Deseret News | Movie theaters have a long, rich history in the Salt Lake area

Reader comments
Movie theaters have a long, rich history in the Salt Lake area

Tab L. Uno | 11:49 p.m. March 8, 2009

As a young child, I barely remember the dizzying up and down thrill, sitting in The Villa Theatre on Highland Drive watching "This is Cinerama" while a shot of riding in a roller coaster shock me in my seat. I remember waiting in the rain at The Centre Theater on State Street, waiting for "Star Wars" to open, having to wait in line to get tickets along State Street and then having to line up to get in along Broadway. The was something special about the huge screens and large theater, like when The Century Theater on 3300 South first open as one single dome, where I lost my first edition paperback of "2001: A Space Odyssey" which played on a screen that was gigantic, like three screens put together. Then there was I believe the Regency Theater on Foothill near Parleys where "Close Encounters of the Third Kind" played and lines were wrapped around the theater in the dark night.

Addie Stowers | 1:52 a.m. March 9, 2009

I LOVED THE OLD BEAUTIFUL THEATERS. THE TEN COMMANDMENTS AT THE STUDIO THEATER, GONE WITH THE WIND, SAME PLACE. I WORKED AT THE BROADWAY THEATER ACROSS FROM THE CENTER THEATER AND WE HAD 3 SHOW FOR $.50 POP CORN $.20. LOTS OD DOUBLE FEATURES TOO AND ALWAYS A COUPLE OF CARTOONS. THE CARPETS AND THE ART WORK ON THE WALLS WAS SO BEAUTIFUL TO GO TO THE VILLA WAS A HUGE DEAL. LAWERANCE OF ARABIA AND HOW THE WEST WAS WON ON ONE OF THE FIRST HUGE WRAP AROUND SCREENS. YOU ALWAYS GOT DRESSED UP IF YOU WENT TO THE CENTER THEATER. BOY THOSE WERE THE GOOD OLD DAYS. MY GRANDMOTHER TOOK ME TO THE GEM TO SEE TITANIC, HER COUSIN WAS A SURVIVOR. THANKS FOR THE GREAT WRITE UP ,GAVE ME A WONDERFUL LOOK BACK. ADDIE

The Watcher | 3:43 a.m. March 9, 2009

There was the Reed Theater on 27th South & 20th East that had Saturday matinees and Flash Gordon serials. When I first went in about 1953 the price was a dime, but was later raised to 14 cents. Double features at a drive-in got you home really late. My girlfriend and I fell asleep during a very boring second feature at the Highland Drive-in and didn't get home until after 2AM. Dinner and a movie often started at the Cinegrill downtown, which catered to movie-goers when there were so many theaters within walking distance of each other downtown.

Comments continue below

Losses for all | 4:36 a.m. March 9, 2009

The megaplexes with the small mini screens and crowed seats have taken a lot of the pleasures out of going to a movie. These grand old theaters were landmarks and great places to go and socialize as groups or on a date. Most were built in an era of vaudville and stage shows then converted in to luxurious movie theaters. It was an experience to go to a movie then, now its pure hell to sit in the small cramped and too loud movies. The sound level alone is uncomfortable to sustain and have a pleasant time. But movie house moguls aren't concerned about the pleasures of going to a movie, so they put quantity over quality. The more people packed in and bought the candies and popcorn, and pop, the more money they could make. Movie theaters are short term investments now so they have to recover costs in a a year or less. For anyone that has never had the pleasure of seeing inside these grand old ladies don't know what a real movie theater is about. Some of them should be preserved as icons of history and life at its best.

SLC gal | 6:34 a.m. March 9, 2009

The first memory I have of going to a movie is my mom taking me to see "Follow That Bird" at Trolley Corners. Walking in and being hit with the smell of popcorn was something that has always stuck with me.

That may have been what compelled me (or a guy that would soon be my bf) to work at "The Flick" across the street from the time I was 16 until it closed.

Then becuase I didn't get enough, I worked at the Crossroads Theater until it closed.

Some of the best memories of a theater happen after the shows have started.

Kenneth in Texas | 6:40 a.m. March 9, 2009

I remember, when I was about 6 or 7, of going with friends to watch "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang" at a theater near the old Cottonwood Mall. That's my earliest movie theater recollection. Throughout my growing up years, my brother and I frequently went to the movies at Trolley Square and Fashion Place Mall. I'm surprised nobody has mentioned Trolley Square. I also remember seeing "Star Wars" and "Buck Rogers of the 25th Century" at a couple of the older theaters in Salt Lake, though I don't remember which ones.

