Armond Twin Cinemas

I think the photographer hit the zoom button a few too many times.

Like the rating,“MATURE” like the old “M” rating in the 60’s.

The Armond Theatre, named after Armond Clark Blaine of Cranbrook Theatres Limited who was also their manager director, was built on the site of another movie theater called the Cranbrook Auditorium which operated during the vaudeville days and closed in the late-1940s as a movie theater. Prior to the Armond’s opening, Cranbrook had three other movie houses, including the Cranbrook Auditorium, with the other two theaters in the area being the Rex Theatre and the Star Theatre. There was also the Edison Theatre during its early motion picture days. In February 1946, Cranbrook Theatres Limited bought the old Auditorium at the same address for use as a temporary movie theater for only a few years before demolition in early-1950. Cranbrook also had two other movie theaters at the time, which were the Rex Theatre and the Star Theatre. There was also an Edison Theatre during its early motion picture days.

Blueprints were designed by the Vancouver architectural firm of Sharp, Thompson, Berwick and Pratt, an internationally renowned company who also designed many of UBC’s campus buildings, featured reinforced concrete construction with ‘ultra-modern’ plastic doors leading into a handsomely appointed foyer. The main floor boasted ‘saucer-type’ seating, acoustically treated walls, air conditioning and the most up-to-date sound system available. A stadium balcony was also installed. The successful contractor’s bid went to Marwell Construction Co. of Vancouver with work to commence on March 1, 1951 with an estimate $180,000.

The Armond Theatre opened its doors on May 19, 1952 with Gene Kelly in “An American In Paris” (unknown if extras added). Speaking on grand opening is Cranbrook’s then-mayor, who spoke to the audience: “This solid and substantial edifice marks the staunch belief that Mrs. Blaine and her associates hold for the future of the sparkling city of Cranbrook, of which we are all so proud. It is our duty as citizens together with the management to keep the theatre on that high level which will make it a worthy companion of the home, the school and the church, may the curtain never descend upon its glory.”

As of 1952, the Armond features installations of pale green and tan wall panels for the auditorium, green-carpeted aisles, red-upholstered seats and an electrically-operated stage curtain. It was twinned during the 1980s, and after 47 years of service, the Armond closed its doors for the final time in 1999 because of the Columbia Theatre’s opening, located two miles to the north.