Hollywood Theatre

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In Salem’s Hollywood District was its first suburban theater, Williamson’s Hollywood Theatre launching 3 March 1927 with “Seven Days” after a free grand opening (first two ads at left). The second film show at the Hollywood was the Oregon-shot, “The General” by Buster Keaton (ad bottom second from right). Williamson and management had labor problems almost from the outset (bottom left) and new manager and Williamson name disappears less than three months in. Less than two years in, the switchboard catches fire and the theater closes in 1929 though re-opening with sound and its first talkie, “Alias Jimmy Valentine” (third ad). Post war, the theater struggles with half a dozen owners before closing briefly in 1953 just after the State though re-opening (ad far right). The rest of the ads reflect low cost strategies and kid-centric concepts to keep the theater viable. In 1962, the theater finds its way with foreign and art films going all the way to 1971 under its final owner, General American Theaters. Demolition occurs when GAT moves to the Lancaster Mall.