Finally! I thought I’d never find this photo. Here’s a very nice large shot of the lot taken shortly after opening in 1941. Note the in-ground speakers: View link
Thanks for the nice photos Scott! Certainly all CT members appreciate being able to see photos whenever possible. Off topic here…I personally would love to travel cross-country photographing any & all movie houses as I have a feeling those in existence today will no longer be with us in 10 or 20 years. I envision high-tech digital centers that may not even resemble theatres as we know them.
Anyway back on topic…in a way I’m sorry to see this theatre go mainly since it was the site of the former General Cinemas and the original cinemas III & IV are still contained within the complex. Some nice memories here…remembering all those years of “Rocky Horror”…and not to mention countless other midnight movies as well as standard attractions I saw here.
The above article mentions the complex may be taken over by another operator. Should this happen all theatres will surely have to be retrofited w/stadium seating if they hope to stay in business.
But when you look at the surrounding area…well let’s just say I wish them luck.
Thanks CWalcazk. I can’t say I’m surprised to hear of the closing. I suspected it would be happening soon considering the area the theatre and mall is located near which has been on a steady decline for years now. The neighborhood at the rear of the mall is known as “suitcase city” if that gives you any hint!
I heard the State Theatre was a Warner Brothers house for some time and played Warners pictures exclusively. The filmed-in-Tampa WWII epic “AIR FORCE” had it’s world premier here and was a huge city event.
When the theatre closed the building became a fabric store for several years. I can’t be sure but I think it was called Mae Fabrics. The State closed before my movie going days so I never got the chance to see it as a theatre. I visited the fabric store a couple times during the mid-1960s anxiously looking around for some detail of the theatre but alas there was nothing remaining of the State.
These two photos are dated 1948. Refreshment stand with lady employee. Looks like candy was a big seller in 1948. Where’s the popcorn machine? View link
Line of people waiting to buy tickets for an exciting attraction. View link
Mike, I wish I knew. It’s been more than 6 or 7 years since 2001 last played. It’s about time for a return engagement. I’d even be happy if it played at the Fun-Lan (on the original large screen of course!)
Mike, It’s been awhile but I’m finally back on CT. I know what you mean about senior moments since I have at least two every day!
The tax collector’s office in the former Floriland Cinema building may not remain open very much longer. Due to budget cuts most of the government offices located in the former mall have shut down. I’m guessing it’s only a matter of time. Then who knows what the building will house next.
This theatre was also known as the Westown Theatre for a period of time. It may also have had an additional name although I can’t be certain without further research. I believe it closed either in the late 50s or very early 60s. As I recall the building was built as a combination clubhouse/stageplay theatre. The front portion of the building contained the clubhouse with a dance floor upstairs and the theatre in the rear which was later converted to a movie house. I was lucky enough to see the interior around the mid-1990s when a new owner purchased the building and had hoped to rennovate it. I was driving by one day and saw the doors were open.
The interior was a disaster. The auditorium was literally falling apart. Crumbling would be a better definition! There were holes in the ceiling and a portion of the roof over the stage loft had collapsed. Whenever it rained the auditorium must have been soaked with pools of water accumulating on the main level. There was mold and mildrew everywhere. A huge chandelier still hung from the ceiling but barely. I wouldn’t dare walk under it. The screen was long gone and all seats on the main level were also gone although the balcony still had several rows of seats in place. The booth had been stripped. The cement floor of the balcony had small holes in various spots clear through where you could see down to the main level. Not a very safe place to explore.
The exterior was cleaned-up and the windows and frames were repainted a couple years ago as part of a neighborhood revitalization project. But nothing was done to preserve the interior. There’s no way this theatre could be salvaged. It’s too far gone. There were probably several owners/operators over the years judging by the various name changes. Will try to research more on the next library trip.
Unfortunately the number of seats I listed is an estimate. I had hoped to find an article published about the time the Floriland opened that would have listed the number of seats as well as provided some additional details about the cinemas. But the search was fruitless. I could not find the first article or photo either before or after opening.
