AugutusMax – I doubt if you ever went to the Jamaica theatre. The movies shown there were regular run films and were not Catholic conservative films “blasted” at us. Lady of Fatima was most likely shown when it was released but would have run a regular cycle at the Jamaica, Sun thru Tues or Weds thru Sat. Different films would then begin a new cycle.
I don’t know what part of Jamaica Plain you were from but in the 1940s-50s, none of the families on Danforth St had much money. It was a short street and I knew everyone who lived there. The majority were renters and some lived a hand to mouth existence, just barely getting by.
The Madison theatre was located in what was commonly referred to as lower Centre St in Jamaica Plain. It was a small neighborhood theatre and was situated between Chestnut Ave. and Estrella St and was directly across from the old Plant Shoe Factory.
I went to the movies mostly at the Jamaica Theatre, further up Centre St. I didn’t go to the Madison for a number of reasons. At various times it was nicknamed “The Madhouse” and “The Spitbox”. Those descriptions being some of the reasons I went to the Jamaica. At times, the Madison would run all cartoons with no feature film and on those days, I’d go there with my friends … safety in numbers !!
I don’t know when the Madison closed or what went there in its place. The Plant Shoe Factory burned to the ground in 1976 during one of the biggest fires in Boston’s history.
As I think back, the best way to describe the Madison patrons would be to liken it to the days of the old West, wild and crazy.
The Egleston theatre was a bit more subdued as far as kiddie behavior. As I now look back at those days in the early 1950s, Mr Sweeney at the Jamaica Theatre tolerated quite a bit, within reason. The Egleston manager did not. As I recall, the Egleston ticket prices were higher than the Jamaica.
I draw a blank as far as the Strand goes but will ask my sister.
The Madison was the craziest movie theatre around. In fact, our knickname for it was “The Spitbox”!! I’ve seen kids get up and walk on the stage in front of the screen. I once saw someone throw a knife at the screen and then go up and retrieve it by pulling it out of whatever the backing for the screen was. I forget the managers name. He was small in stature but a real, no nonsense, tough guy. If he could catch the offender, they were thrown out the door bodily. No lawsuits in those days. I have to admit that I didn’t go to movies too often at the Madison.
If you’re familiar with Jamaica Plain, the Jamaica theatre was on the odd numbered side of Centre St just a half block past Hyde Square going towards the intersection of Centre St and South Huntington Ave.
I also wish I had been able to afford a camera and film in those days. Pictures from that era would be priceless to me now.
If you’re not aware of it and you’re interested in early JP, try the Jamaica Plain Historical Society web site.Lots of good info with many old photos.
I used to see movies at the Jamaica theatre during the early 1950s. At that time they showed two feature films which would run Sunday to Tuesday with another double feature shown Wednesday to Saturday. Saturday’s matinee was for kids. If a film was dull or romantic, the kid’s noise level would get so high you couldn’t hear the film.
A typical showing would begin with a black & white Pathe News Reel (TV was in its infancy) followed by the 1st feature film. Next was a cartoon or two and coming attractions. Then came the 2nd feature film.
Under the age of 16, the cost of admission was 15 cents. Popcorn was 5 cents a box. For a quarter you got to see two movies, news, cartoons and enough left over for two boxes of popcorn. The owner was a gentleman by the name of Sweeney. During those Saturday matinees, he had the patience of a Saint. I long for those days.
AugutusMax – I doubt if you ever went to the Jamaica theatre. The movies shown there were regular run films and were not Catholic conservative films “blasted” at us. Lady of Fatima was most likely shown when it was released but would have run a regular cycle at the Jamaica, Sun thru Tues or Weds thru Sat. Different films would then begin a new cycle.
I don’t know what part of Jamaica Plain you were from but in the 1940s-50s, none of the families on Danforth St had much money. It was a short street and I knew everyone who lived there. The majority were renters and some lived a hand to mouth existence, just barely getting by.
The Madison theatre was located in what was commonly referred to as lower Centre St in Jamaica Plain. It was a small neighborhood theatre and was situated between Chestnut Ave. and Estrella St and was directly across from the old Plant Shoe Factory.
I went to the movies mostly at the Jamaica Theatre, further up Centre St. I didn’t go to the Madison for a number of reasons. At various times it was nicknamed “The Madhouse” and “The Spitbox”. Those descriptions being some of the reasons I went to the Jamaica. At times, the Madison would run all cartoons with no feature film and on those days, I’d go there with my friends … safety in numbers !!
I don’t know when the Madison closed or what went there in its place. The Plant Shoe Factory burned to the ground in 1976 during one of the biggest fires in Boston’s history.
As I think back, the best way to describe the Madison patrons would be to liken it to the days of the old West, wild and crazy.
The Egleston theatre was a bit more subdued as far as kiddie behavior. As I now look back at those days in the early 1950s, Mr Sweeney at the Jamaica Theatre tolerated quite a bit, within reason. The Egleston manager did not. As I recall, the Egleston ticket prices were higher than the Jamaica.
I draw a blank as far as the Strand goes but will ask my sister.
The Madison was the craziest movie theatre around. In fact, our knickname for it was “The Spitbox”!! I’ve seen kids get up and walk on the stage in front of the screen. I once saw someone throw a knife at the screen and then go up and retrieve it by pulling it out of whatever the backing for the screen was. I forget the managers name. He was small in stature but a real, no nonsense, tough guy. If he could catch the offender, they were thrown out the door bodily. No lawsuits in those days. I have to admit that I didn’t go to movies too often at the Madison.
If you’re familiar with Jamaica Plain, the Jamaica theatre was on the odd numbered side of Centre St just a half block past Hyde Square going towards the intersection of Centre St and South Huntington Ave.
I also wish I had been able to afford a camera and film in those days. Pictures from that era would be priceless to me now.
If you’re not aware of it and you’re interested in early JP, try the Jamaica Plain Historical Society web site.Lots of good info with many old photos.
I used to see movies at the Jamaica theatre during the early 1950s. At that time they showed two feature films which would run Sunday to Tuesday with another double feature shown Wednesday to Saturday. Saturday’s matinee was for kids. If a film was dull or romantic, the kid’s noise level would get so high you couldn’t hear the film.
A typical showing would begin with a black & white Pathe News Reel (TV was in its infancy) followed by the 1st feature film. Next was a cartoon or two and coming attractions. Then came the 2nd feature film.
Under the age of 16, the cost of admission was 15 cents. Popcorn was 5 cents a box. For a quarter you got to see two movies, news, cartoons and enough left over for two boxes of popcorn. The owner was a gentleman by the name of Sweeney. During those Saturday matinees, he had the patience of a Saint. I long for those days.