The Warwick Cinema rarely showed foreign language films. When “Marriage Italian Style” ended it run there, the movie then moved to the Art Cinema for several weeks. “Now in Providence!” said the ad.
I saw “The Graduate” the first Saturday after it opened at the Majestic. Having read the book, I was quite anxious to see it, too. I enjoyed the movie so much that I sat through it twice. After hearing me praise it so much, a classmate promptly rushed to see it. To my surprise, he was denied admission. “Adults Only!” and “No One Under 18 Admitted” were written on signs taped to the box office window. He did return a few days later with his older sister and her husband who purchased the tickets.
The demise of the Art Cinema. In July, 1973, the Art Cinema announced that it was closed for the summer. Yet, it did not reopen until November, 1973, under new management, and only four days a week, Thursday through Sunday. The program changed from soft core to black themed films such as “Superfly,” “Sounder,” Cleopatra Jones,“ and "Blackula.” Matinees on Saturday and Sunday featured children’s movies like “Willy Wonka,” “Puff N Snuff” or “Pippi Longstocking.” Advertising was reduced to the minimum, small block size without illustration, stating the film titles and show times. The theater struggled through this phase for four months until March, 1974, when it abruptly closed. This time, it remained closed for more than a year. It reopened in April, 1975, again under new management, showing hard core pornographic films. A new logo and flashy ads ran daily. It stayed open for business about films months. By the end of August, 1975, the ads vanished from the movie page, the theater having closed once more. It did not reopen.
(continued)
almost weekly. The theater did suspend its policy to bring back James Joyce’s “Ulysses,” this time for three weeks at popular prices. It even booked the obscure independent film “Dutchman” with Shirley Knight. But, they were exceptions. Its era as an art house had sadly ended.
The year 1967 was transitional for the Art Cinema. During the early months, it continued to show mostly foreign films or mainstream ones, among them, “Dear John,” “Loves of a Blonde,” “The Poppy is Also a Flower,” “The Game is Over,” even the surf film “The Endless Summer” direct from its engagement at the Avon. There was only an occasional nod to sensationalism (“Damaged Goods” starring Hollywood starlett Delores Faith!). By the end of May, however, the theater had apparently changed its policy, showing exploitation films a
That’s an accurate description of the theater, Gerald, which explains why I hardly ever went there to see movies. The only occasion that comes to mind was to see “Desperate Characters,” an obscure film with Shirley MacLaine, early seventies, I think.
The Garden City Cinema opened for business on Friday, December 22, 1967. There was a ribbon cutting ceremony, and refreshments were served, too. The feature presentation was Disney’s “The Jungle Book.”
I recall Woolworth’s and the supermarket. The Pancake House was also a short distance from the theater. The area began its decline in the late sixties, which might explain why the Art Cinema switched its program from quality films to soft core around that time.
When I used to go to the downtown theaters in the sixties, it was usually for a late morning or early afternoon show, and the balcony would be closed. I didn’t remember the two balconies at the Albee until I saw your photos.
When James Joyce’s “Ulysses” played the Art in 1967, it was promoted as a special event for three days only, with reserved seating. The newspaper ad even featured a coupon to fill out and mail for advance tickets.
Christmas Attractions at the Art Cinema. The following films opened on Christmas Day or one or two days later, except Christmas, 1959.
1958- Bitter Rice and Anna
1959- Theater closed. Re-opened Jan 15, 1960 with Mating Urge and
Chase Me, Charlie
1960- Make Mine Mink
1961- The Truth and Girl With a Suitcase
1962- Carry on Teacher and Doctor in Love
1963- The Sword in the Stone (also at the Avon)
1964- A Hard Day’s Night and Robin and the Seven Hoods
1965- Bambole
1966- 10:30 P.M. Summer and Mondo Cane
My most memorable evening at the Garden City Cinema was for a sneak preview of “The Omen.” Well, I hardly ever went to sneak previews, but this one starred Lee Remick, whom I liked, and I suspected that it would be a supernatural thriller. It certainly was. During one crucial scene, when everyone jumped, and some even screamed, there was dead silence until someone sighed and said “Jesus Christ!” The audience broke into a nervous laugh, and then resumed watching the movie. When it ended, as I was walking up the aisle to leave, I bumped into my cousin and his wife. They were as frightened as I was. We headed for the lobby where we were asked to fill out a survey. But, we were too shaken to do so.
