The Somerset was the first drive-in in the state to be equipped with 3-D projection, according to an item in Boxoffice magazine, issue of July 4, 1953. The first 3-D offering was “Bwana Devil.” The next one would be “Man in the Dark.” Admissions were upped from 60 cents to 75 cents per person for the 3-D engagements. Turn-away crowds were reported.
“The Avon Cinema management took quick advantage of the front page publicity anent the battle between the Providence board of censors and the Playhouse [on Westminster Street] over the staging of "Tobacco Road” by bringing back the screen version of the Broadway hit. On the same program was “Grapes of Wrath”…[Note: both directed by John Ford.] —-item in Boxoffice magazine, January 17, 1953.
The Lyric Theatre was renamed the Gilbert Stuart in 1953, after Joe Jarvis, who had run the Jamestown Theatre, took over operation of this house. Item reportng this in Boxoffice magazine, October 24, 1953: View link
First 3-D picture plays Providence at the R.K.O. Albee. Item in Boxoffice magazine, February 21, 1953:
Bwana Devil, third-dimensional picture, was highly exploited when it played at the RKO Albee. Dave Levin set up a battery of third-dimensional viewers in the outer lobby, and crowds were lined up at all hours, scanning views taken from the picture. The Albee charged $1 top for evening and Sunday performances.
Item in Boxoffice magazine, March 24, 1958 about the closing of the Eliot:
“Harold Markell, who has operated the Eliot Theatre in North Cambridge for many years has been forced to close the doors due to lack of patronage.”
An Import Once Weekly
Interstate of New England has resumed late foreign film showings at the Bradley, Putnam. A single import is screened at about 10 p.m. on Friday nights, at 90 cents top. Regular U.S. product is shown earlier in the evening and remainder of the week.
Wartime item in Boxoffice magazine, November 7, 1942, about raising money for Christmas packages to send to servicemen from the area:
“Mr. and Mrs. Clyde Hess of Moosup initiated the idea of sending every boy from Moosup, Central Village, Sterling and Oneco a Christmas package, and donated the Moosup Theatre for two nights. Some $450 was raised for the packages, and the well-known operators made columns in the local press.”
An item in Boxoffice magazine, November 30, 1946 mentions the reopening of the Rialto after having been closed for nearly two years:
To Reopen at Woonsocket
WOONSOCKET, R.I. – The Rialto, 800-seater, is to reopen after being shuttered since February 1945. Maurice Saffner, owner, said the theatre’s policy would be reissues, and foreign films, with the house being managed by his son, Melvin Saffner.
Item about theatre organs in Boxoffice Magazine, December 22, 1956:
“The Sunday Journal devoted the entire front page of the amusement section to a feature story on the removal of the once-famous organs in the Strand, (Loew’s) State, and Majestic. Carrying a picture of Chester McLean, Strand house-manager, and pictures of the relics of the organs, the article stirred up many nostalgic memories for older moviegoers. A resident of nearby Hope Valley, Theo Smith, is buying up the instruments "to save them from the scrap pile.” He repairs the organs, donating them to churches. He is also assembling a complete unit for his home."
Item about theatre organs in Boxoffice Magazine, December 22, 1956:
“The Sunday Journal devoted the entire front page of the amusement section to a feature story on the removal of the once-famous organs in the Strand, (Loew’s) State, and Majestic. Carrying a picture of Chester McLean, Strand house-manager, and pictures of the relics of the organs, the article stirred up many nostalgic memories for older moviegoers. A resident of nearby Hope Valley, Theo Smith, is buying up the instruments "to save them from the scrap pile.” He repairs the organs, donating them to churches. He is also assembling a complete unit for his home."
Item about theatre organs in Boxoffice Magazine, December 22, 1956:
“The Sunday Journal devoted the entire front page of the amusement section to a feature story on the removal of the once-famous organs in the Strand, (Loew’s) State, and Majestic. Carrying a picture of Chester McLean, Strand house-manager, and pictures of the relics of the organs, the article stirred up many nostalgic memories for older moviegoers. A resident of nearby Hope Valley, Theo Smith, is buying up the instruments "to save them from the scrap pile.” He repairs the organs, donating them to churches. He is also assembling a complete unit for his home."
