A great theatre. In the 1950s it was managed by gentlemen who always wore tuxedo jackets. They also had Wednesday “vacation movies” for which you could buy a ticket at Kerns School to be punched each week.
A great theatre. Closed for years in the late fifties, it re-opened in 1961 when I was twelve years old. I’ll never forget the thrill of going into that spectacular theatre for the first time. It was a victim of a bad location. There was never adequate parking and the east side location, by the river, never became the mecca required for bringing in the crowds.
This is in error. There was an original Music Box in Portland that was later demolished. The original was once called the Peoples. The newer Music Box was built in 1959 and premiered with “Ben Hur.” It essentially replaced the Liberty, a few blocks to the north. Closing in 1989, it was always called the Music Box during its relatively brief thirty year period.
A great theatre. In the 1950s it was managed by gentlemen who always wore tuxedo jackets. They also had Wednesday “vacation movies” for which you could buy a ticket at Kerns School to be punched each week.
I do remember this lady and yes she was always there. I believe she spoke with a slight accent, didn’t she?
I think the facade of this theatre can be seen in Ed Wood’s “Jail Bait.”
I discovered this drive-in late, in 1995, and went almost every weekend until it closed. A grand place gone.
William is right. This theatre long outlived its minimal glory. Was the first run house of many classics, including “Psycho.”
Great comments. This was indeed an unusual theatre. In 1971, I saw a double bill of “Z” and “Lawrence of Arabia” for 49 cents!
Sadly, now gone. The site now used for a massive time share complex.
A great theatre. Closed for years in the late fifties, it re-opened in 1961 when I was twelve years old. I’ll never forget the thrill of going into that spectacular theatre for the first time. It was a victim of a bad location. There was never adequate parking and the east side location, by the river, never became the mecca required for bringing in the crowds.
This is in error. There was an original Music Box in Portland that was later demolished. The original was once called the Peoples. The newer Music Box was built in 1959 and premiered with “Ben Hur.” It essentially replaced the Liberty, a few blocks to the north. Closing in 1989, it was always called the Music Box during its relatively brief thirty year period.