The Italian Film Society of RI at the Cable Car Cinema? Well, then, Gerald, on behalf of all the foreign film connoisseurs, let me thank you for carrying on the tradition. The spirit of the Art Cinema lives! Then, at the Cable Car. Now, through your thoughtful commentary.
“Clarie’s Knee”! I haven’t thought of that movie since I first saw it. It must have been at the ELmwood, too. When “Two Women” ended its long run there, it moved to the Art, where it stayed multiple weeks, another hit for that struggling cinema. The newspaper ad used the emotive image of Sofia Loren in a torn dress kneeling and crying.
I went to the Garden City Cinema mostly when it was a single screen theater. It showed mainstream and family films. One exception. “Something For Everyone” was a dark comedy starring Angela Lansbury, light years before her widespread popularity from television. The movie ad enticed me to go on opening night, and I enjoyed it tremendously. It played a short run there, and then vanished from circulation.
I rarely went to the Paris Cinema. No lobby. Small Screen. I didn’t like the theater at all. But, yes! I, too, saw “The Gang That Couldn’t Shoot Straight” at the Paris. I remember nothing about the movie except for Jo Van Fleet, who was very funny. Otto Preminger’s “Such Good Friends” also comes to mind. An awful film.
As I recall, the Art Cinema didn’t suddenly switch to exploitation films in the latter half of the sixties. It first tested the market with borderline ones, the kind with Jayne Mansfield and Mamie Van Doren. Their careers were in sharp decline at the time, but they were still name stars. The theater even dabbled in the avant guarde. “Scorpio Rising” and “Chafed Elbows” played there.
I didn’t think the Art Cinema ever showed children’s movies, at least beginning in 1960, except twice. “The Sword in the Stone” in 1963, and “A Hard Day’s Night” two years later. There were never matinees on Saturday, only on Sunday, and always after 2:00 P.M.
I always thought that the Paris Cinema had employed the same logo as the theater in New York to suggest perhaps that foreign films would play there. But, very few played there as I recall.
The theater was famous for showing “The Sound of Music” for such a long duration. But, does anyone remember the protest when it booked “Kiss Me, Stupid”? The film was “Condemned” by the Legion of Decency, and a controversy ensued. If I recall correctly, the film’s engagement there was abruptly halted.
The Elmwood was one of my favorite theaters in the sixties. I loved the marquee with the theater’s name written across the top. It showed mostly first run and roadshow productions, often with reserved seating (!). They played for extended periods, and the ticket prices were considered expensive. The theater just seemed to have so much class. One of the last movies that I saw there was Luschino Visconti’s “The Damned”, a film about the decadence of the rich and powerful in Nazi Germany. My cousin fell asleep, and I had to nudge him when the movie ended.
You’re right. It was a bit out-of-the-way. I recall that my mother and father would refer to the theater as “way down Broad Street.” Furthermore, as you stated, business probably peaked in the early sixties. The film that played one of the longest engagements there was “La Dolce Vita.” After a successful first run at the Majestic, it opened at the Art Cinema in November, 1961. Every Friday, the newspaper ran a large ad with the addendum “Held Over!” printed above it. On the occasion of its fifth week, the theater pulled its usual ad that Friday, the one with Anita Ekberg holding a kitten, and replaced it with a more provocative one, Anita Ekberg in a long strapless dress, girating. It most certainly stood out from all the other bland advertisements on the page. When the movie finally ended its run, yet another controversial film followed, “A Cold Wind in August.” Do you remember that one?
Gerald DeLuca,
Thank you, I enjoyed the photos. Perhaps you will remember this. The Art Cinema had a sign or inscription permanently printed on each side of the marquee (and I think on the front, as well) that stated “Distinctive Fare from the Film Capitals of the World” or something like that. It was an apparent reference to the many foreign films that played there.
The Warwick Cinema rarely showed foreign language films. When “Marriage Italian Style” ended it run there, the movie then moved to the Art Cinema for several weeks. “Now in Providence!” said the ad.
