In the early 1970’s, this and the Noyo Theatre, of Willits, California, were owned & operated by the partnership of Lory Pontone AKA Jason Williams, and Robert Loya. They also exhibited “Adult” (XXX) fare at both locations and were infamously & subsequently charged with violating the laws by doing so.
bigjoe59- I can’t be certain, but my current best estimate would be that the last Market St. address to show “first run” films would likely have been the Saint Francis + Baronet, @ 965 Market St. I’d think that it would be more-likely there, than Market St. Cinema (definitely done by 1986), Strand, or Egyptian (now “Crazy Horse”). Of course, local contributer Mr. Tillmany probably would know best about that.
it’s doubtful, bigjoe59: I’m pretty sure that when the one you just mentioned closed up, the local media reported it was the last one remaining in S.F. I also doubt that in this current economic environment, etc, that any would open up.
Please see this thread’s earlier comments from dingoman & terrywade as one reference on 1980-era special showings of some movies shown on 35mm/70mm film.
bigjoe59 Both the comments earlier in this thread and in other sources lead me to believe that The MSC locale began exclusively showing “adult” films in 1980 and then brought back mainstream “roadshow” films for just a few months before returning to adult films until 1986. At that time it seems that they moved over to a combined nude strip club in front section/ projected video of adult film in back section setup, its final advertised format when the locale went dark in Jan. 2013.
Not only identical to the Lark in “Larkspur”, CA, but also the Park in Lafayette, CA. the architect was also responsible for many other Art Deco theatres scattered throughout Northern CA & Southern OR. Sam Francisco’s Vogue, Bridge, and Lakeside (repurposed) also have facades with identical features.
Hi, Lois.
(Sounds like the title of that great classic comic strip-“Hi & Lois”…but I digress).Good to see your participation here.
I had the honor of working @ the Noyo & helping with a revamp in 1990-91, also kicking of the 50th Anniv. with a mailer campaign & film festivals. I know a good deal about its history. Please see my comments via the Theatre’s reviews at Google Maps. You can also contact me with questions @ my e-mail: . Cheers!
In the early 1970’s, this and the Noyo Theatre, of Willits, California, were owned & operated by the partnership of Lory Pontone AKA Jason Williams, and Robert Loya. They also exhibited “Adult” (XXX) fare at both locations and were infamously & subsequently charged with violating the laws by doing so.
bigjoe59- I can’t be certain, but my current best estimate would be that the last Market St. address to show “first run” films would likely have been the Saint Francis + Baronet, @ 965 Market St. I’d think that it would be more-likely there, than Market St. Cinema (definitely done by 1986), Strand, or Egyptian (now “Crazy Horse”). Of course, local contributer Mr. Tillmany probably would know best about that.
it’s doubtful, bigjoe59: I’m pretty sure that when the one you just mentioned closed up, the local media reported it was the last one remaining in S.F. I also doubt that in this current economic environment, etc, that any would open up.
Please see this thread’s earlier comments from dingoman & terrywade as one reference on 1980-era special showings of some movies shown on 35mm/70mm film.
bigjoe59 Both the comments earlier in this thread and in other sources lead me to believe that The MSC locale began exclusively showing “adult” films in 1980 and then brought back mainstream “roadshow” films for just a few months before returning to adult films until 1986. At that time it seems that they moved over to a combined nude strip club in front section/ projected video of adult film in back section setup, its final advertised format when the locale went dark in Jan. 2013.
Still mantains a virtually-identical exterior to sister theatres' facades in Larkspur,CA & Willits,CA (all built by Redwood Theatres).
Not only identical to the Lark in “Larkspur”, CA, but also the Park in Lafayette, CA. the architect was also responsible for many other Art Deco theatres scattered throughout Northern CA & Southern OR. Sam Francisco’s Vogue, Bridge, and Lakeside (repurposed) also have facades with identical features.
Demolition of the structure commenced on Thursday, July 7, 2016. The current developer’s goal is to have a new structure finished there by March 2018.
Hi, Lois. (Sounds like the title of that great classic comic strip-“Hi & Lois”…but I digress).Good to see your participation here. I had the honor of working @ the Noyo & helping with a revamp in 1990-91, also kicking of the 50th Anniv. with a mailer campaign & film festivals. I know a good deal about its history. Please see my comments via the Theatre’s reviews at Google Maps. You can also contact me with questions @ my e-mail: . Cheers!
The burlesque/adult movie house here actually ceased its operations in January of 2013.
Management states that it’s currently a “gentleman’s (strip) club with live shows ONLY…THE listing here needs to be updated.