2 to 4 swivel chairs placed around them, with no other seating available. Sight lines are just fair, and the tables' surfaces reflect light from the screen, which can be distracting.
This seems to be one way that small town theaters can continue to exist. Kind of a Chuckie Cheese approach to the movie experience.
Status should be changed to closed/demolished.
This theater is being torn down and will be replaced by a family buffet restaurant. http://www.sacbee.com/101/story/1485689.html
In the 40s and 50s,The Loop was also a place for bus travelers who were making connections to catch up on the news and spend a few minutes relaxing. It was located around the corner from the Trailways bus station, which can be seen in the 1988 movie “Red Heat” Before the new Greyhound station was built, their buses used a storefront across State street from the Loop Theater, near the State Lake theater. So, it was just a quick dash across the street to catch a newsreel.
That new multiplex might be a time in coming, given the current national economic problems. Currently, there is no construction activity at that site. The Eastgate is actually a very nice theater, parking is easy and plentiful, staff always cordial and helpful, and the auditoriums comfortable.
The new theater will actually be the third one to be built in this area. The current Eastgate replaced a smaller complex that was in the East Towne Mall itself.
Today’s Wisconsin State Journal has a story about how Kerasotes Theaters will not be reopening this theater.
http://www.madison.com/wsj/home/local/317574
The local community would like to see a movie theater in their town, so another operator is being sought.
Because this theater sits on the bank of the Baraboo River, it sustntined heavy flood damage in June. It is currently closed, hopefully to reopen soon.
This theater has reopened as a live music venue according to the Nova Cinemas website.
Today the sign reads “Open soon.” Another indication that the theater will never show a film again. Nova’s 4-plex in nearby Whitewater, Wisconsin is still open, but also for sale. Never a good sign.
Last night, on the CBS crime program “Criminal Minds,” the Alex was featured in one segment. The show was supposed to be taking place in Chula Vista, yet the teen girls in it had gone to this movie theater, which was shown in a couple of shots.
Pretty ambitious to travel 135 miles to Glendale just to see a movie and meet some boys.
This theater is currently being demolished to provide parking for the old hotel next door which is being renovated. Asbestos abatement has held up the demolition for a while.
The lobby of this closed theater is currently being used as a hiring center for the new Walmart Supercenter being erected across the expressway. Nothing else going on with it as far as I can see.
When I was in the US Army in 1964, while on leave, I visited a former barracks mate who lived in Batavia. He and his father owned the old Batavia theater, which they were using as living quarters and business space. At that time there was nothing on the exterior to indicate that it had been a theater at one time, but the lobby and auditorium were still in place.
This theater should now be listed as closed. Marcus has now opened the new 16 screen Majestic nearby.
This theater should now be listed as closed. Marcus has now opened the nearby new 16 screen Majestic theate.
According to the Mineral Point Chamber of Commerce, this theater did indeed go by the name of Point until the early 1990s. Here’s a little more detail about its early years and restoration.
“Like most communities, many professional entertainment and touring show groups played Mineral Point, along with local theatrical productions. Many of these productions were held at local public halls and probably at the Opera Hall in the old courthouse. As early as 1889, the local newspapers began urging the City of Mineral Point to build a new opera house. There were finally successful when an Opera House was included in the plans for the new Municipal Building. In February 1915, the town dedicated the new Opera House in the the new City Hall (137 High Street). The new Opera House contained boxes holding twenty seats, and a main floor and balcony which seated 703. A stage and screen, protected by an asbestos curtain, extended across the back of the building. It had steam heat and electric lights. In 1963, residents restored the interior of the building and repaired the interior filigree detailing with original molds found in Milwaukee by Robert Neal. In 1988, the city began planning restoration of the theater.”
This place became an antique mall after it closed, then was converted to a Chinese restaurant 9 years ago.
Sorry, Sal died back in the 90’s from an intestinal blockage. Nice guy, shame he went so young.
Sal De Grazia was a neighbor of mine and it broke his heart that he couldn’t keep the place open. Economics were against him and the place declined. I would take my family there from time to time but the place was just too run-down and dreary.
The last film shown there was in 1985, the potboiler REMO WILLIAMS. The title remained on the marquee for months afterwards.
We are all humans, and therefore capable of deep emotion. Nothing to be ashamed about with that. As for myself, I bawled during “Bang the Drum Slowly” when the Robert DeNiro character was dying but continued bravely playing with his team.
On a recent trip to the Philippines, I found out that this theater is now closed, a victim of shopping mall theaters and bootleg DVDs. Towards the end, it showed porno, but was not successful.
Its space is now occupied by retail stores and warehousing.
To help relight the marquee, the Orpheum will be hosting an advanced presentation of the new WB movie, “We Are Marshall.” Proceeds from this will be put toward refurbishing the sign to its former glory. Details are on the official website above.
Converted in the 1950’s to a McCrory Dept. Store.
The Gard Theater building has been spruced up with fresh paint and stucco work. It sits on a corner, with a restaurant contained in the major section of the street frontage. The theater entrance is small,and the only thing resembling a marquee is a blue canvas awning with the words “Theater” printed in white.
Only open on weekends, showing family-oriented films at 7 & 9 on Fridays and Saturdays, and at 7 on Sundays.
The link is no longer valid. This former theater has now been turned into a bar called Burg.
Marcus Theaters has announced that the South Towne will be closed later this year. This is because they are constructing a new multiplex a few miles away at a business park. This new theater will have 1484 seats with 12 screens. Provisions are being made to add an additional 3 screens at a later date.
The closure of this theater was inevitable. This will leave only one bargain house in Madison.
The little multiplex is located in a building which does little to disguise its former use as a department store. The food is OK, but nothing special. Auditoriums are shoeboxes, each with circular tables having 2 to 4 swivel chairs placed around them, with no other seating available. Sight lines are just fair, and the tables' surfaces reflect light from the screen, which can be distracting.
This seems to be one way that small town theaters can continue to exist. Kind of a Chuckie Cheese approach to the movie experience.