Circle Cinemas

399 Chestnut Hill Avenue,
Brookline, MA 02146

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Showing 1 - 25 of 114 comments

rivest266
rivest266 on November 14, 2020 at 4:36 pm

opened October 11th, 1940

Ron Newman
Ron Newman on January 26, 2016 at 12:25 pm

Demolition began yesterday.

http://www.universalhub.com/2016/they-started-tearing-down-old-circle-cinema-today

spectrum
spectrum on December 18, 2014 at 7:28 pm

As of September 2014, the Circle Cinema building is still standing.

longlivecirclecinema
longlivecirclecinema on June 19, 2013 at 5:26 am

We would love to see the sign saved. We have had some preliminary conversations with some interested parties, and right now the biggest challenge is to find a suitable home for the sign.

Ron Newman
Ron Newman on June 18, 2013 at 11:13 pm

Is there some way the sign could be saved rather than wrecked with the building?

longlivecirclecinema
longlivecirclecinema on June 18, 2013 at 10:56 pm

Hello everyone, I’m writing here to announce a new project commemorating the Circle Cinema before the theater, and its iconic CIRCLE sign, meet the wrecking ball later this year. We are collecting memories, photos, and opinions of the sign (positive, negative, indifferent). Please connect with us either through our Facebook page, facebook.com/longlivecirclecinema, where you can read more about our project by clicking on “About,” or through email, .

We are also looking to interview folks with stories to tell. The Brighton Allston Historical Society has agreed to be the repository for whatever we collect.

Thank you!

rsalters (Ron Salters)
rsalters (Ron Salters) on June 12, 2013 at 8:29 am

One of the “Now Hiring” messages posted on the Circle’s marquee last month was for “Davio’s Cucina”.According to today’s Boston Herald, Davio’s Cucina opened yesterday in Chestnut Hill. It’s a 250-seat upscale eatery and is located right next to the new National Amusement’s Showcase SuperLux theater, and was opened in partnership with National Amusements. So, Davio’s is Not located in the Circle building.

br91975
br91975 on May 28, 2013 at 10:09 am

I suspect the recent re-wording on the main marquee is in relation to the new movie theatre opening in Chestnut Hill. Meanwhile, the redevelopment of the Circle Cinemas site still appears to be proceeding: http://www.boston.com/yourtown/news/allston_brighton/2013/05/city_to_host_public_meeting_to.html

orsonwellescinema
orsonwellescinema on May 25, 2013 at 4:18 pm

Have been double checking on this. Word is, the theater was purchased a few weeks ago. Just added a photo of the marquee, taken yesterday … “Now Hiring” the “Showcase Superlux and Davios Cucina.”

Ron Newman
Ron Newman on May 22, 2013 at 7:15 pm

I thought this was being torn down for a new development?

orsonwellescinema
orsonwellescinema on May 22, 2013 at 6:02 pm

FYI. The marquee on the theater says it’s “Now Hiring.” Seriously. Not a joke. Potentially very good news. I live near the theater and I’ve noticed lights on and work being done in the prior months.

rivest266
rivest266 on May 11, 2013 at 1:38 pm

Grand opening ads from October 7th, 1940 and November 24th, 1965 uploaded here.

Ron Newman
Ron Newman on December 20, 2010 at 11:31 am

More coverage of the proposed hotel development is at Brookline Patch: Part of New Cleveland Circle Hotel Would Fall on Brookline Land

rsalters (Ron Salters)
rsalters (Ron Salters) on September 30, 2010 at 10:44 am

The proposed hotel project on the site of the Circle is also mentioned in the business news in today’s Boston Herald. The hotel will have 150 rooms and 24,000 sq ft of retail space. It says that the “60-year-old theater” (actually, closer to 70 y/o) closed two years ago due to slow ticket sales.

CSWalczak
CSWalczak on September 7, 2010 at 8:58 pm

Another article about the proposed project to raze the theater and build a hotel; it has a picture of the theater after it closed that will enlarge if you click on it: View link

Mike Rogers
Mike Rogers on September 7, 2010 at 3:59 pm

I found it hard to believe that “LOVE STORY” played that long[one year] even though it was filmed there.26 weeks about par.It probably ran that long at Southgate Cinema.I am sure it seemed liked a year to employees with one screen.

Ron Newman
Ron Newman on September 7, 2010 at 2:39 pm

I’m amused that the article describes Applebee’s and Ground Round as “restaurant concepts” rather than actual restaurants.

CSWalczak
CSWalczak on September 7, 2010 at 2:34 pm

A developer is proposing to build a hotel on the site; apparently, the building is already slated for demolition: View link

Coate
Coate on April 6, 2010 at 9:25 pm

<<< Many films played the Circle exclusively in the 60s and 70s, including “Love Story” (which ran for over a year) >>>

The Circle’s engagement of “Love Story” ran for 26 weeks, exactly one-half year.

shany94
shany94 on April 6, 2010 at 8:49 pm

Went by last month, still sitting there silently

shany94
shany94 on October 9, 2009 at 1:23 pm

Fun place, went to a lot of movies here while in college – the Ground Round used to be right next door, but it preceded the theater into retirement

Ron Newman
Ron Newman on August 20, 2009 at 9:53 pm

‘Sleep No More’ will not be held at the Circle Cinemas after all. The ART website now says “A mystery location in Brookline Village”.

Ron Newman
Ron Newman on July 6, 2009 at 10:20 pm

Yes it’s closed. But the ART was scouting it out as a possible temporary location for an immersive live show. See the last few comments above yours, starting in December 2008.

MPol
MPol on July 6, 2009 at 10:16 pm

I thought the Circle was closed…..unless it’s being converted into a live theatre venue.