This theatre in Koreatown is the last movie theatre in Ontario (our province) showing pornographic movies and the building is for sale and has been for several years. Built in the 1930s with two 300 seat theatres, it showed regular movies until the 70s. What always seems to catch my eye is the mish-mash of signs all over it hiding most of the original Art Deco features of the building. It would be nice if it could be rescued and turned into an independent movie house but the chances are slim!
Taking part in Signs, Signs. For more signs click here.
If the last movie they showed was Emanuelle, that was a long, long time ago. (Or, so I hear . . . )
ReplyDeleteWell, this is one theatre I'm not familiar with. :)
ReplyDeleteI remember when I was kid and these theatres used to show two movies. I assume it's still a classic inside.
ReplyDeleteThe building may be worth saving, but those types of theatres aren't much of a loss.
ReplyDeleteTell us more about Emanuelle, Jack!
ReplyDeleteThere are, sadly, too few of these iconic theaters left. Most have been torn down or turned into some other type of business.
Sad ending for what probably is a nice building (if we could see it)
ReplyDeleteOur old theater now shows $1.00 movies after the new "Cinema" was built.....
ReplyDeleteSad to see old places like that disappear - maybe get demolished.
ReplyDeleteSigns of the times as they say. At least you have your image to document history.
ReplyDeleteBet there is a nice looking building underneath that rather tacky looking exterior. Hope it has a happy ending.
ReplyDeleteWas Deb being funny with her "happy ending" comment or is that just me and my dirty mind? Oh, never mind! I'm surprised these types of movie theaters still exist with the internet, cable tv, etc. Maybe it's the "thrill" of being out among the public. Who knows?
ReplyDeleteIt does look very trashy, I agree, Pat. I wonder why porno places always seem to be plastered with signs. It is not as though their patrons go there mistaking if for a library!
ReplyDeleteHah .. my word verification is 'hymen'
Certainly these are signs that most people would not regret see being taken down. I certainly share your hope that this becomes an interesting independent art-type moviehouse...
ReplyDeleteOh yes, I read about that in the paper and immediately thought, I should get a shot of it before it is gone!
ReplyDeleteIt would be a shame to tear it down, a waste of an iconic building.
ReplyDeleteSometimes old movie theaters like that can be turned into performance spaces. In the age of the internet I'm surprised they can stay in business!
ReplyDeleteIt is a shame that the old theatres are left to waste away. I've seen some restored and they are just beautiful.
ReplyDeleteIt's too bad small theaters like this have all gone to showing "other" types of films. I bet it was nice in its day.
ReplyDeleteNice sign shot! I love old theaters. I would convert it to an foreign movie house.
ReplyDeleteIt's time for something new, an independent movie house is a very good idea! ;-)
ReplyDeleteOh oh soon that building will be just a memory. Good thing you took a photo.
ReplyDeleteSigns
I wish the preservation group would save this iconic building.
ReplyDeleteOh you have got to start a petition Red, save the old theatre, it would make a fabulous 'alternative' movie house..it's got all the seats already, although the covers might want to be refreshed haha!
ReplyDeleteMore of these old theatres need to be saved and restored. I've so many great old theatres in my travels. They are as much fun to see as the shows inside.
ReplyDeletethis reminds me of the old Times Square in NYC, I must admit I miss some of the seediness
ReplyDeleteit has been Disney'd to death now
A nice old cinema but not I'm sure of the films they have been showing... Is aedevelopment into offices or apartments on the cards?
ReplyDeleteChrissy at Manchester: a photo a day at Mancunian Wave
Wouldn't it be fun to buy a movie theatre and turn it into a home? Think of the furnishing challenge :-) I hope they rescue it somehow.
ReplyDelete