Comments from brentclarkf

Showing 1 - 25 of 98 comments

brentclarkf
brentclarkf commented about Woodward Arts Theatre on Jun 27, 2006 at 6:03 pm

What’s happened in Woodward? Is the movie theatre closed? Recently, I noticed that the only movie theatre in Woodward is out of business. I think it’s called Lakeside or Lakeshore. I can’t believe a town the size of Woodward has no movie theatre. Is it for sale? I heard a rumor about tax problems. The reason I’m attaching this inquiry to the beautiful Woodward Arts Theatre’s site is that I can’t find a site for the dumpy little tri-plex that took its place. Surely, you people of Woodward would support a movie theatre. Even a little tri-plex is better than no theatre. You have to support your local community or the evil empire (Wally-World) will consume everything!

brentclarkf
brentclarkf commented about Suburban Theatre on Jun 27, 2006 at 5:51 pm

This poor theatre looks like someone backed up a bunch of trailors next to a shopping mall. What was wrong with the Suburban Twin anyway? I went there in college, and its owner ran a tight ship. I even remember when the Coral Drive In operated behind it. Newer it not always better!

brentclarkf
brentclarkf commented about How do I get the movies to show? on Jun 4, 2006 at 3:45 pm

HI…My wife is from SW Kansas so we are interested in your progress and where you are located. Best of luck in this project.. Also, we know a number of people in the movie business in SW Kansas who could be a great help to you. Let us know if you’re interested and we will give you the names and contact info. Brent cand Cindy

brentclarkf
brentclarkf commented about Cimarron Country Music Theater on Nov 14, 2005 at 8:45 pm

I have a correction to make. The pictures on Cinema Tour are the correct ones. The building looks better now, however. Sorry for any confusion.

brentclarkf
brentclarkf commented about Crown Uptown Theatre on Nov 10, 2005 at 7:22 pm

My wife and I recently visited this theatre. We happened to be in this area of Wichita and were lucky enough to be given a tour. The lobby, highlighted by impressive light fixtures and wooden columns, has been restored. Although it has been converted to dinner theatre and the seats removed to make way for tables, the auditorium is still quite beautiful. The overall feeling truly is one of being outside with a twinkling night sky overhead. The Crown Uptown is yet another example of a Boller Brothers masterpiece.

brentclarkf
brentclarkf commented about Grand Theater on Nov 10, 2005 at 6:49 pm

My wife and I visited this theatre last week. Although the theatre is in need of restoration in many areas, it is still quite impressive. The exterior features a large neon v shaped marquee and Grand is spelled out horizonally in script above the v. The lobby area displays interesting information about the Grand’s past. As one enters the theater, two staircases leading to the balcony rise on either side of a grand deep red curtain. The entry into the main auditorium is a half wall with seating on either side and in front. The walls are decorated with beautiful murals in an art deco leaf type design in colors of burgandy, salmon, blue and yellow. In addition, the stage is crowned with the a swirling, ribbon like decoration in the same hues. The theatre currently has its 1946 era seats which are suprisingly comfortable. However, the community is trying to raise money to replace the seats since many of them are not in good condition. The Grand is suffering from the same ills as other theaters and businesses in general in this area including depopulation due to the decline of agriculture and a rapidly aging community. This theatre is running on volunteer labor only at this
point. The volunteers were very friendly and and eager to share their love for their theatre. It certainly lives up to the name “Grand”. I have pictures to post as soon as possible.

brentclarkf
brentclarkf commented about Fox Theater on Nov 10, 2005 at 6:25 pm

This theatre is currently closed as of the week November 5, 2005. The marquee says closed for restoration. Interior work in progress was visible through the windows. It appeared significant work was still needed in the lobby area.

brentclarkf
brentclarkf commented about Cimarron Country Music Theater on Nov 10, 2005 at 6:12 pm

Sorry… I accidently submitted it too soon… Anyway, the restrooms are quite cool, too. The ladies restroom features four seperate rooms decorated in the coolest 1970’s version of Camelot——flocked wallpaper and green fixtures. The theatre is well worth a visit for its great interior. The current owners are also very nice and keep the theater in great condition. We have current pictures to post as soon as possible.

brentclarkf
brentclarkf commented about Cimarron Country Music Theater on Nov 10, 2005 at 6:07 pm

