Classics continue with original Technicolor 35 mm print of “The Life and Times of Judge Roy Bean” the Beatles “Yellow Submarine” and “Horror Hotel” (Christopher Lee)
As the Boyd is the sole surviving downtown Philadelphia movie palace, it is important to preserve it, restore and reopen it. Friends of the Boyd, Inc. www.FriendsOfTheBoyd.org is a nonprofit organization of volunteers who welcome your help. We are paying for overnight security to protect the movie palace while solutions are found, and can dearly use your contributions. 100% of all contributions will be used to pay the security.
I’m also reviewing Box Office week by week (though not all issues are online or cover Philadelphia) from the late 1930s when Philadelphia coverage began for world premieres and other major events. I’m currently up to the mid 1950s so some introductions may be updated later! And, I’ve added other interesting tidbits as Comments.
Here’s some early 1950s history of films shown at the Midtown, from Box Office:
10 June 1950 Box Office “So Young, So Bad” given premiere on June 7th
10 May 1952 Box Office: Tony Curtis and Piper Laurie will greet people May 14 in the Midtown lobby when their film “No Room for the Groom” opens
8 Aug 1953 Box Office: Michener’s Return to Paradise" had eastern premiere at Midtown on 5 Aug
From when it reopened in WW2, the Mastbaum had a steady showing of films. This isn’t a complete list, but a selection from Box Office for the 1st half of the 1950s:
1951 “Captain Horatio Hornblowerâ€
1952 “The Quiet Manâ€
19 April 1952 Box Office: “Quo Vadis” ended 10 week run at Mastbaum
3 May 1952 Box Office “The African Queen”
10 Jan 1953 Box Office “April in Paris”
1953 Box Office “I Confessâ€
21 Nov 1953 Box Office: “How to Marry a Millionaire”
1954 “The High and the Mightyâ€
24 April 1954 Box Office:p 24 photo of Carnival Story star Steve Cochran in Mastbaum lobby to promote film
31 July 1954 Box Office: “Apache” broke one day house record at Mastbaum for box office
18 April 1942 Box Office ad stated that “Ghost of Frankenstein” broke 8 year record for opening week business at Stanton
27 Oct 1951 Box Office: star Barbara Payton was due here Oct 27 to appear on Stanton stage to promote the film (Civil war drama) “Drums in the Deep South”
22 Dec 1951 Box Office: local parade to promote the showing of the movie “Fort Defianceâ€
Another film noir event! 8 Aug 1954 Box Office reported that film noir “Pushover” star Kim Novak appeared in Stanton lobby 18 Aug to promote the film, handing out autographs & photos
Type exactly in search engine
BoxOffice July 17, 1954
and 43 in page box (or Philadelphia in search box)
for photo of Viking exterior on reopening day, with marquee & vertical lit up.
17 Aug 1940 Box Office reported that due to a contract dispute with Warner, musicians union Local 77 asked First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt not to attend August 22 premiere of “Pastor Hall†as contract dispute with Warner. Her secretary replied she’s not attending because she has seen film several times and is too busy to travel to Philadelphia. The film was the story of an anti-Nazi German minister and was formally presented by the president’s son James Roosevelt. The First Lady delivers a prologue in the film. 24 Aug 1940 Box Office reported that Jimmy Roosevelt was ill so at the Philadelphia opening of Pastor Hall , the president’s other sons, Elliot & Franklin D Jr., represented him
MORE from 1951. The 26 May 1951 Box Office reported two different tidbits. The Goldman Theatre displayed a General Sherman tank for the premiere of “Go for Broke!†And, Esther Williams kicked off Armed Forces Day with a ceremony on May 18th on the Goldman stage
Here’s a few tidbits from the late 1930s from Box Office online:
11 April 1936 Box Office reported that Columbia had a trade showing of movie “Theodora Goes Wild†at the Fox-Locust.
10 April 1937 Box Office reported that the film “Two Wise Girlsâ€, Republic’s newest feature, will open after “The Good Earth†closes.
12 Nov 1938 Box Office reported the theater was relighted recently after being completely redecorated including with carpets, sound equipment, interior decorating, seats
The Earle was famous more for its shows, but here’s a couple of the many movie tidbits.
22 June 1940 Box Office reported (with a photo of the Earle’s marquee) that with cooperation of the Army, the East premiere was held at the Earle of the movie “All This and Heaven, Too”
20 March 1948 Box Office reported that “Miracle of the Bells” was to have its East Coast premiere at Earle with the stars on March 27.