In hindsight I would have photographed every theatre in town inside and out had I known they would be gone in just a few years. I did manage to snap a few photos of some local theatres when I realized the buildings could soon be history. I believe I did take at least one outdoor shot of the Floriland some time after closing. If I can find it I’ll post it here.
“A Clockwork Orange” opened first-run at the Florida downtown and the version they ran had a couple scenes showing full frontal nudity so that had to be the X version. It played at the Floriland about a year or so later and I don’t recall any scenes being cut so it was probably the X version as well. The R version probably had the violence trimmed down a bit in addition to any frontal nudity as the violence alone was probably enough to warrant an X rating. It was certainly extreme for the time.
Here are the opening ads:
Floriland Cinema 1 & 2 opening November 22, 1972: View link
Floriland Cinema 3 reopening July 24, 1981: View link
MikeRogers: When those Sensurround speakers first came on they scared the *#%+! out of me! I had no idea they would be so loud. The seats were vibrating and it even felt like they were shaking. And I remember feeling pressure in my chest. I wonder if anyone died from experiencing Sensurround?! The audience in nearby cinema 1 must’ve thought the roof was falling in had they not known anything about Sensurround.
Mike, Great job on this nicely written story! So Augusta also had a Palace Theatre. I wouldn’t be surprised if there are even more old Augusta theatres that need discovering. The best was is to glance at the microfilm ads for the 1930s 1940s & 1950s. Pick any few days for those decades and see what you find. I think you may be surprised to see ads for theatres in Augusta you never even heard about!
Mike, You’re right again! I had forgotten about that but I now remember the ads for the short-lived dinner theatre when Nancy Kulp appeared in No No Nanette. I’m glad you mentioned it. Interesting that theatre 1 was used for the shows considering it was the smaller theatre. I think there was an article published in the Tribune describing the rennovation from 3 cinemas to a dinner theatre. If I can find it I’ll post it here. I’m wondering how they managed to put a stage in that small theatre without losing seating. There couldn’t have been very much room behind the screen so I’m sure the stage had to expand outward. Did you ever attend the dinner theatre?
The street address for Floriland Mall is:
9309 North Florida Avenue
Tampa, FL 33612
Here’s a link with a small photo of the Floriland Cinema building now the north Tampa branch of the Hillsborough County Tax Collector’s office: View link
Will post opening day ads for Floriland Cinema shortly.
Bob: Yes, 3002 is the correct address for St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital which is one block east of the former mall.
The physical address wasn’t easy to find since the mall no longer exists. However, I got lucky and found a webpage with an address and aerial photo of the mall. The mall’s address was 3302 W. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr Blvd. I imagine this would also be the address for the cinemas as well.
The mall was on the southeast corner of Buffalo (Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd) and Himes Ave. Himes is the street on the left side of photo and Buffalo is at the top. Sears is the first building on the left side. The cinemas were located just outside the entrance to Sears. Here’s the link: View link
Mikeoaklandpark: You’re right! I had forgotten about the video store which I visited several times. I think it was called Suncoast Videos. It occupied a good portion of the lobby. There was a door at the rear of the store and I remember looking in to see if maybe the auditoriums were still there. But it was just a small storage room with another door beyond that led down a small hallway to the exit door at the back. The entrance to the auditoriums had apparently been sealed off by a brick wall.
Here’s the opening day ad dated August 6, 1976: View link
Continuing my post above, here’s the opening day ad dated August 6, 1976: View link
General Cinema opened both Eastlake Square Mall and Tampa Bay Mall Cinemas on August 6, 1976. The opening features for Eastlake were: “Gator” “The Winds of Autum” and “Survive.” I remember seeing “Survive” on opening day mainly to get a look at the new cinemas. Eastlake was a very nice triple-screener. Each time I saw a film here the theatre was clean and very well-maintained and always looked new. Around 1978 cinema III received a Dolby installation. I remember seeing “Invasion of the Body Snatchers” in Dolby Stereo and being impressed by the enhanced sound.