My wife and I recently visited the Camelot. It was built in the 1930’s and was originally known as the Palace. During the 1970’s, a former owner spent a reported 200,000 dollars remodelling and updating the theatre. However, the owner had embezzeled the funds from his employer and was caught before he could reopen the theatre. His employer owned the theatre for a time before selling it to a couple who ran it until 1999. The theatre is incorrectly pictured on Cinema Tours. The confusion was probably born in the fact another business had a small suit of armor in front. The inside of the Camelot is quite interesting. It features a sitting room with a lion head motif furniture as well as a life size suit of armor standing guard in the entry. In addition, the auditorium features flags hanging from the walls in the round table fashion. The stage is fashioned to resemble the top of a castle and is flanked by two drawbridges. Two glassed in cry rooms are designed in the manner of ancient thatched huts. The 1970’s rebirth included an automatic curtain, $22,000 (1970’s dollars) projector as well as new seats.

brentclarkf
brentclarkf commented about Redskin Theatre on Oct 4, 2005 at 6:56 pm

Also, The photos in question are the Redskin in OKC. I am familiar with it as well. The Redskin in Anadarko looks nothing like this. It is in good condition. I have photos of it to share via email.

brentclarkf
brentclarkf commented about Redskin Theatre on Oct 4, 2005 at 6:51 pm

Just to clear up any confusion… The Redskin Theater in Anadarko, Ok is open. In fact, it is a great condition. It features a fabulous neon Indian marquee and the inside is highlighted by murals painted by very well known artists including Archie Blackowl. It is worth a trip to visit.

brentclarkf
brentclarkf commented about Cimarron Country Music Theater on Oct 3, 2005 at 5:58 pm

Good news! The Camelot is now open. It was purchased by the same people who own and run the Capitol in Springfield, Co. They do a wonderful job at the Capitol so I’m sure the Camelot is in good hands. The Camelot’s interior decoration is a castle motif in keeping with the name. We will post more information concerning the history of the theatre as well as a detailed description as soon as we visit this theatre.

brentclarkf
brentclarkf commented about Beacon Drive-In on Sep 6, 2005 at 7:24 pm

I’ve got lots of new pictures to post of this great Drive-in, too! Again, a.s.a.p.

brentclarkf
brentclarkf commented about Winchester Drive-In on Sep 6, 2005 at 7:23 pm

We visited the Winchester again last weekend, and the first time was not a fluke! What a blast from the past. Clean facilities, great atmosphere, well mannered crowd…all and all a great visit. I’ve got lots of pictures to post a.s.a.p.

brentclarkf
brentclarkf commented about Grand Theater Photos on Sep 1, 2005 at 4:24 pm

Thank your for the photos. However, I was disgusted by them. Americans are a wasteful people. When one visits Europe, buildings with hundreds of years of use behind them are still valued. It’s a shame the Grand wasn’t saved. This is the same story around the United States with regards to older structures and the trend certainly isn’t limited to theatres. I live in Stillwater, OK where a massive demolition of older homes has been and still is occuring. Many of these homes were in good to great condition but were torn down in the name of progress. What a waste of both resources and history!

brentclarkf
brentclarkf commented about New Luxury 20-Screen Theater For Moore, OK on Aug 31, 2005 at 7:06 pm

Please, who cares about another ugly monsterplex? It’s amazing more theaters are being built in an area of many deserted or dying monsterplexes. Futhermore, why are we wasting time and space on such “announcements”? Is it free advertising for Warren?

brentclarkf
brentclarkf commented about Granada Theatre on Aug 29, 2005 at 7:26 pm

My wife and I visited the Granada this summer. There was still a tremendous amount of work to be accomplished on the Granada. Most of the interior was in rough condition when we visited. One could see the remnants of the Grananda’s past glory. It reminds us of the Poncan Theater in Ponca City, OK. We hope this theater rises again.

brentclarkf
brentclarkf commented about Poncan Theatre on Aug 28, 2005 at 7:01 pm

The Poncan is now showing movies on a regular basis. My wife and I have recently attended a number of interesting films not shown by the monsterplexs as well as some more mainstream movies at the Poncan. It is a truly grand theater! The beautiful gilded decoration, stained glass, faux skylight and other wonderful elements combine to make this theater one of the most magnificent one will ever see. The theater is decorated with rich colors including burgandy, gold, and navy blue. We enjoy sitting in the balcony soaking in all the beauty around us. Pictures and descriptions can never do justice to this theater. Anyone interested in vintage theaters should visit the Poncan.

brentclarkf
brentclarkf commented about Winchester Drive-In on Aug 28, 2005 at 6:31 pm