Here’s a selective history of a few of the films shown at the Mastbaum during the 1940s
First half of the 1940s. 29 Aug 1942 Box Office reported that the Mastbaum to reopen next Friday with “Tales of Manhattan” after being closed since 1934-35. 12 Sept 1942 Box Office reported that the Mastbaum did reopen with that film. In 1942 “Pride of the Yankees” was shown as was “Now Voyager” Noel Coward’s “In Which We Serve” had a grand opening in 1943. “Arsenic and Old Lace” was shown in 1944.
To continue with the 2nd half of the 1940’s, 8 Dec 1946 Box Office reported that the “Stork Club” premiere broke records with the sale of more than $15 mil of war bonds. 1947 movies included “Humoresque" “Till the Clouds Roll By†and “The Treasure of San Madre” 1948 films shown included “Easter Parade†“Rope” and “Johnny Belinda” 1949 films included “White Heat”
Here’s some selected Aldine Theatre history from the late 1930s. 10 Oct 1936 Box Office ad boasted that the Aldine turned people away as “Dodsworth” sold out screenings In 1937 “The Prisoner of Zenda†did great box office. Famous movies shown in 1939 included “Stagecoach” and “Wuthering Heights” (which was shown for at least six weeks). 26 Aug 1939 Box Office has a photo of Warner’s Philadelphia theater zone convention at the Bellevue Stratford Hotel, and states that they then saw “The Old Maid” at the Aldine.
Here is some Fox history from late 1930s and 1940s. “Some Like it Hot†was shown in 1939. "The Mark of Zorro” was shown in late 1940. Hitchcock’s Lifeboat" was doing good box office in early 1944. In July 1944 “Double Indemnity” was shown. The Eastern premiere of “G.I. Joe” was hosted on July 27, 1944.
Tidbits from the early 1950s: “The Third Man” was a popular 1950 movie at the Stanley. 11 Nov 1950 Box Office†reported that Suzanne Dalbert, a star of WW2 movie “Breakthrough” appeared at the film’s premiere at Stanley on the 9th. 17 Nov 1951 Box Office reported that Stanley Theatre sold out a telecast fight. 12 April 1952 Box Office reported that Abbott & Costello appeared in the Stanley lobby to promote Easter seals to benefit crippled children. “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes” was a popular 1953 movie at the Stanley.
Tidbits from the late 1930s: 13 Aug 1938 Box Office had an ad that “Alexander’s Ragtime Band” set box office records in cities including Philadelphia’s Stanley Theatre.
29 July 1939 Box Office reported that the “The Man in the Iron Mask†was being shown at the Stanley, and 2 Dec 1939 Box Office reported that “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington†was shown.
If you search exactly “BoxOffice March 3, 1951” page 108 has description with photos of renovated Midtown exterior & interior including auditorium facing screen.
Box Office 24 Nov 1951 BoxOffice page 123 has an ad, which at lower right has photos Midtown foyer’s leather doors & Ladies Powder room
17 Feb 1951 Box Office reported that actor Van Heflin was in Philadelphia to promote “Tomahawk” then in its 3rd week at the Goldman Theatre.
24 March 1951 Box Office reported that Anthony Dexter, the lead of “Valentino” was to appear on Saturday 24 March at the Goldman, which is where the film opened. 31 March 1951 Box Office reported that both Patricia Medina & Anthony Dexter of “Valentino” cast appeared at the Goldman
25 Aug 1951 Box Office reported that the film noir “His Kind of Woman” opened at the Goldman Theatre with personal appearances by its stars Robert Mitchum, Vincent Price, Marjorie Reynolds and Tim Holt
Classics continue with original Technicolor 35 mm print of “The Life and Times of Judge Roy Bean” the Beatles “Yellow Submarine” and “Horror Hotel” (Christopher Lee)
Darby, it is abusive to post that on every LA theater page.
It is fantasy time? classics & midnight movies as primary source of profit????
As the Boyd is the sole surviving downtown Philadelphia movie palace, it is important to preserve it, restore and reopen it. Friends of the Boyd, Inc. www.FriendsOfTheBoyd.org is a nonprofit organization of volunteers who welcome your help. We are paying for overnight security to protect the movie palace while solutions are found, and can dearly use your contributions. 100% of all contributions will be used to pay the security.
I’m also reviewing Box Office week by week (though not all issues are online or cover Philadelphia) from the late 1930s when Philadelphia coverage began for world premieres and other major events. I’m currently up to the mid 1950s so some introductions may be updated later! And, I’ve added other interesting tidbits as Comments.