“The Hollywood, East Providence, and Liberty, Elmwood neighborhood house, both Bomes' operations, by running the same attractions at both houses, have "upped” their newspaper advertising to such a degree that it compares favorably on many occasions with some downtown first runs. Both houses are featuring Saturday afternoon kiddy parties with a variety of kid films, refreshments, souvenirs, prizes and stage entertainment."
“The Hollywood, East Providence, and Liberty, Elmwood neighborhood house, both Bomes' operations, by running the same attractions at both houses, have "upped” their newspaper advertising to such a degree that it compares favorably on many occasions with some downtown first runs. Both houses are featuring Saturday afternoon kiddy parties with a variety of kid films, refreshments, souvenirs, prizes and stage entertainment."
“Peter R. Nelson, one of the best-known and well-loved showmen in the state, recently died at the age of 76. Nelson was at various times owner of the old Auburn Theatre and the Park in Cranston. At one time he also was associated in the operation of the old Bijou in Providence and the Royal in Olneyville. Entering the theatre business in 1920, he operated the Auburn for three years before selling his interests to the Park Theatre Corp., of which he remained a partner until 1936 During the period from 1933 to 1936 he operated the Park. For more than 30 years he also operated a store in the Park Theatre building, retiring in 1951 because of his health.”
“Peter R. Nelson, one of the best-known and well-loved showmen in the state, recently died at the age of 76. Nelson was at various times owner of the old Auburn Theatre and the Park in Cranston. At one time he also was associated in the operation of the old Bijou in Providence and the Royal in Olneyville. Entering the theatre business in 1920, he operated the Auburn for three years before selling his interests to the Park Theatre Corp., of which he remained a partner until 1936 During the period from 1933 to 1936 he operated the Park. For more than 30 years he also operated a store in the Park Theatre building, retiring in 1951 because of his health.”
“Peter R. Nelson, one of the best-known and well-loved showmen in the state, recently died at the age of 76. Nelson was at various times owner of the old Auburn Theatre and the Park in Cranston. At one time he also was associated in the operation of the old Bijou in Providence and the Royal in Olneyville. Entering the theatre business in 1920, he operated the Auburn for three years before selling his interests to the Park Theatre Corp., of which he remained a partner until 1936 During the period from 1933 to 1936 he operated the Park. For more than 30 years he also operated a store in the Park Theatre building, retiring in 1951 because of his health.”
“Peter R. Nelson, one of the best-known and well-loved showmen in the state, recently died at the age of 76. Nelson was at various times owner of the old Auburn Theatre and the Park in Cranston. At one time he also was associated in the operation of the old Bijou in Providence and the Royal in Olneyville. Entering the theatre business in 1920, he operated the Auburn for three years before selling his interests to the Park Theatre Corp., of which he remained a partner until 1936 During the period from 1933 to 1936 he operated the Park. For more than 30 years he also operated a store in the Park Theatre building, retiring in 1951 because of his health.”
[Question: was the Auburn restored after the 1918 fire, to function for a few more years?]
The Somerset was the first drive-in in the state to be equipped with 3-D projection, according to an item in Boxoffice magazine, issue of July 4, 1953. The first 3-D offering was “Bwana Devil.” The next one would be “Man in the Dark.” Admissions were upped from 60 cents to 75 cents per person for the 3-D engagements. Turn-away crowds were reported.
“The Avon Cinema management took quick advantage of the front page publicity anent the battle between the Providence board of censors and the Playhouse [on Westminster Street] over the staging of "Tobacco Road” by bringing back the screen version of the Broadway hit. On the same program was “Grapes of Wrath”…[Note: both directed by John Ford.] —-item in Boxoffice magazine, January 17, 1953.