I'm also surprised this article mentioned nothing about the old silent movies in theaters with installed pipe organs for live background music. Did Salt Lake not have any of those?

bartonjabber | 6:49 a.m. March 9, 2009

My rich memories of going to the Uptown Theaterin the early 60's are many, but the day I decided to walk to the theater with a friend so I could have the 10 cent bus fair for more candy is my most vivid memory of any movie day. We walked from 8th south and 10th east all the way to State street and then up to 2nd south to cross over to Main street. Oh, I thought we would never make it. My greed overcame me, and I bought 5 Big Hunk bars.... the ride home on the bus was much needed although the 2 1/2 leftover bars lay in my top drawer for about 6 months before I tossed them. Oh, the day taught me a great lesson about my own greed. What movie did we watch? I have no idea!

SCERA Fan | 6:54 a.m. March 9, 2009

Take heart ... There is still one more grand movie house left. The SCERA Center for the Arts in Orem is still open, newly renovated (it looks great), and still showing movies in its 700+ seat auditorium. Prices (for first-run films and food) are a chunk lower than at the chains, and the screen is huge!

Sadly, too many people just don't know about it. I work there, and many guests are surprised (shocked) at what a fantastic place it is. Spread the word ... SCERA is THE best place to see a movie on the big screen, and get a feel of the good old days in a bright, clean, polished new old showhouse!

Jim | 7:18 a.m. March 9, 2009

Great flicks at Great SLC theaters are huge in my memory. The biggies: "South Pacific", 1958, Villa Theater in Todd-AO complete with roller coaster. Though Cinerama was the earlier format, it didn't come to the Villa until later. "How the West Was Won" (now beautifully restored on Blu-Ray) was THE big Cinerama memory from Fall 1962 and Spring 1963. Spartacus, Ben Hur, and Mutiny on the Bounty (Brando version) at the Centre. Ten Commandments, first run, was at the Uptown which was two doors down from ZCMI. Premiere of "True Grit" at the Capitol Theater in 1969 in conjunction with the centennial of the Golden Spike. John Wayne was there. Finally, "West Side Story" at, of all places, the Southeast Theater. PS: the premiere of Cinemascope "The Robe" at the Ogden Egyptian in 1953 -- magic!!

These days its all memory -- those jewel movie houses of the past. They were wonderful while they lasted

My big screen at home is more impressive than the mega-plexes that pass as movie venues today -- and my feet don't stick to the floor!

JoeFlick | 7:29 a.m. March 9, 2009

Sadly your article failed to mention the Avalon Theater on State Street. They had Tuesday ladies night, 10 cent red whip licorce and the best popcorn around. This is where I saw the great musicals like West Side Story, Sound of Music, Carousel and many others. I remember seeing Mario Caruso films along with the Jeanette McDonald and Nelson Eddy movies. My mother took me as a kid and I was excited to watch a cartoon before the main feature. I believe the Avalon's newspaper add said, "Good books like great movies, they never grow old." That was class! I also remember $1.50 ticket prices at the Avalon. Those were the good old days!

John Charity Spring | 7:40 a.m. March 9, 2009

These old theatres were truly magical places that were good for society. By and large, these theatres showed movies that promoted the old fashioned values that made this Country great: honesty, loyalty, morality, and respect for others. Today's megaplexes do not operate for the public good--they are used strictly to make money as quickly as possible by showing the movies of modern Hollywood that promote outrageous behavior and self-gratification without regard to the consequences.

Hero of Canton | 8:22 a.m. March 9, 2009

I wasn't born until 1981 and by the time I got around to watching movies and remembering them (American Tail is my first memory) all of the great theaters were out of business. My most vivid memory of a movie, however, is watching the Star Wars: Special Edition at the Cinedome in Ogden...what a massive screen! There must have been 500-600 people in there and the experience was one I will never forget.

How I wish I would have been born earlier to experience what going to the movies really was like...

Randall | 8:58 a.m. March 9, 2009

Went to Many A Drive-In Theater in High School.
Never Once Watched The Movie!
The Double Features Were The Best.

A bunch of bleeding hearts | 9:10 a.m. March 9, 2009

Cry me a river! There is no place in business for silly sentimentalism. So What? Like, I care care, where you had the first date with your husband. Haven't you noticed he's fat, old and gray now because time moves on?

These "magical theaters" came with high fixed costs. They has lots of underutilized unproductive space to heat and cool and to clean and light.

Who filled these theaters? You had a bunch of screaming kids throwing popcorn and spilling drinks paying thirty-five cents and adults paying a buck and a quarter for two movies.

Luckily, the invisible hand of the market prevailed over customer's outdated expectations. Today, we get more for admission to one movies and we cut our operational expenses. I would have never imagined turning popcorn in to so much gold. Now, that's more beautiful than art deco.

