MGM Grand Theatre

Whoman Jim on March 29, 2024 at 4:06 am

In regards to Ron Pierce’s commentary above: The theater did not have a concession stand. So, no food (popcorn, hot dogs, candy, etc.) was sold. If anybody remembers, in the same area, there was a Swenson’s Ice Cream ‘joint’ & even so, you weren’t allowed to bring in anything from there. The theater was strictly drinks only - more than likely, booze & beer (2 drink minimum) for adults, and soda for kids. The showing(s) of “Casablanca” - sometime back in the 70’s, MGM (studios), along with United Artists, bought most - if not all - of the pre-1950’s Warner Bros. film catalog (“Casablanca” was part of the deal). Another “newer” MGM title, that was shown at the theater, was 1967’s “The Dirty Dozen” with Lee Marvin & Charles Bronson. What’s interesting about this - one of the reels, instead of being in English, was in a foreign language (Apparently, the studio didn’t bother to check beforehand. WHOOPS!)

After Bally’s took over the hotel, they basically kept the theater open for about a year. HOWEVER (and unfortunately), that was the end of the theater getting those MGM pristine studio prints. So, they started showing non-MGM movies. Amongst those titles that I saw there - “The Girl Can’t Help It” with Jayne Mansfield, Woody Allen’s “Take The Money And Run”, “The Fly” - the remake with Jeff Goldblum, And “A Shot In The Dark” with Peter Sellers.

The last movie to be shown there was “Diamonds Are Forever” with Sean Connery as
“Bond - James Bond - 007”.

The theater no longer exists - Bally’s tore it down & the area became its “Race & Sports Book”. Thought I’d add - Bally’s is now The Horeshoe.