The cinemas were located at the rear of the mall on the south side. The free-standing box-office sat a few feet in front of the entrance, and beyond were several steps leading up into the spacious lobby. Concessions was on the right and entrance to the cinemas was straight ahead. The two larger cinemas were on the right and left sides with the smaller cinema in the center. Capacity was probably about 350 for each large cinema and 250 for the smaller cinema.
Despite its location in east Tampa not far from a somewhat seedy section of town, Eastlake Cinemas managed to survive for several years following the demise of Tampa Bay Mall Cinemas. Over the years this section of town gradually declined even more and the mall began loosing major tenants. This of course signaled the inevitable end for both the mall and the cinemas.
The final day of operation was March 5, 1998 and “The Blues Brothers” “Replacement Killers” and “Senseless” were the closing features. The entire mall was remade into a huge office complex. I haven’t been in that section of town for several years so I have no idea what now occupies the former theatre space.
This is another great one Michael! I saw “Jaws” either the first or second week it opened at the
500-seat Hillsboro II in Tampa. I could actually feel the suspense and anxiety of the audience in the packed theatre amidst the screams and jolts as the film unfolded. After seeing Spielberg’s “Duel” you realize he was the absolute perfect director for “Jaws.” The film played at the Hillsboro II all summer long to record breaking crowds.
I think “Castle Keep” opened first-run at the Loew’s as I seem to remember seeing it there. Never saw “The Gypsy Moths.” Mike, what’s the reason these two may have hurt Lancaster with his fans, the R rating?
Thanks Mike. I’ll post the DALE MABRY ads as soon as I receive them. The Mustang really impressed me. The largest outdoor screen I had ever seen and not to mention air conditioning! Tampa never had a drive-in with a/c. “Night of the Living Dead” was part of a triple feature program along with “Scars of Dracula.” I’m not certain about the third feature but it may have been something like “Twins of Evil.”
Finally! I thought I’d never find this photo. Here’s a very nice large shot of the lot taken shortly after opening in 1941. Note the in-ground speakers:
View link
Well that just goes to show you can’t judge a book by its cover… nor a film by its title LOL!
Thanks for the nice photos Scott! Certainly all CT members appreciate being able to see photos whenever possible. Off topic here…I personally would love to travel cross-country photographing any & all movie houses as I have a feeling those in existence today will no longer be with us in 10 or 20 years. I envision high-tech digital centers that may not even resemble theatres as we know them.
Anyway back on topic…in a way I’m sorry to see this theatre go mainly since it was the site of the former General Cinemas and the original cinemas III & IV are still contained within the complex. Some nice memories here…remembering all those years of “Rocky Horror”…and not to mention countless other midnight movies as well as standard attractions I saw here.
The above article mentions the complex may be taken over by another operator. Should this happen all theatres will surely have to be retrofited w/stadium seating if they hope to stay in business.
But when you look at the surrounding area…well let’s just say I wish them luck.
Thanks CWalcazk. I can’t say I’m surprised to hear of the closing. I suspected it would be happening soon considering the area the theatre and mall is located near which has been on a steady decline for years now. The neighborhood at the rear of the mall is known as “suitcase city” if that gives you any hint!
This theatre is already on CT as Regal University 16:
/theaters/32782/
I heard the State Theatre was a Warner Brothers house for some time and played Warners pictures exclusively. The filmed-in-Tampa WWII epic “AIR FORCE” had it’s world premier here and was a huge city event.
When the theatre closed the building became a fabric store for several years. I can’t be sure but I think it was called Mae Fabrics. The State closed before my movie going days so I never got the chance to see it as a theatre. I visited the fabric store a couple times during the mid-1960s anxiously looking around for some detail of the theatre but alas there was nothing remaining of the State.
These two photos are dated 1948. Refreshment stand with lady employee. Looks like candy was a big seller in 1948. Where’s the popcorn machine?
View link
Line of people waiting to buy tickets for an exciting attraction.
View link
Mike, I wish I knew. It’s been more than 6 or 7 years since 2001 last played. It’s about time for a return engagement. I’d even be happy if it played at the Fun-Lan (on the original large screen of course!)
Mike, It’s been awhile but I’m finally back on CT. I know what you mean about senior moments since I have at least two every day!
