Englewood Theater
10917 E. Winner Road,
Independence,
MO
64052
10917 E. Winner Road,
Independence,
MO
64052
7 people
favorited this theater
The Englewood Theater opened in the summer of 1949. The first movie was “Colorado Territory”, with Joel McCrea, Virginia Mayo, and a very young Dorothy Malone – in black and white. The new theater featured a new technology for the Englewood – air conditioning, and also included plush seats, new sound, indirect lighting, a crying room, and more. These were improvements over the Maywood Theater that was the competing theater about two miles away.
For a period of 15 years or so the theater was a venue for live country and western shows, and was called the K. C. Oprey.
Several years ago, it was bought by a local man and renovated. Two brothers operated the theater until it was closed in 2007. In April 2019 a local non-profit group West iNd Connection were trying to get the theatre reopened.
Contributed by
Jared Coleman
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Recent comments (view all 15 comments)
I spoke to Mr. Williams, the owner of the Englewood. I’m sorry to say he was very discouraged. He is having trouble with the city over a building permit for the company working on the theater. He mentioned having spent thousands to update the theater to its present state and wanted some cooperation from the city.
We live about an hour from the theater, but always enjoyed dinner and an Englewood movie. We were disappointed that the local folks did not support this great theater with more attendance. A step back in time to great seats, good popcorn, good prices, and that great 50 foot screen.
I know the reason to add screens but my personal opinion is it’s a mistake. Main reason is many patrons think they are coming to see a movie in a large cool theater but instead will be in a viewing room. The Englewood can make it as a single screen if run properly. We ran a late show of the original “Night of the Living Dead” with modest promotion and had a decent turnout. Also, avoiding past problems like a manager skimming off the top by hiring good help is also key.
Loved going to the Englewood in the 90s when they ran classic films on that 50 foot screen. Ben Hur in particular comes to mind. I sincerly hope it can reopen as a revival house and show the old movies again.
Still no showtimes, should be marked as closed.
I was hoping that the Englewood Theater was going to re-open last Summer, but that did not happen. Rumor is that there were problems between the owner and Independence City Government. I was out in that are last week and several of the neighbors have heard sad news that the Englewood will be gutted in the near future with all the contents going to another Theater project outside of Independence, MO. I think it is going on more than 3 years since it was last opened, so the info must be true. I know that the Fine Arts Theater has never opened for the same reason – problems with permits and the Shawnee City Government. Maybe the Fine Arts Group or Mr. Williams should come to Lee’s Summit, MO where they will be greeted with opened arms and full assistance especially if they were to open a vintage style movie theater in the historic downtown district. When I think of all the movies that I would have loved to have seen at the Englewood – it just pains me to see this beautiful retro movie theater closed (guess I could say the same thing for two downtown theaters in Kansas City, KS – The Granada and the Avenue Theaters
I drive by the Englewood every day on my way to work and it makes me heartsick to see it closed down. All through the 90s you could find me on Tuesday nights (2 Dollar Tuesdays) in my regular seat (third row center). I’ve spent so many hours there watching so many awesome movies that I can say the Englewood has been like movie college for me. I really love that place.
Trying to get the support to get this reopened showing classics. “Bring Back The Englewood Theatre!” is the Facebook page with some information
They have reopened the Englewood—at least temporarily—with a week-long run of “The Sound of Music.” I spoke to one of the managers there and there are plans to start showing classic films again in the theater, but nothing is definite yet after this run is over.
This piece aired this morning on “CBS Sunday Morning”. There are a few shots of the Englewood Theater. Copy & paste to view.
http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/madisen-ward-and-the-mama-bear-music-and-family-go-together/
The West iNd Connection (a 501©(3) Non-profit organization based in Western Independence) is on a mission to OPEN and preserve this local gem! They have an offer to purchase the property that expires at the end of June 2019. Please donate to make this dream a reality! No amount is too small or large! Funds raised will go to the acquisition, renovation, and or programing of the Englewood Theater. The following link will take you to the Englewood Theater Donation page.
https://westindconnection.wixsite.com/englewoodtheater
Thank you for your time, consideration and generosity!