Here’s some early 1950s history of films shown at the Midtown, from Box Office:
10 June 1950 Box Office “So Young, So Bad” given premiere on June 7th
10 May 1952 Box Office: Tony Curtis and Piper Laurie will greet people May 14 in the Midtown lobby when their film “No Room for the Groom” opens
8 Aug 1953 Box Office: Michener’s Return to Paradise" had eastern premiere at Midtown on 5 Aug
Here’s some tidbits from the 1952 to 1953 of Goldman history:
1952 Box Office: showing film noir “Clash by Night”
1 Aug 1953 Box Office: Goldman Theatre installing 3 D
29 Aug 1953 Box office: “The War of the Worlds” at Goldman
14 Nov 1953 Box Office: Jack Palance star of “Flight to Tangier†was in town to help promotion, which will open locally at the Goldman
From when it reopened in WW2, the Mastbaum had a steady showing of films. This isn’t a complete list, but a selection from Box Office for the 1st half of the 1950s:
1951 “Captain Horatio Hornblowerâ€
1952 “The Quiet Manâ€
19 April 1952 Box Office: “Quo Vadis” ended 10 week run at Mastbaum
3 May 1952 Box Office “The African Queen”
10 Jan 1953 Box Office “April in Paris”
1953 Box Office “I Confessâ€
21 Nov 1953 Box Office: “How to Marry a Millionaire”
1954 “The High and the Mightyâ€
24 April 1954 Box Office:p 24 photo of Carnival Story star Steve Cochran in Mastbaum lobby to promote film
31 July 1954 Box Office: “Apache” broke one day house record at Mastbaum for box office
30 Oct 1954 Box Office “A Star is Born”
Here’s some more Stanton history from Box Office:
18 April 1942 Box Office ad stated that “Ghost of Frankenstein” broke 8 year record for opening week business at Stanton
27 Oct 1951 Box Office: star Barbara Payton was due here Oct 27 to appear on Stanton stage to promote the film (Civil war drama) “Drums in the Deep South”
22 Dec 1951 Box Office: local parade to promote the showing of the movie “Fort Defianceâ€
Here’s some more Fox history from Box Office:
24 June 1939 Box Office “Young Mr. Lincoln†with vaudeville show
20 July 1946 Box Office “Centennial Summer†exterior photos at Fox with crowd
15 Nov 1947 Box Office p 16, Catholic students & war veterans protested showing of film “Forever Amber”
18 March 1949 Box Office “A Letter to Three Wives” in its 3rd week at the Fox
11 Feb 1950 Box Office “Twelve O'Clock High” being shown at Fox
22 Sept 1951 Box Office p 13 photo of huge crowd outside Fox for the film “The Frogmen”
22 March 1952 Box Office: movie “Viva Zapata!” at Fox, 3rd week
24 May 1952 Box Office: “Deadline-U.S.A.†being shown
4 Oct 1952 Box Office: Fox recent policy to play film from other studios, not just Fox
16 June 1956 at Fox, for opening of movie “D-Day the Sixth of June” a tank driven by the Army
14 July 1956 Box Office to promote “The King and I” movie opening at Fox, Thailand finance minister’s wife Princess Rudivorian appeared
if you type in exactly
Boxoffice March 5, 1955
and enter 101 in page
there is description and INTERIOR PHOTOS, including auditorium and lobby. page 91 has daytime photo
if you type exactly in search exactly
Boxoffice March 5, 1955
and type 101 in page for Philadelphia’s Viking Theatre spread it says architect Lee won a national architectural award for the Beach
Another film noir event! 8 Aug 1954 Box Office reported that film noir “Pushover” star Kim Novak appeared in Stanton lobby 18 Aug to promote the film, handing out autographs & photos
Type exactly in search engine
BoxOffice July 17, 1954
and 43 in page box (or Philadelphia in search box)
for photo of Viking exterior on reopening day, with marquee & vertical lit up.
17 Aug 1940 Box Office reported that due to a contract dispute with Warner, musicians union Local 77 asked First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt not to attend August 22 premiere of “Pastor Hall†as contract dispute with Warner. Her secretary replied she’s not attending because she has seen film several times and is too busy to travel to Philadelphia. The film was the story of an anti-Nazi German minister and was formally presented by the president’s son James Roosevelt. The First Lady delivers a prologue in the film. 24 Aug 1940 Box Office reported that Jimmy Roosevelt was ill so at the Philadelphia opening of Pastor Hall , the president’s other sons, Elliot & Franklin D Jr., represented him
MORE from 1951. The 26 May 1951 Box Office reported two different tidbits. The Goldman Theatre displayed a General Sherman tank for the premiere of “Go for Broke!†And, Esther Williams kicked off Armed Forces Day with a ceremony on May 18th on the Goldman stage
Here’s a few tidbits from the late 1930s from Box Office online:
11 April 1936 Box Office reported that Columbia had a trade showing of movie “Theodora Goes Wild†at the Fox-Locust.
10 April 1937 Box Office reported that the film “Two Wise Girlsâ€, Republic’s newest feature, will open after “The Good Earth†closes.