I saw “The Graduate” the first Saturday after it opened at the Majestic. Having read the book, I was quite anxious to see it, too. I enjoyed the movie so much that I sat through it twice. After hearing me praise it so much, a classmate promptly rushed to see it. To my surprise, he was denied admission. “Adults Only!” and “No One Under 18 Admitted” were written on signs taped to the box office window. He did return a few days later with his older sister and her husband who purchased the tickets.
The demise of the Art Cinema. In July, 1973, the Art Cinema announced that it was closed for the summer. Yet, it did not reopen until November, 1973, under new management, and only four days a week, Thursday through Sunday. The program changed from soft core to black themed films such as “Superfly,” “Sounder,” Cleopatra Jones,“ and "Blackula.” Matinees on Saturday and Sunday featured children’s movies like “Willy Wonka,” “Puff N Snuff” or “Pippi Longstocking.” Advertising was reduced to the minimum, small block size without illustration, stating the film titles and show times. The theater struggled through this phase for four months until March, 1974, when it abruptly closed. This time, it remained closed for more than a year. It reopened in April, 1975, again under new management, showing hard core pornographic films. A new logo and flashy ads ran daily. It stayed open for business about films months. By the end of August, 1975, the ads vanished from the movie page, the theater having closed once more. It did not reopen.
(continued)
almost weekly. The theater did suspend its policy to bring back James Joyce’s “Ulysses,” this time for three weeks at popular prices. It even booked the obscure independent film “Dutchman” with Shirley Knight. But, they were exceptions. Its era as an art house had sadly ended.
The year 1967 was transitional for the Art Cinema. During the early months, it continued to show mostly foreign films or mainstream ones, among them, “Dear John,” “Loves of a Blonde,” “The Poppy is Also a Flower,” “The Game is Over,” even the surf film “The Endless Summer” direct from its engagement at the Avon. There was only an occasional nod to sensationalism (“Damaged Goods” starring Hollywood starlett Delores Faith!). By the end of May, however, the theater had apparently changed its policy, showing exploitation films a
That’s an accurate description of the theater, Gerald, which explains why I hardly ever went there to see movies. The only occasion that comes to mind was to see “Desperate Characters,” an obscure film with Shirley MacLaine, early seventies, I think.
The Garden City Cinema opened for business on Friday, December 22, 1967. There was a ribbon cutting ceremony, and refreshments were served, too. The feature presentation was Disney’s “The Jungle Book.”
I recall Woolworth’s and the supermarket. The Pancake House was also a short distance from the theater. The area began its decline in the late sixties, which might explain why the Art Cinema switched its program from quality films to soft core around that time.
When I used to go to the downtown theaters in the sixties, it was usually for a late morning or early afternoon show, and the balcony would be closed. I didn’t remember the two balconies at the Albee until I saw your photos.
When James Joyce’s “Ulysses” played the Art in 1967, it was promoted as a special event for three days only, with reserved seating. The newspaper ad even featured a coupon to fill out and mail for advance tickets.
Christmas Attractions at the Art Cinema. The following films opened on Christmas Day or one or two days later, except Christmas, 1959.
1958- Bitter Rice and Anna
1959- Theater closed. Re-opened Jan 15, 1960 with Mating Urge and
Chase Me, Charlie
1960- Make Mine Mink
1961- The Truth and Girl With a Suitcase
1962- Carry on Teacher and Doctor in Love
1963- The Sword in the Stone (also at the Avon)
1964- A Hard Day’s Night and Robin and the Seven Hoods
1965- Bambole
1966- 10:30 P.M. Summer and Mondo Cane
I was scared, too, watching “The Haunting” with Julie Harris when it first premiered in the sixties, but I don’t remember which theater it played.
My most memorable evening at the Garden City Cinema was for a sneak preview of “The Omen.” Well, I hardly ever went to sneak previews, but this one starred Lee Remick, whom I liked, and I suspected that it would be a supernatural thriller. It certainly was. During one crucial scene, when everyone jumped, and some even screamed, there was dead silence until someone sighed and said “Jesus Christ!” The audience broke into a nervous laugh, and then resumed watching the movie. When it ended, as I was walking up the aisle to leave, I bumped into my cousin and his wife. They were as frightened as I was. We headed for the lobby where we were asked to fill out a survey. But, we were too shaken to do so.
