Strand Theatre

58 High Street,
Clinton, MA 01510

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Related Websites

Strand Theatre (Official)

Additional Info

Previously operated by: Warner Bros. Circuit Management Corp.

Functions: Movies (First Run)

Phone Numbers: Box Office: 978.365.5500
Manager: 978.365.5551

Nearby Theaters

Strand Theatre

The Strand Theatre is located in the center of Clinton, Massachusetts, which is northeast of Worcester. The historic theatre dates back to 1924 when it opened as a 1,112-seat movie and vaudeville house. It operated until the late-1970’s when it was shuttered for a time. After being renovated, the theatre re-opened in 1995 as a movie theatre with a food bar. A few seats were removed to allow for small low tables to the right or left of seats where food can be placed. Open six days per week with usually one nightly show, the theatre has become a popular and pleasant destination in the area.

In December 2021 it was announced that the Strand Theatre would close at the end of December 2021 due to a drop in patrons attending following the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Contributed by Gerald A. DeLuca

Recent comments (view all 10 comments)

michacavan
michacavan on June 14, 2004 at 9:55 pm

Don’t miss a chance to see a show here. The best of the OLD TIME Theaters. If you live within 100 miles of Clinton Massachusetts it is worth the trip.

Gerald A. DeLuca
Gerald A. DeLuca on April 7, 2005 at 1:03 pm

Michael, I agree that this is a place well worth a trip. Here is a photo I took when I went a while back.
View link

rsalters (Ron Salters)
rsalters (Ron Salters) on June 6, 2007 at 1:46 pm

In the 1928 Film Daily Yearbook, the Strand and the Globe theatres in Clinton are listed as part of the Boas Circuit of Boston. Boas operated 22 theatres in 1928. In the 1942-43 Motion Picture Almanac, the Strand and the Globe in Clinton are listed as part of Warner Brothers theatre circuit. (there is a note that the Globe was closed at the time).

rsalters (Ron Salters)
rsalters (Ron Salters) on November 9, 2010 at 2:18 pm

The Strand in Clinton is listed in the 1927 Film Daily Yearbook but there is no seating capacity or days of operation. It also lists the Globe Theatre with 800 seats, open daily; and the Philbin Theatre; total: 3 movie theaters in Clinton.

bosstown
bosstown on March 1, 2011 at 2:22 am

I grew up in Clinton, its a great town and I really miss it. I’m attending film school now in Los Angeles. I went to the Strand a few times as a kid in elementary and middle school and I have some memories of it. Just walking down the main street and seeing its marquee had to have had some impact on me as a kid. It is imposing and inviting in its own way bringing with it a class, distinction, and magical awe that I remember. I hope to go back there someday.

Does anyone know if they show classic movies? and what have they shown. I’ve always remembered new releases.

CSWalczak
CSWalczak on August 30, 2012 at 6:08 pm

The theater has new owners; in this article they talk about their plans for the Strand.

rsalters (Ron Salters)
rsalters (Ron Salters) on June 3, 2013 at 3:12 pm

The Theatre Historical Society archive in IL has the MGM Theatre Report for the Strand in Clinton. Says it’s on High Street, in Good condition and has been showing MGM product for over 10 years. It had 715 orchestra seats and 397 in the balcony, total: 1,112 seats. There is an exterior photo taken in May 1941.

WilDavis
WilDavis on April 17, 2018 at 11:02 am

Amazing real cinema, just like those I knew as a child. Wonderful food, fantastic atmosphere! A real treat! Thanks for keeping cinema alive! I’LL BE BACK! ;)

dallasmovietheaters
dallasmovietheaters on December 13, 2021 at 2:45 pm

The Strand announced that it would close permanently at the end of December 2021 saying that COVID-19 had led to higher costs of operation without a return to pre-pandemic audience levels.

Daryl7280
Daryl7280 on December 4, 2024 at 3:01 pm

The Strand opened again briefly after Covid, but unfortunately by that time apparently a lot of folks got used to streaming services and never returned. Such a shame! This place is a key focal point for a town of about 13,000 people. Kudos to Bill and Rob for breathing another decade into this magnificent building. They did a great job and I know that I am only one of many who really miss this old place.

One of the last movies I saw there was one of Clint Eastwood most recent, either Cry Macho or The Mule. I’m not certain which one. It was a great place to have a nice meal, a cold beer or glass of wine and watch a great movie.

One of my favorite things about the Strand was that each year at Christmas time, the boys would run a Christmas-themed movie (usually “It’s a Wonderful Life”) and admission was free. All you paid for was your food. Each year my wife and I not only went, but we tried to take folks with us who maybe hadn’t seen the movie on the big screen in a “real” theater. Always an enjoyable experience.

Currently, there is a for lease sign up on the markee. So sad driving by and seeing that. If I understand correctly, there are some sort of funds available (some sort of grant perhaps) to someone who wants to renovate and reopen. The catch is, whoever takes over is required to invest an equal amount out of pocket in order to qualify.

I can only hope that the right person comes along and makes the investment in this beautiful landmark before it’s too late. It would be a shame to see this gem of a venue go the way of many others. I would think it could be used for a number of different purposes such as movies, concerts, comedy acts, etc., all at the same time.

This town at one time had three movie houses and a drive-in theater as well. The Strand is all that remains. The balcony section could be re-opened and upgraded to increase seating capacity if desired. I’m sure that there is a lot of permits and other red tape that will need to be dealt with, but someone with the right vision and a few connections could bring this place back to life. Considering the age of the building, it’s really in quite good shape. The community at large would be both grateful and delighted.

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