Quit living in the past and be thankful we give you and your family such value in entertainment. The fact you can't sit on your butt watching two movies has benefited you, giving you more time to earn money to see our shows. It's a win, win for all involved.

k | 9:18 a.m. March 9, 2009

When I was younger, I remember going to the Villa Theater. Walking into the lobby and going down the stairs to get to the bathroom and seeing the old telephone booth. My sister and I had fun playing in that thing. Then walking into the theater it self. It reminded me of that scene from Annie when they "Go to the Movies".

Don Boswell | 9:30 a.m. March 9, 2009

In my memory are some other un-mentioned theaters such as: STAR(1st So & State),VICTORY (3rd South between Main & State--destroyed by fire in about 1942-43--We watched it burn from the old Ensign School on the Avenues where I was attending at that time. RIALTO (near 3rd & Main). UPTOWN (about where the Main St. entrance to the ZCMI Mall was), STUDIO (Across from Utah Theater),BROADWAY(just West of 3rd So & State, STATE (between 2nd & Third on State, MARLO (in Sugar House about 10th East & 21st South). Other Drive-Inns : AIRPORT, VALLEY-VU, WOODLAND, ROMANTIC MOTOR-VIEW,
ETC. I believe there were about 7 in Salt Lake valley operating at the same time.

In many cases I can even remember the theater where a certain movie was watched, usually first-run, and if such a movie shows up on TV, that memory is often renewed.

I enjoyed the article in the DN today and look forward to other similar articles or comments on this subject.

Thanks again!

Dave | 9:41 a.m. March 9, 2009

In the summertime the Villa Theater had "Kiddie Shows" where you would get in with a free ticket you had to pick up from one of the area retailers. You would win prizes if your name was drawn. I was fortunate to win a half dozen times. I also saw "It's a mad, mad, mad, mad world" there, "Grand Prix" and a lot of other fun movies. I also frequented the Southeast Theater in Sugarhouse where I saw many of the 1960s beach movies as well as "Breakfast at Tiffanys." Fun stuff.

Dear non-bleeding heart | 9:43 a.m. March 9, 2009

I'm sorry you hate your life so much. No go back on your medication and try to remember that some people like memories of when it was better.

Carolyn B. | 9:52 a.m. March 9, 2009

I only visited Utah once, back in 1994. It was the first week of July, after the holiday, and I saw "Forest Gump" at a theatre in downtown Provo, near University Ave.

But that was Provo, not SLC...

Egyptian Theater Fan | 10:08 a.m. March 9, 2009

Although your story centered on SL area theaters, do not forget the Peery's Egyptian Theater in Downtown Ogden. The theater is one of only a handfull of restored theaters in the country and one of only two that still have the atmospheric ceilings that turns from dusk to night with twinkling stars. The theater now hosts the farthest north venue for the Sundance Film Festival and currently shows te Peery's Independent Cinema Series the first Monday of every month. Recently they screened the movie MILK with Sean Penn. We sent Chris Buttars a free ticket, but did not see him in the audience.

Frederick Hinckley | 10:10 a.m. March 9, 2009

I was told by a man who said he was there and witnessed it that the Marx Brothers madly funny "A Night at the Opera" was filmed backstage at the old Utah Theater on Main Street.

r.c. | 10:27 a.m. March 9, 2009

I will always remember going to the plaza theater in Kearns back in the late 60's early 70's and for the cost of 1 ticket you could go ape for the day and watch all of the planet of the ape movies

Randall | 11:02 a.m. March 9, 2009

The Kamas Flick.
A SLC 60's & 70's High School Classic.

Mary | 11:30 a.m. March 9, 2009

Does anyone remember OAK HILLS drive-In? I saw 101 dalmatians there when I was 8 years old. It was a beautiful place to go that overlooked the entire SL valley, underneath the stars.

cuncabo | 11:36 a.m. March 9, 2009

Maybe I saw you there r.c. I went ape there many times! 50 cents to get in and a bubble up and hot dog for 25 cents a great deal back then.

Mr. Bond | 11:45 a.m. March 9, 2009

My best movie memories are watching Star Wars and the Empire Strikes Back at the Center Theater and Raiders of the Lost Ark and the Temple of Doom at the Villa Theater. I really miss those places.

John in OKC | 11:57 a.m. March 9, 2009

I fondly remember seeing the openings of STAR WARS and THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK and the Indiana Jones movies at the CENTRE. Even my dad who was not a movie "Fan" stood in line to see those at the CENTRE. I remember that Raiders of the Lost Ark played at The Villa for over a year and they had an anniversary party for it. My siter while getting her degree ath the U met with the Villa's longtime projectionist and wrote a paper on him. I believe his name was John. He was a wonderful guy. They certainly do bring back fond memories.

