Rainbow Theatre

dallasmovietheaters on January 19, 2017 at 4:33 am

The short lived Rainbow Theatre #1 in Grand Falls – unrelated – opened in 1909. This theater’s run as the Pantages ran for only weeks from its opening on August 10, 1914 to its epic failure closing after September 6, 1914 amidst financial troubles it could not overcome.

The Palace Theatre took over the spot of the dormant Pantages on July 1, 1915. On March 23, 1926, this Rainbow took over the Palace Theatre which had its final show on February 11, 1926. The Rainbow continuously booked until closing May 23, 1965 after a showing of “Harlow.” Fox Intermountain went outside the CBD to launch its Fox Holiday Village. Also, it’s 601 Central (not 6011). The fire referenced was on May 24, 2009. (Ads in photos.)

DavidDynamic on December 25, 2011 at 7:34 am

http://www.greatfallstribune.com/article/20111220/BUSINESS/112200306/-1/7daysarchives/Rocky-Mountain-building-nearing-rebirth

DavidDynamic on December 25, 2011 at 5:22 am

It is my understanding that the ornate terracotta area is the entrance to the former Rainbow. It has a graceful arch that reminded me of a theater arcade or outer lobby from the first time I saw it. However, I have only known it as leading to a cavern with cars entering and leaving. The arch is just visible over the plywood shielding. There was good news in the Great Falls Tribune earlier this week. They published a nicer picture of the building and stated that Set Free Ministries had raised $30,000 and had just received an anonymous gift of $100,000 to continue on the reconstruction.—-Again, the Google pin is miles off probably because the correct address should be 601 or 611 Central Ave. For some reason I could not back off any farther but one only needs hold left mouse button and explore without changing the street view now that it is set.

MrDJDude on March 3, 2010 at 10:37 am

Sorry about that, Chuck. The second link does work. Here are a couple to replace the first one:

Here’s a post on a local news blog from when the fire broke out, including a photo of the burning building.

Here’s the website for Public Drug Co. , who operated out of the first floor store front for 74 years before the fire wrecked it. They now operate from a new location, and the website tells the story of the fire from their end.

Here’s a couple of YouTube videos shot during the fire: One and Two(this one takes a few seconds to start)

And, finally, here is a set of exterior photo taken the day after the fire.

All these links worked – checked them before I hit submit. Enjoy!