Judging from the postcards, this is probably a pre-World War I cinema. The color-tinted one shows a poster for the film “Sans famille,” probably the 1913 version rather than the 1925 version.
FROM THE THEATRE"S WEBSITE, A HISTORY OF THIS PLACE:
WHO’S AL?
We’re glad you asked! Not surprisingly, the Al Whittle Theatre was named after Al Whittle. From 1953-2000, when our venue was known as the Acadia Cinema, Al was the manager. He ripped the tickets. He made the popcorn. He chose the movies. He was a projectionist. In short, he did a lot of things.
A native of Port Elgin, N.B., A. Ellsworth (Al) Whittle began working in movie theatres at the age of 19. He came to Wolville by way of Amherst, Charlottetown and Truro when Gerald Spencer’s Ononette Investments hired him. After a brief stint in Middleton, Al returned to Wolfville (1953) to take a permanent position as the youngest theatre manager in Canada.
Although Al has retired from his managerial position, he is still very busy in and around Wolfville. Among other things, Al serves on the board of directors for the Acadia Cinema Cooperative, the volunteer-run organization which owns and operates the Al Whittle Theatre. He is a founding member of the Fundy Film Society, and an honourary board member. And he still makes the best (and most secret) popcorn in town.
The film is “Snack Bar Budapest,” 1988, by Tinto Brass, with Giancarlo Giannini.
Photo by Dorothea Lange.
This could be “The Bugle Calls,” 1927.
The Myrtle Theatre was on the second floor of the building.
Left of center, next to Narragansett Hotel.
Roman ruins beyond the windows.
As the Cinema Corso.
The Majestic later became the Capitol.
This theatre was previously known as the Majestic.
1922 perhaps.
On August 8, 1969 when this was the single screen Cinema Rossini, I went here to see the Italian film “Un amico.”
Now playing: “Western Union” and “Honeymoon for Three.”
This theatre is an earlier one than the theatre listed here.
Earlier theatre than the one listed here.
Earlier theatre than the one listed here.
1980 film.
That program was actually from 1939, not 1969.
Mid 1910s.
Mid 1910s.
Judging from the postcards, this is probably a pre-World War I cinema. The color-tinted one shows a poster for the film “Sans famille,” probably the 1913 version rather than the 1925 version.
Poster visible for 1913 film “Sans famille.”
Mayfair Theatre.
In 1914.
FROM THE THEATRE"S WEBSITE, A HISTORY OF THIS PLACE:
WHO’S AL? We’re glad you asked! Not surprisingly, the Al Whittle Theatre was named after Al Whittle. From 1953-2000, when our venue was known as the Acadia Cinema, Al was the manager. He ripped the tickets. He made the popcorn. He chose the movies. He was a projectionist. In short, he did a lot of things.
A native of Port Elgin, N.B., A. Ellsworth (Al) Whittle began working in movie theatres at the age of 19. He came to Wolville by way of Amherst, Charlottetown and Truro when Gerald Spencer’s Ononette Investments hired him. After a brief stint in Middleton, Al returned to Wolfville (1953) to take a permanent position as the youngest theatre manager in Canada.
Although Al has retired from his managerial position, he is still very busy in and around Wolfville. Among other things, Al serves on the board of directors for the Acadia Cinema Cooperative, the volunteer-run organization which owns and operates the Al Whittle Theatre. He is a founding member of the Fundy Film Society, and an honourary board member. And he still makes the best (and most secret) popcorn in town.
Fascinating video about Al Whittle, founder of this theatre: https://vimeo.com/66330686