Boyd Theatre
1908-18 Chestnut Street,
Philadelphia,
PA
19103
1908-18 Chestnut Street,
Philadelphia,
PA
19103
44 people
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FERN ROCK Theatre 6017 N. 5th St. Cap. 1289 opened 07-09-1928
A completely equipped stage and wurlitzer organ. In the early 70’s the Eric chain bought and twined the theatre showing second run films. The Eric chain was owned by the Sam Shapiro and partners. The chain was named after his grandson. I may have a photo of this theatre.
Thanks for the info Mike. Id love to learn more about the history of The Sameric Co and desperately want to see old pictures of the Fern Rock Theatre. Any suggestions? Best regards,Justin Zaharczuk
The Eric Fern Rock theatre was originaly owned by RKO Stanley Warner, which is now known as Loews Cineplex, and they sold the theatre, along with The Boyd, The Ardmore and the Plaza Moorestown, to The Sameric Co. in the late 1960’s to mid 1970’s, before being acquired by Century Theatres (Thus becoming RKO Century Warner Theatres)
Does anyone remember the Eric’s FernRock Movie Theatre in Philadelphia(Olney) ? I feel like I’m the only one who knows of this old theatre. It still stands next to Fisher’s Park on 5th street. It closed its doors in the late summer of 1987. Im pretty certain that the last film shown was StakeOut. Regards, Justin Zaharczuk
The Sameric/Boyd’s main auditorium was never divided into a multiscreen facility. A triplex was constructed along Chestnut Street that adjoined the main auditorium. The main auditorium of 2000 seats is intact to this day. The Cinerama booth is intact also. See Howard Haas and the SaveTheSameric.org website.
In sunday November 30, 2003 edition of The Philadelphia Inquirer, the Goldenberg Group published an advertisement which states their views on the Boyd/REG UA Sameric 4 Theatre and how they and Clear Channel Enertainment are trying to win support in making The sameric 4 a live Broadway theatre.
As Chairman of the Committee to Save the Sameric, I suggest you visit our website at www.SaveTheSameric.org and sign our petition, volunteer to help, donate to the Purchase, Restoration, and Reopening of Philadelphia’s LAST movie palace. We cannot afford to lose the landmark art deco treasure!
Philadelphia Mayor John Street, in his weekly radio address this past Saturday (Aug 10, 2002) has vowed to save the RKO Stanley Warner’s Boyd/United Artists Sameric 4 Theatre. The last time I was in the Sameric was in Feb of this year to see “Black Hawk Down”. If anything should be demolished on the Sameric 4, get rid of the 3 smaller screens, they are not of historical value. Screen #1 is the original 2500 seats of the Boyd. Thank you
It is a crime that we in America have massacred our architectural history. Bravo to everyone fighting to save these treasures! To all of you theater people, or more specifically “Movie stars” or “star athletes”…Who are being paid millions of dollars per picture, per season…I dare you to for once do something constructive with your fat wallet. Help to save this theater, and others like it…and for all of you every day folks…You have a voice…Use it! Where there is a will there’s a way. Don’t give up!
Unfortunately the Goldenberg Group has applied for and received a permit for demolition. The notice for demolition is date July 5, 2002. There has been a strong showing of support for the theatre here in Philadelphia and hopefully it will continue. If you are interested in joining or following the fight to save the theater, check out www.historicboydtheatre.org.
To Iweigard’s comment, no, very fortunately the owners never did split the auditorium – it is intact. The other three screens are in an addition to the building. The layout of the original structure is in an L shape, so from outside you don’t really imagine how huge the interior is.
Sad to say, but this theater is now closed. It was closed by it’s latest owner, Regal Entertainment (which bought it from UA a year or two ago. It’s fate has not been determined yet. A permit has been filed for demolition, even though the building owners are looking for another operator. Downtown Philly is now without a major movie theater. To demolish this theater would erase all history of what Philadelphia was in entertainment and would relegate Philly to just another destination (outdoor) mall.
It is a shame that this theater is in such poor condition. Everytime I go to a movie there I am saddened by the ever failing state of the structure. There is an ongoing effort by the Philadelphia Preservation Alliance to get the theater recognized as a historic landmark, but I think that what the theater really needs is a developer who is honestly interested in restoring the theater to its former grandeur. The interior is deteriorating at such a rapid rate due to water damage that someone needs to act fast in order to preserve it.
Actually this wonderful treasure is a now a 4-plex. The last time I was there was to see the 70mm showing of Terminator 2, and it was then a three screen facility. Whether they hacked up the main auditorium, or made a separate theatre in the balcony, I cannot say. But this treasure was in pretty sad shape at my last visit. Certainly a long way from the days of the crystal chandelier and the red tapestry on the walls when my parents took me to “The Boyd” to see Cinerama movies.