Marshall Cinema
118 E. North Street,
Marshall,
MO
65340
118 E. North Street,
Marshall,
MO
65340
No one has favorited this theater yet
Showing 8 comments
Correction: It was Leo J. Hayob who took over the Auditorium Theatre in November 1960 and not George H. Hayob. George passed away on the early afternoon hours of September 27, 1957 due to health condition failure.
The Auditorium Theatre officially became the only indoor movie house in Marshall following the closure of the Mary Lou Theatre in October 1964. The theater was renamed the Marshall Cinema 3 in the early-1980s after it was tripled.
The Key’s Auditorium Theatre opened its doors on January 15, 1915 with a live presentation of Henry W. Savage’s “Every Woman”. It originally housed 1,000 seats when it opened. The original stage measures 60x30x16ft with the auditorium measuring 115x70ft. The theater’s name was shorten to just Auditorium Theatre in 1926 after being taken over by Ray Higgins who also installed Vitaphone and Movietone sound in June 1929.
In December 1930, the theater was renamed the Fox Auditorium Theatre under the ownership of Fox Midwest Theatres and the manager of Frank J. Celoud (later Steve Souttar since 1946). The Fox name lasted until November 1960 when the Fox name was dropped following the National Theatres chain taking over both the Auditorium Theatre and the Mary Lou Theatre led by George H. Hayob, and was renamed back the Auditorium Theatre.
It’s odd that such a large old theater has next to no history in its listing. B&B certainly came up with the dullest possible name. Their claims in 2010 that the building was over 100 years old are false. The 1910 Sanborn shows the lot occupied by a huge oval wooden dance hall/skating rink, which also occupied the space which is currently a furniture store next door to the theater. A construction date around 1915-20 looks likely based on the architecture.
This theatre goes back to the 1920’s when it was known as the Lee Auditorium when at that time sating was listed at 800.
The Marshall is no longer part of B&B Theatres. Marshall Cinema is a hometown movie theater locally owned and operated in Marshall, MO. They strive to show the newest movies on Their new, all digital projectors with 3D capabilities. They are proud to be able to offer full surround sound and amazing picture clarity. They have a large variety of refreshments, including 15 different seasonings for your popcorn! Their website
Below is link to article about reopening of Marshall Cinema 3:
http://marshallnews.com/blogs/1132/entry/37769/
I have never been inside this theatre, but have driven past it. If I recall correctly, the entrance to the 3rd auditorium is actually around the corner from the main entrance, and faces the side street. The entrance to the 1st and 2nd auditoriums are inside the front entrance, as shown in the photo above.
Although the theater’s closing was announced by B&B Theatres in July, it will only be temporary. The theater shall reopen in October after renovations: http://www.marshallnews.com/story/1654456.html
Perhaps another auditorium was added, but based on the pictures of the marquee above and the one of it in this article, the theater appears to be a twin. B&B Theatres is closing this theater in Augist, 2010: http://www.marshallnews.com/story/1652138.html