The Lyric Theatre was renamed the Gilbert Stuart in 1953, after Joe Jarvis, who had run the Jamestown Theatre, took over operation of this house. Item reportng this in Boxoffice magazine, October 24, 1953:
View link
Heifetz at the Metropolitan Theatre. Item in Boxoffice magazine, February 21, 1953:
The Metropolitan interrupted “Treasure of the Golden Condor” for a one-night appearance of violinist (Jascha) Heifetz.
First 3-D picture plays Providence at the R.K.O. Albee. Item in Boxoffice magazine, February 21, 1953:
Bwana Devil, third-dimensional picture, was highly exploited when it played at the RKO Albee. Dave Levin set up a battery of third-dimensional viewers in the outer lobby, and crowds were lined up at all hours, scanning views taken from the picture. The Albee charged $1 top for evening and Sunday performances.
Item in Boxoffice magazine, March 24, 1958 about the closing of the Eliot:
“Harold Markell, who has operated the Eliot Theatre in North Cambridge for many years has been forced to close the doors due to lack of patronage.”
Item in Boxoffice Magazine, March 24, 1958:
An Import Once Weekly
Interstate of New England has resumed late foreign film showings at the Bradley, Putnam. A single import is screened at about 10 p.m. on Friday nights, at 90 cents top. Regular U.S. product is shown earlier in the evening and remainder of the week.
Item in Boxoffice magazine, October 27, 1956 about plans for converting the long-closed Victory into office and store space.
View link
Wartime item in Boxoffice magazine, November 7, 1942, about raising money for Christmas packages to send to servicemen from the area:
“Mr. and Mrs. Clyde Hess of Moosup initiated the idea of sending every boy from Moosup, Central Village, Sterling and Oneco a Christmas package, and donated the Moosup Theatre for two nights. Some $450 was raised for the packages, and the well-known operators made columns in the local press.”
A photo-ad in Boxoffice magazine, April 6, 1959, showing marquee and crowds at the entrance for The Diary of Anne Frank.
http://issuu.com/boxoffice/docs/boxoffice_040659/4
An item in Boxoffice magazine, November 30, 1946 mentions the reopening of the Rialto after having been closed for nearly two years:
To Reopen at Woonsocket
WOONSOCKET, R.I. – The Rialto, 800-seater, is to reopen after being shuttered since February 1945. Maurice Saffner, owner, said the theatre’s policy would be reissues, and foreign films, with the house being managed by his son, Melvin Saffner.
“Pascoag Star Blaze Confined to Booth"
Item in Boxoffice magazine, May 27, 1950:
View link
Item in Boxoffice magazine, January 18, 1960 about the Coolidge Corner adopting a first-run policy with French film The Lovers.
View link
Item about theatre organs in Boxoffice Magazine, December 22, 1956:
“The Sunday Journal devoted the entire front page of the amusement section to a feature story on the removal of the once-famous organs in the Strand, (Loew’s) State, and Majestic. Carrying a picture of Chester McLean, Strand house-manager, and pictures of the relics of the organs, the article stirred up many nostalgic memories for older moviegoers. A resident of nearby Hope Valley, Theo Smith, is buying up the instruments "to save them from the scrap pile.” He repairs the organs, donating them to churches. He is also assembling a complete unit for his home."
Item about theatre organs in Boxoffice Magazine, December 22, 1956:
“The Sunday Journal devoted the entire front page of the amusement section to a feature story on the removal of the once-famous organs in the Strand, (Loew’s) State, and Majestic. Carrying a picture of Chester McLean, Strand house-manager, and pictures of the relics of the organs, the article stirred up many nostalgic memories for older moviegoers. A resident of nearby Hope Valley, Theo Smith, is buying up the instruments "to save them from the scrap pile.” He repairs the organs, donating them to churches. He is also assembling a complete unit for his home."
Item about theatre organs in Boxoffice Magazine, December 22, 1956:
“The Sunday Journal devoted the entire front page of the amusement section to a feature story on the removal of the once-famous organs in the Strand, (Loew’s) State, and Majestic. Carrying a picture of Chester McLean, Strand house-manager, and pictures of the relics of the organs, the article stirred up many nostalgic memories for older moviegoers. A resident of nearby Hope Valley, Theo Smith, is buying up the instruments "to save them from the scrap pile.” He repairs the organs, donating them to churches. He is also assembling a complete unit for his home."