My wife, a few friends and I visited the Winchester last night for the famed weekend triple feature. I can’t really say enough positive things about the Winchester. As one enters the drive in, a giant neon cowboy waves a greeting. The ticket booth is also heavily neoned and manned by several people handing out fliers with radio information as well as the rules of the Winchester. The theater itself is in great condition and is quite well organized. Certain color coded poles designate parking for SUV’s and other large vehicles ensuring a good view for everyone. Although we certainly didn’t see any evidence of bad behavior, security is in place. Much to my wife’s delight, the restrooms were clean and well maintained. My wife is quite picky about food and cleanliness and even she was very impressed the snack bar and the overall appearance of the theater. Our group enjoyed pizza, popcorn, candy and drinks. We don’t usually order so many items but we could afford to have a great time at the Winchester. We especially liked the vintage servateria style snack bar. The food was good and quite affordable. In fact, one can choose from many other items including hamburgers, burritos, corndogs, fries, and chicken strips. The people running the theatre were friendly and very proud of their theatre. This is one of the most family oriented, affordable, fun places to go we’ve found. The Winchester is simply a delight for the whole family!

brentclarkf
brentclarkf commented about Crystal Theater on Aug 10, 2005 at 8:28 pm

The Crystal is a working movie theatre running on a regular schedule! In fact, for the weekend of August 12, 2005 the Crystal is showing “Stealth”. From time to time, the Crystal does host other events but is certainly also a movie theater. The Crystal features a wonderful red and white neon marquee as well as some interesting vintage advertising in the lobby area. In addition, the Crystal has has some beautiful hanging light fixtures. I have some great photos to post asap. The phone number for the Crystal is (918) 623-1253.

brentclarkf
brentclarkf commented about Constantine Theater on Aug 9, 2005 at 5:50 pm

The Constantine is currently being used for a variety of community events. When I visited it this summer, it featured a Native American speaker and was to host a number of other events later in the season. According to an active community member, the Constantine doesn’t show movies at this time. In fact, Pawhuska doesn’t have a movie theatre. The citizens of Pawhuska should be quite pleased with the restoration efforts. The lobby boasts a gold and burgandy color scheme featuring a brass chandelier. The exterior also features the gold and burgandy colors and is quite eye catching. I have photos to post asap.

brentclarkf
brentclarkf commented about Circle Cinema on Aug 9, 2005 at 5:38 pm

The Circle is currently playing art films on a regular basis. There is still exterior work going on; however, since it is playing a full schedule of films, perhaps the exterior work will quickly follow. I have new photos of the Circle but it still appears much as it did in the above picture. The marquee has been repaired and the area generally cleaned up which improved the Circle’s appearance but the windows are still covered with plywood. My understanding is the first restoration work focused mainly on the interior. The humber for the Circle is (918) 592-3456.

brentclarkf
brentclarkf commented about Circle Cinema on Aug 9, 2005 at 5:38 pm

The Circle is currently playing art films on a regular basis. There is still exterior work going on; however, since it is playing a full schedule of films, perhaps the exterior work will quickly follow. I have new photos of the Circle but it still appears much as it did in the above picture. The marquee has been repaired and the area generally cleaned up which improved the Circle’s appearance but the windows are still covered with plywood. My understanding is the first restoration work focused mainly on the interior. The humber for the Circle is (918) 592-3456.

brentclarkf
brentclarkf commented about State Theater on Aug 8, 2005 at 6:24 pm

I last went to this theatre in the late 1980’s. I especially liked the large neon marquee. It was in good condition at that time. A combination of a new monsterplex in town as well as a lack of downtown parking, a concern for safety as well as a lack of promotion of the downtown area all contributed to the State’s demise. The owners attempted to make the State an all Disney theatre but had little luck with the venture. Since I visit this area often, I’ve monitored the progress of the State and have pictures to post asap. It seems Garden City may lack the interest in vintage theaters other nearby Kansas and Colorado towns such as Syracuse and Holly enjoy. I hope the State will rise again!

brentclarkf
brentclarkf commented about Vaska Theatre on Aug 8, 2005 at 6:05 pm

This is not a second run theatre. As of 8/8/2005, the Vaska was playing “Herbie Fully Loaded”, “Bewitched” and “Mr. and Mrs. Smith”, all movies currently playing all the local monsterplexes. Generally the Vaska shows three movies starting with an early showing at 1:oo followed by screenings at 3:30, 5:30, 7:30 and finishing the day with a 9:30. The Vaska was built in the 1940’s and is in good condition. I have great pictures to post asap.