The Italian Film Society of RI at the Cable Car Cinema? Well, then, Gerald, on behalf of all the foreign film connoisseurs, let me thank you for carrying on the tradition. The spirit of the Art Cinema lives! Then, at the Cable Car. Now, through your thoughtful commentary.
I’d forgotton about that scene, really. What I do remember, though, is Burgess Meredith, making a fool of himself.
“Clarie’s Knee”! I haven’t thought of that movie since I first saw it. It must have been at the ELmwood, too. When “Two Women” ended its long run there, it moved to the Art, where it stayed multiple weeks, another hit for that struggling cinema. The newspaper ad used the emotive image of Sofia Loren in a torn dress kneeling and crying.
I went to the Garden City Cinema mostly when it was a single screen theater. It showed mainstream and family films. One exception. “Something For Everyone” was a dark comedy starring Angela Lansbury, light years before her widespread popularity from television. The movie ad enticed me to go on opening night, and I enjoyed it tremendously. It played a short run there, and then vanished from circulation.
I rarely went to the Paris Cinema. No lobby. Small Screen. I didn’t like the theater at all. But, yes! I, too, saw “The Gang That Couldn’t Shoot Straight” at the Paris. I remember nothing about the movie except for Jo Van Fleet, who was very funny. Otto Preminger’s “Such Good Friends” also comes to mind. An awful film.
As I recall, the Art Cinema didn’t suddenly switch to exploitation films in the latter half of the sixties. It first tested the market with borderline ones, the kind with Jayne Mansfield and Mamie Van Doren. Their careers were in sharp decline at the time, but they were still name stars. The theater even dabbled in the avant guarde. “Scorpio Rising” and “Chafed Elbows” played there.
I didn’t think the Art Cinema ever showed children’s movies, at least beginning in 1960, except twice. “The Sword in the Stone” in 1963, and “A Hard Day’s Night” two years later. There were never matinees on Saturday, only on Sunday, and always after 2:00 P.M.
I always thought that the Paris Cinema had employed the same logo as the theater in New York to suggest perhaps that foreign films would play there. But, very few played there as I recall.
The theater was famous for showing “The Sound of Music” for such a long duration. But, does anyone remember the protest when it booked “Kiss Me, Stupid”? The film was “Condemned” by the Legion of Decency, and a controversy ensued. If I recall correctly, the film’s engagement there was abruptly halted.
The Elmwood was one of my favorite theaters in the sixties. I loved the marquee with the theater’s name written across the top. It showed mostly first run and roadshow productions, often with reserved seating (!). They played for extended periods, and the ticket prices were considered expensive. The theater just seemed to have so much class. One of the last movies that I saw there was Luschino Visconti’s “The Damned”, a film about the decadence of the rich and powerful in Nazi Germany. My cousin fell asleep, and I had to nudge him when the movie ended.
You’re right. It was a bit out-of-the-way. I recall that my mother and father would refer to the theater as “way down Broad Street.” Furthermore, as you stated, business probably peaked in the early sixties. The film that played one of the longest engagements there was “La Dolce Vita.” After a successful first run at the Majestic, it opened at the Art Cinema in November, 1961. Every Friday, the newspaper ran a large ad with the addendum “Held Over!” printed above it. On the occasion of its fifth week, the theater pulled its usual ad that Friday, the one with Anita Ekberg holding a kitten, and replaced it with a more provocative one, Anita Ekberg in a long strapless dress, girating. It most certainly stood out from all the other bland advertisements on the page. When the movie finally ended its run, yet another controversial film followed, “A Cold Wind in August.” Do you remember that one?
Gerald DeLuca,
Thank you, I enjoyed the photos. Perhaps you will remember this. The Art Cinema had a sign or inscription permanently printed on each side of the marquee (and I think on the front, as well) that stated “Distinctive Fare from the Film Capitals of the World” or something like that. It was an apparent reference to the many foreign films that played there.