The tax collector’s office in the former Floriland Cinema building may not remain open very much longer. Due to budget cuts most of the government offices located in the former mall have shut down. I’m guessing it’s only a matter of time. Then who knows what the building will house next.
Thanks guys. It’s great to be back on CT!
This theatre was also known as the Westown Theatre for a period of time. It may also have had an additional name although I can’t be certain without further research. I believe it closed either in the late 50s or very early 60s. As I recall the building was built as a combination clubhouse/stageplay theatre. The front portion of the building contained the clubhouse with a dance floor upstairs and the theatre in the rear which was later converted to a movie house. I was lucky enough to see the interior around the mid-1990s when a new owner purchased the building and had hoped to rennovate it. I was driving by one day and saw the doors were open.
The interior was a disaster. The auditorium was literally falling apart. Crumbling would be a better definition! There were holes in the ceiling and a portion of the roof over the stage loft had collapsed. Whenever it rained the auditorium must have been soaked with pools of water accumulating on the main level. There was mold and mildrew everywhere. A huge chandelier still hung from the ceiling but barely. I wouldn’t dare walk under it. The screen was long gone and all seats on the main level were also gone although the balcony still had several rows of seats in place. The booth had been stripped. The cement floor of the balcony had small holes in various spots clear through where you could see down to the main level. Not a very safe place to explore.
The exterior was cleaned-up and the windows and frames were repainted a couple years ago as part of a neighborhood revitalization project. But nothing was done to preserve the interior. There’s no way this theatre could be salvaged. It’s too far gone. There were probably several owners/operators over the years judging by the various name changes. Will try to research more on the next library trip.
Some additional exterior shots:
1932:
http://digital.hcplc.org/burgert/archive01/277.jpg
1934:
View link
1935:
View link
Unfortunately the number of seats I listed is an estimate. I had hoped to find an article published about the time the Floriland opened that would have listed the number of seats as well as provided some additional details about the cinemas. But the search was fruitless. I could not find the first article or photo either before or after opening.
In hindsight I would have photographed every theatre in town inside and out had I known they would be gone in just a few years. I did manage to snap a few photos of some local theatres when I realized the buildings could soon be history. I believe I did take at least one outdoor shot of the Floriland some time after closing. If I can find it I’ll post it here.
“A Clockwork Orange” opened first-run at the Florida downtown and the version they ran had a couple scenes showing full frontal nudity so that had to be the X version. It played at the Floriland about a year or so later and I don’t recall any scenes being cut so it was probably the X version as well. The R version probably had the violence trimmed down a bit in addition to any frontal nudity as the violence alone was probably enough to warrant an X rating. It was certainly extreme for the time.
Here are the opening ads:
Floriland Cinema 1 & 2 opening November 22, 1972:
View link
Floriland Cinema 3 reopening July 24, 1981:
View link
MikeRogers: When those Sensurround speakers first came on they scared the *#%+! out of me! I had no idea they would be so loud. The seats were vibrating and it even felt like they were shaking. And I remember feeling pressure in my chest. I wonder if anyone died from experiencing Sensurround?! The audience in nearby cinema 1 must’ve thought the roof was falling in had they not known anything about Sensurround.
Mike, Great job on this nicely written story! So Augusta also had a Palace Theatre. I wouldn’t be surprised if there are even more old Augusta theatres that need discovering. The best was is to glance at the microfilm ads for the 1930s 1940s & 1950s. Pick any few days for those decades and see what you find. I think you may be surprised to see ads for theatres in Augusta you never even heard about!
Mike, You’re right again! I had forgotten about that but I now remember the ads for the short-lived dinner theatre when Nancy Kulp appeared in No No Nanette. I’m glad you mentioned it. Interesting that theatre 1 was used for the shows considering it was the smaller theatre. I think there was an article published in the Tribune describing the rennovation from 3 cinemas to a dinner theatre. If I can find it I’ll post it here. I’m wondering how they managed to put a stage in that small theatre without losing seating. There couldn’t have been very much room behind the screen so I’m sure the stage had to expand outward. Did you ever attend the dinner theatre?
