From WBZ-TV/CBS Boston 3/25/2024: FITCHBURG - A movie theater in central Massachusetts is closing for good at the end of the month after nearly three decades in business. Cinema World in Fitchburg says its last day will be Sunday, March 31.
“We can’t thank you enough for making Cinema World as your go-to movie theater over the past 28 years!” the seven-screen theater posted to Facebook. “Stop by to see your last movie at Cinema World and enjoy some of our delicious popcorn!”
Owner Dave Fedeli told the Sentinel & Enterprise that the theater isn’t making enough money to pay rent.
“I can’t sign a long-term lease and I’m losing money,” he told the newspaper. “It’s all about business. I can’t stay open.”
Movie theaters have struggled since pandemic
Despite last summer’s “Barbenheimer” box office success, movie theaters have struggled since the start of the COVID pandemic that forced many to shut down for several months.
The Strand started showing X-rated movies in the early 70’s. During a showing of “Deep Throat” law enforcement raided the theater and confiscated the film. A few days later the theater reopened with another print of the film.
Henry’s was not in the exact location of the Jarvis. It was at the southwest corner of Clarke and Main Streets. And I do agree that Henry’s was better than the other offerings. I don’t believe Burger King was around then, all the locations in the area started as Carrols but became BK in the mid 70’s. Carrols Corporation still exists today, they are one of the largest Burger King franchisees with over 800 restaurants.
Hey Ben, I don’t remember the free popcorn. But I do remember going to the Jarvis on Saturday afternoons. Cartoons, serial westerns and then a feature with a bunch of friends. KN
Was the Rexall Store where the parking lot is now? I AB Dick sold mimeograph and spirit duplicator machines, a good business to be in until Xerox came along.
How sad to read about the total decay of a once magnificent theater. I saw many movies there as a kid growing up in the 50’s and 60’s. I’ll always remember that amazing marquee that Comerford Theaters built to connect the Riviera and Strand.
Thanks for the memories, generalenigma. I do remember the Jarvis being closed, we had to go to the Crest for the weekend matinees. I even remember going to the Art Theater for a matinee once, which was kind of strange given what the normal fare at The Art was back in the day.
I also remember Rambler City on that site, across from the A&P and Turf Exchange Hotel. It eventually became Arrow Ford, correct? And once that closed, the lot sat empty for awhile, and then Brighton Donuts built on a portion of the lot.
As I recall, the Capri was also the only theater in the Binghamton area that was outfitted for Cinerama. It was a wonderful theater.
I had the opportunity to work on stage crew for the Tri-Cities Opera. Prior to the Capri being remodeled and turned into a performing arts center, the Technical Director of the Opera took several of us on a tour of the old Capri, including the old dressing rooms and a rehearsal room that was below the stage from vaudeville and live performance days. I wish I had pictures to share, it was pretty amazing stuff to see.
I have lots of memories of the Jarvis Theater from growing up on the west side of Binghamton. On weekends our parents would drop us off for a Saturday afternoon full of cartoons and short subjects. I remember the admission was like 50 cents for the afternoon.
I don’t recall, was the theater still standing when the Mutual Furniture store on Main Street burned? They’re both on the site of what is now McDonald’s. The empty lot left by the fire and subsequent demolition became a car lot (Arrow Ford?)
From WBZ-TV/CBS Boston 3/25/2024:
FITCHBURG - A movie theater in central Massachusetts is closing for good at the end of the month after nearly three decades in business. Cinema World in Fitchburg says its last day will be Sunday, March 31.
“We can’t thank you enough for making Cinema World as your go-to movie theater over the past 28 years!” the seven-screen theater posted to Facebook. “Stop by to see your last movie at Cinema World and enjoy some of our delicious popcorn!”
Owner Dave Fedeli told the Sentinel & Enterprise that the theater isn’t making enough money to pay rent.
“I can’t sign a long-term lease and I’m losing money,” he told the newspaper. “It’s all about business. I can’t stay open.”
Movie theaters have struggled since pandemic Despite last summer’s “Barbenheimer” box office success, movie theaters have struggled since the start of the COVID pandemic that forced many to shut down for several months.
“Dawn of the Dead” was released on May 24, 1979.
The Strand started showing X-rated movies in the early 70’s. During a showing of “Deep Throat” law enforcement raided the theater and confiscated the film. A few days later the theater reopened with another print of the film.
This is absolutely NOT The Strand in Endicott This is the Strand Theater on Jefferson Street in Passaic, New Jersey.
Henry’s was not in the exact location of the Jarvis. It was at the southwest corner of Clarke and Main Streets. And I do agree that Henry’s was better than the other offerings. I don’t believe Burger King was around then, all the locations in the area started as Carrols but became BK in the mid 70’s. Carrols Corporation still exists today, they are one of the largest Burger King franchisees with over 800 restaurants.
generalenigma, did Public Service actually open the Rambler dealership at that location or did they open Arrow Ford instead?
Hey Ben, I don’t remember the free popcorn. But I do remember going to the Jarvis on Saturday afternoons. Cartoons, serial westerns and then a feature with a bunch of friends. KN
Was the Rexall Store where the parking lot is now? I AB Dick sold mimeograph and spirit duplicator machines, a good business to be in until Xerox came along.
CSWalczak, you are correct. I found this from the Binghamton Press from March 10, 1960:
http://is.gd/12a789
How sad to read about the total decay of a once magnificent theater. I saw many movies there as a kid growing up in the 50’s and 60’s. I’ll always remember that amazing marquee that Comerford Theaters built to connect the Riviera and Strand.
Thanks for the memories, generalenigma. I do remember the Jarvis being closed, we had to go to the Crest for the weekend matinees. I even remember going to the Art Theater for a matinee once, which was kind of strange given what the normal fare at The Art was back in the day.
I also remember Rambler City on that site, across from the A&P and Turf Exchange Hotel. It eventually became Arrow Ford, correct? And once that closed, the lot sat empty for awhile, and then Brighton Donuts built on a portion of the lot.
Back to the Cinema Endicott…it was a great little theatre. I remember going there to see “Cleopatra,” “Thunderball” and also “Annie Hall.”
As I recall, the Capri was also the only theater in the Binghamton area that was outfitted for Cinerama. It was a wonderful theater.
I had the opportunity to work on stage crew for the Tri-Cities Opera. Prior to the Capri being remodeled and turned into a performing arts center, the Technical Director of the Opera took several of us on a tour of the old Capri, including the old dressing rooms and a rehearsal room that was below the stage from vaudeville and live performance days. I wish I had pictures to share, it was pretty amazing stuff to see.
I have lots of memories of the Jarvis Theater from growing up on the west side of Binghamton. On weekends our parents would drop us off for a Saturday afternoon full of cartoons and short subjects. I remember the admission was like 50 cents for the afternoon.
I don’t recall, was the theater still standing when the Mutual Furniture store on Main Street burned? They’re both on the site of what is now McDonald’s. The empty lot left by the fire and subsequent demolition became a car lot (Arrow Ford?)