12 Nov 1938 Box Office reported the theater was relighted recently after being completely redecorated including with carpets, sound equipment, interior decorating, seats
The Earle was famous more for its shows, but here’s a couple of the many movie tidbits.
22 June 1940 Box Office reported (with a photo of the Earle’s marquee) that with cooperation of the Army, the East premiere was held at the Earle of the movie “All This and Heaven, Too”
20 March 1948 Box Office reported that “Miracle of the Bells” was to have its East Coast premiere at Earle with the stars on March 27.
Here’s a selective history of a few of the films shown at the Mastbaum during the 1940s
First half of the 1940s. 29 Aug 1942 Box Office reported that the Mastbaum to reopen next Friday with “Tales of Manhattan” after being closed since 1934-35. 12 Sept 1942 Box Office reported that the Mastbaum did reopen with that film. In 1942 “Pride of the Yankees” was shown as was “Now Voyager” Noel Coward’s “In Which We Serve” had a grand opening in 1943. “Arsenic and Old Lace” was shown in 1944.
To continue with the 2nd half of the 1940’s, 8 Dec 1946 Box Office reported that the “Stork Club” premiere broke records with the sale of more than $15 mil of war bonds. 1947 movies included “Humoresque" “Till the Clouds Roll By†and “The Treasure of San Madre” 1948 films shown included “Easter Parade†“Rope” and “Johnny Belinda” 1949 films included “White Heat”
Here’s some selected Aldine Theatre history from the late 1930s. 10 Oct 1936 Box Office ad boasted that the Aldine turned people away as “Dodsworth” sold out screenings In 1937 “The Prisoner of Zenda†did great box office. Famous movies shown in 1939 included “Stagecoach” and “Wuthering Heights” (which was shown for at least six weeks). 26 Aug 1939 Box Office has a photo of Warner’s Philadelphia theater zone convention at the Bellevue Stratford Hotel, and states that they then saw “The Old Maid” at the Aldine.
Chuck’s 1974 photo does not have the right link.
Here is some Fox history from late 1930s and 1940s. “Some Like it Hot†was shown in 1939. "The Mark of Zorro” was shown in late 1940. Hitchcock’s Lifeboat" was doing good box office in early 1944. In July 1944 “Double Indemnity” was shown. The Eastern premiere of “G.I. Joe” was hosted on July 27, 1944.
Tidbits from the early 1950s: “The Third Man” was a popular 1950 movie at the Stanley. 11 Nov 1950 Box Office†reported that Suzanne Dalbert, a star of WW2 movie “Breakthrough” appeared at the film’s premiere at Stanley on the 9th. 17 Nov 1951 Box Office reported that Stanley Theatre sold out a telecast fight. 12 April 1952 Box Office reported that Abbott & Costello appeared in the Stanley lobby to promote Easter seals to benefit crippled children. “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes” was a popular 1953 movie at the Stanley.
Tidbits from the late 1930s: 13 Aug 1938 Box Office had an ad that “Alexander’s Ragtime Band” set box office records in cities including Philadelphia’s Stanley Theatre.
29 July 1939 Box Office reported that the “The Man in the Iron Mask†was being shown at the Stanley, and 2 Dec 1939 Box Office reported that “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington†was shown.
If you search exactly “BoxOffice March 3, 1951” page 108 has description with photos of renovated Midtown exterior & interior including auditorium facing screen.
Box Office 24 Nov 1951 BoxOffice page 123 has an ad, which at lower right has photos Midtown foyer’s leather doors & Ladies Powder room
Here are some Goldman highlights from 1951.
17 Feb 1951 Box Office reported that actor Van Heflin was in Philadelphia to promote “Tomahawk” then in its 3rd week at the Goldman Theatre.
24 March 1951 Box Office reported that Anthony Dexter, the lead of “Valentino” was to appear on Saturday 24 March at the Goldman, which is where the film opened. 31 March 1951 Box Office reported that both Patricia Medina & Anthony Dexter of “Valentino” cast appeared at the Goldman
25 Aug 1951 Box Office reported that the film noir “His Kind of Woman” opened at the Goldman Theatre with personal appearances by its stars Robert Mitchum, Vincent Price, Marjorie Reynolds and Tim Holt