Item in Boxoffice Magazine, March 17, 1956:
“The Hollywood, East Providence, and Liberty, Elmwood neighborhood house, both Bomes' operations, by running the same attractions at both houses, have "upped” their newspaper advertising to such a degree that it compares favorably on many occasions with some downtown first runs. Both houses are featuring Saturday afternoon kiddy parties with a variety of kid films, refreshments, souvenirs, prizes and stage entertainment."
Item in Boxoffice Magazine, March 17, 1956:
“The Hollywood, East Providence, and Liberty, Elmwood neighborhood house, both Bomes' operations, by running the same attractions at both houses, have "upped” their newspaper advertising to such a degree that it compares favorably on many occasions with some downtown first runs. Both houses are featuring Saturday afternoon kiddy parties with a variety of kid films, refreshments, souvenirs, prizes and stage entertainment."
Item in Boxoffice magazine, August 22, 1953.
“Peter R. Nelson, one of the best-known and well-loved showmen in the state, recently died at the age of 76. Nelson was at various times owner of the old Auburn Theatre and the Park in Cranston. At one time he also was associated in the operation of the old Bijou in Providence and the Royal in Olneyville. Entering the theatre business in 1920, he operated the Auburn for three years before selling his interests to the Park Theatre Corp., of which he remained a partner until 1936 During the period from 1933 to 1936 he operated the Park. For more than 30 years he also operated a store in the Park Theatre building, retiring in 1951 because of his health.”
Item in Boxoffice magazine, August 22, 1953.
“Peter R. Nelson, one of the best-known and well-loved showmen in the state, recently died at the age of 76. Nelson was at various times owner of the old Auburn Theatre and the Park in Cranston. At one time he also was associated in the operation of the old Bijou in Providence and the Royal in Olneyville. Entering the theatre business in 1920, he operated the Auburn for three years before selling his interests to the Park Theatre Corp., of which he remained a partner until 1936 During the period from 1933 to 1936 he operated the Park. For more than 30 years he also operated a store in the Park Theatre building, retiring in 1951 because of his health.”
Item in Boxoffice magazine, August 22, 1953.
“Peter R. Nelson, one of the best-known and well-loved showmen in the state, recently died at the age of 76. Nelson was at various times owner of the old Auburn Theatre and the Park in Cranston. At one time he also was associated in the operation of the old Bijou in Providence and the Royal in Olneyville. Entering the theatre business in 1920, he operated the Auburn for three years before selling his interests to the Park Theatre Corp., of which he remained a partner until 1936 During the period from 1933 to 1936 he operated the Park. For more than 30 years he also operated a store in the Park Theatre building, retiring in 1951 because of his health.”
Item in Boxoffice magazine, August 22, 1953.
“Peter R. Nelson, one of the best-known and well-loved showmen in the state, recently died at the age of 76. Nelson was at various times owner of the old Auburn Theatre and the Park in Cranston. At one time he also was associated in the operation of the old Bijou in Providence and the Royal in Olneyville. Entering the theatre business in 1920, he operated the Auburn for three years before selling his interests to the Park Theatre Corp., of which he remained a partner until 1936 During the period from 1933 to 1936 he operated the Park. For more than 30 years he also operated a store in the Park Theatre building, retiring in 1951 because of his health.”
[Question: was the Auburn restored after the 1918 fire, to function for a few more years?]
Item announcing the recently opened Shipyard Drive-In, including the promotion for the new theatre, in Boxoffice magazine, August 17, 1957.
View link
Item announcing building of Shipyard Drive-In by Berry Hill Corp., Boxoffice magazine, September 8, 1956.
View link
From Boxoffice magazine, February 16, 1935:
“Royal Theatre, Olneyville, R.I., is now being operated on Sundays only. House belongs to E.M. Loew.”
[Sounds like it was the death-knell for this place.]