Mabel | 12:35 p.m. March 9, 2009

Yeah, I remember the first "Star Wars" movie at the Center theater. Everyone though back then that I looked like Princess Leah...hee hee hee! Those were the days!

cuncabo | 12:47 p.m. March 9, 2009

I rember Young Frankinstien running for over a year at the Valley Fair Mall. Must of seen it 22 times

BS | 8:37 p.m. March 9, 2009

I'm surprised no one has mentioned the Utah on Main Street. I remember sitting in the balcony as a 10-year-old watching the red velvet curtains go up to see The Sound of Music, which played at the Utah for over a year. I'd take sitting in that beautiful theater any day instead squishing my fat old body and gray hair into the mini-seats of the multiplex. The Villa, the Centre and the drive-ins all have good memories for me, too.

Jan | 8:38 p.m. March 9, 2009

The poster "The Watcher" mentioned The Cinegrill. My mouth just started to water. What a great place to eat! I loved this article...such nice memories! The photo on the web site was beautiful. Thanks Deseret News!

Great theatres. | 9:12 p.m. March 9, 2009

Don't forget the Ute drive-in on south state. The theatre I hated to see go was the Centre Theatre. It always had the best movies and was a Classic Theatre. I may be a little bias because I worked there as a usher in the early 60's. I can still remember helping tear out many rows of seats in the theatre when the wide screen was installed in about 1960. I also remember changing many marques. One marque I helped put was up for over a year. Those were great times back then. Thank heaven for memories.

Betsy | 10:50 p.m. March 9, 2009

I remember going to the Valley Vu Drive Inn it was much more intimate and had a more cozy feel for a drive inn.. The Redwood Drive Inn.. I remember the Villa.. I was so sad to see it go.. I remember the original Century theater.. It seems to me there used to be an old theater in Murray I believe it was called
The Avalon ?? Not sure there I'm dating myself with that comment as I was pretty young.. I also remember Mann theaters.. The pre-cursor to the Megaplexes of today..

60s Baby | 11:06 p.m. March 9, 2009

I remember going to see Animal House at the Center Theater on State Street and 3rd So. It was Rated "R" and I was only about 13-years old at the time. We kind of had to sneak in.

Utah 1 & 2 Theatres | 11:15 p.m. March 9, 2009

Worked there in the early 80's- It was a grand theatre!
It played B movies and attracted fun people- (sadly it was empty most of the time.
Behind the screen of Utah 1- there were dressing rooms with old furniture, newspapers, movie posters, and underground tunnels that lead you to neighboring businesses- was fun exploring over the years. The theatre also had an old pay-fortune telling-weight machine- it was clogged full of change. Back then astroids ruled, we worked for $3.35 an hour- and times felt like today- recessionary.

Conrad | 11:58 p.m. March 9, 2009

I remember seeing PSYCO as a kid down town. I don't remember which theater it was, but I also saw 13 ghost with the paper red & blue glasses. It was so good too.

Dick of the NW | 12:12 a.m. March 10, 2009

Those theaters were a pleasure to visit. Remember at the Centre, the long walk from the ticket booth to the ticket taker. The beautiful lobby. It was so quiet. Hey SCERA! that was one great theater in Orem, Utah. In the 40's remember the small aquarium next to the snack bar. The SCERA had some seats that would seat two. Then in the 50's the Orem High students took it over and it was a mad house on weekends. It sounds like it is still a great place to see a good movie. However, due to costs, staying at home in the comfort of your home and watching a movie on your LCD may be a better. Ah the good ole days.

Ticket Girl | 12:55 a.m. March 10, 2009

How about the Romantic Motor Vu that was on 33rd South just below Wastach Blvd? The cars lined up for some popular movies all the way down to 23rd East. In the summer the theater would open at six and families would bring their children to play in the playground until dark. Movie admission was $.75 for adults and children under 12 were free. Hamburgers were $.25, hot dogs $.20, popcorn $.10, and a giant drink was $.35. So a family of six could have two hours of fun for the kids, a movie, and dinner for under $10.

How about | 11:16 p.m. March 14, 2009

the Regency near Foothill and 2100 South or the Woodland Hills Drive-In on 7th East near 3500 South?

Bonnie | 12:56 p.m. June 1, 2009

I'm really late in responding, but the Utah Theatre was special for my brother and me because of the Spelling Bees they held each Saturday morning. You could be a contestant for the price of 10 soda pop bottle caps. My brother won four bicycles by entering six times, and I entered once and was the winner. These were wonderful memories.

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19 photos

Deseret News Archive

Moviegoers await the start of the Salt Lake City premiere of "This Is Cinerama" at the Villa Theatre on July 21, 1961. Among those in attendance are Gov. Dewey Clyde, center, and his wife, Ora, wearing a white shawl. Deseret News Archives

Gallery (19 photos)