Strand Theatre

Don King’s book was based mostly on research he did at the Library of Congress (he lived close by it) thru Boston newspaper files. So, if the first mention of the Strand occured in the papers in 1930, then he would have used that date. Many small houses did not advertise in the newpapers, appealing instead to walk-ins. I don’t know why this cinema was opened — there were already inexpensive 2nd-run and last-run houses in the Scollay Sq. area. The cinema was converted to a nightclub at which Sally Keith starred, and it appears that the club utilized the Strand’s marquee. The operation was down at basement level.

The Strand appears on this 1928 map, on Scollay Square near the corner of Brattle Street.

Here’s a page about Sally Keith. For much more about Scollay Square, visit David Kruh’s site, JoeAndNemo.com .