The street address for Floriland Mall is:
9309 North Florida Avenue
Tampa, FL 33612
Here’s a link with a small photo of the Floriland Cinema building now the north Tampa branch of the Hillsborough County Tax Collector’s office:
View link
Will post opening day ads for Floriland Cinema shortly.
Bob: Yes, 3002 is the correct address for St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital which is one block east of the former mall.
The physical address wasn’t easy to find since the mall no longer exists. However, I got lucky and found a webpage with an address and aerial photo of the mall. The mall’s address was 3302 W. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr Blvd. I imagine this would also be the address for the cinemas as well.
The mall was on the southeast corner of Buffalo (Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd) and Himes Ave. Himes is the street on the left side of photo and Buffalo is at the top. Sears is the first building on the left side. The cinemas were located just outside the entrance to Sears. Here’s the link:
View link
Mikeoaklandpark: You’re right! I had forgotten about the video store which I visited several times. I think it was called Suncoast Videos. It occupied a good portion of the lobby. There was a door at the rear of the store and I remember looking in to see if maybe the auditoriums were still there. But it was just a small storage room with another door beyond that led down a small hallway to the exit door at the back. The entrance to the auditoriums had apparently been sealed off by a brick wall.
Here’s the opening day ad dated August 6, 1976:
View link
Continuing my post above, here’s the opening day ad dated August 6, 1976:
View link
General Cinema opened both Eastlake Square Mall and Tampa Bay Mall Cinemas on August 6, 1976. The opening features for Eastlake were: “Gator” “The Winds of Autum” and “Survive.” I remember seeing “Survive” on opening day mainly to get a look at the new cinemas. Eastlake was a very nice triple-screener. Each time I saw a film here the theatre was clean and very well-maintained and always looked new. Around 1978 cinema III received a Dolby installation. I remember seeing “Invasion of the Body Snatchers” in Dolby Stereo and being impressed by the enhanced sound.
The cinemas were located at the rear of the mall on the south side. The free-standing box-office sat a few feet in front of the entrance, and beyond were several steps leading up into the spacious lobby. Concessions was on the right and entrance to the cinemas was straight ahead. The two larger cinemas were on the right and left sides with the smaller cinema in the center. Capacity was probably about 350 for each large cinema and 250 for the smaller cinema.
Despite its location in east Tampa not far from a somewhat seedy section of town, Eastlake Cinemas managed to survive for several years following the demise of Tampa Bay Mall Cinemas. Over the years this section of town gradually declined even more and the mall began loosing major tenants. This of course signaled the inevitable end for both the mall and the cinemas.
The final day of operation was March 5, 1998 and “The Blues Brothers” “Replacement Killers” and “Senseless” were the closing features. The entire mall was remade into a huge office complex. I haven’t been in that section of town for several years so I have no idea what now occupies the former theatre space.
This is another great one Michael! I saw “Jaws” either the first or second week it opened at the
500-seat Hillsboro II in Tampa. I could actually feel the suspense and anxiety of the audience in the packed theatre amidst the screams and jolts as the film unfolded. After seeing Spielberg’s “Duel” you realize he was the absolute perfect director for “Jaws.” The film played at the Hillsboro II all summer long to record breaking crowds.
More ads from the late 60s early 70s:
View link
View link
View link
View link
View link
I think “Castle Keep” opened first-run at the Loew’s as I seem to remember seeing it there. Never saw “The Gypsy Moths.” Mike, what’s the reason these two may have hurt Lancaster with his fans, the R rating?
More programs dated 1967 & 1970:
View link
Greg, Charles, and Mike as the Marx Brothers during National Hills late show “AT THE CIRCUS."
View link
Thanks Mike. I’ll post the DALE MABRY ads as soon as I receive them. The Mustang really impressed me. The largest outdoor screen I had ever seen and not to mention air conditioning! Tampa never had a drive-in with a/c. “Night of the Living Dead” was part of a triple feature program along with “Scars of Dracula.” I’m not certain about the third feature but it may have been something like “Twins of Evil.”