Ellen Theatre
17 W. Main Street,
Bozeman,
MT
59715
17 W. Main Street,
Bozeman,
MT
59715
2 people
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Ellen Theatre (Official)
Additional Info
Previously operated by: Carmike Cinemas
Architects: Fred F. Willson
Functions: Concerts, Live Theater, Movies, Special Events
Phone Numbers:
Box Office:
406.585.5885
Nearby Theaters
The Ellen Theatre is located in historic downtown Bozeman, Montana. The theatre was designed by architect Fred F. Willson and opened on December 1, 1919. In January 1925, a Wurlitzer (opus #979) organ was shipped from the Wurlitzer factory and installed in the theatre as a Style E X (two chambers). The organ is still playing at the theater.
The Ellen Theatre was named after Ellen Trent Story, the wife of Nelson Story, who settled in Bozeman in the mid-1800’s. He drove 3,000 head of cattle from Texas to Bozeman, which formed the beginnings of the cattle industry in Montana.
Last operated by Carmike Cinemas, the Ellen Theatre closed in June 2007. It was purchased by a local theatrical group called Montan TheatreWorks. After several months of refurbishing and construction, the theatre reopened in December 2008. It is now a thriving showplace for the community, hosting plays, musicals, concerts, film, school events and fundraisers for local non-profits.
Contributed by
Grant Smith
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Recent comments (view all 12 comments)
In 1992, Robert Redford and cast members premiered “A River Runs Through It” at the Ellen, setting a house record box office of $14,895. Joseph McBride, Variety.com (Oct 19, 1992)
In September 2004, Peter Fonda accepted the Gary Cooper Spirit of Montana Award on-stage at the Ellen. Fonda, along with other Hollywood celebs like Jeff Bridges, Rick Schroeder, Michael Keaton, and Margot Kidder live in the neighborhood. Gary Cooper, a Montana native, was also a close friend of Fonda’s father, Henry. Peter Fonda was being recognized primarily for his contribution to, and mentorship of, local artists – especially at the Montana State University film school. Scott McMillion, Bozeman Daily Chronicle (Sep. 04, 2004).
Link for photos:
View link
Here is a photo from July 2006:
http://tinyurl.com/w9stm
Here is an article from June 2007. The theater may be closed:
http://tinyurl.com/2wcy64
No showtimes listed as of today. Here is another photo:
http://tinyurl.com/3du7vf
News about reopening on 12/5/08:
http://tinyurl.com/79trj5
From the 1930s a photo of the Ellen Theatre in Bozeman.
Nice photos Don and Chuck.
Wasn’t it called CINEMA ONE in the Early Seventies.I have “LONGEST YARD” playing Christmas day at the Cinema One.
That is so strange.But I believe you when it comes to small towns! Looking at the ads one day it is the Ellen theatre next day one sees Cinema One.Guess they had no advertising Budget.thanks.Iam glad i did not submit a New Theatre.LOL.