Tacoma's grand opera house, the Tacoma Theater was built at 902 Broadway in 1889. It was converted into a motion picture theater in 1927 and renamed the Broadway Theater (or Theatre, as on its marquee). Workmen are seen preparing the new marquee in January of 1927. Over 20,000 people attended the grand opening on Feb. 4, 1927. Renamed the Music Box Theater in 1933, the building was destroyed in a spectacular fire on April 30, 1963.

Organist, Miss Esther Stayner sitting at the organ of the Broadway Theater. BU-11246

This photograph of the front entrance of the Rialto Theatre, showing the marquee and a North Coast Limited sign, was taken for the Northern Pacific Railroad in April of 1931. There was a special double bill playing at the Rialto beginning on April 12th. Along with the feature "Dishonored," starring Marlene Dietrich and Victor McLaglen, they were showing a special feature titled "No.1." The first transcontinental trip to be filmed in sound, "No.1" took viewers from Chicago to Tacoma, with scenes of the Rockies and Cascades. Produced by the Northern Pacific, the film contained some splendid advertising for Tacoma. According to the NP ticket agent, it was scheduled to play in every major city in the United States. Bowen # 310-163

The RKO Orpheum Theater, 901 Broadway, was decorated with bunting and banners on August 3, 1931, when Frank Capra's newest movie "Dirigible" starring Jack Holt and Fay Wray opened in Tacoma. But the decorations were not for the movie. They were to welcome the U.S. Navy. July 31 to August 7,1931, was "Fleet Week" in Tacoma. Four battleships, two destroyers, and a hospital ship were at anchor in Commencement Bay. (TDL July 31, 1931 p.1) Bowen # 310-274

In July of 1931, the marquee at the RKO Orpheum Theater (now the Pantages) shown brightly in the night advertising Larry Rich & his Oompahs. The Orpheum offered the discriminating viewer both a movie, Richard Dix in the "Public Defender," and a vaudeville style stage show. Band Leader Larry Rich toured the RKO circuit with his own show; he served as master of ceremonies and his band, the Oompahs, backed up the other performers. One of the featured singers was Marion Sunshine. She impersonated popular singers of the day and then sang her own songs, including "The Peanut Vendor," for which she wrote the English lyrics. In addition to creating as a composer and lyricist, Marion Sunshine acted in movies and performed as half of the sister act "Tempest and Sunshine" during her theatrical career. Bowen # 310-26?

In July of 1931, the Veterans of Foreign Wars drum & bugle corps posed in front of the RKO Orpheum Theater (now the Pantages,) 901 Broadway. Behind the group was a sign stating "March with the Veterans of Foreign Wars to the RKO Orpheum to see RKO Vaudeville Larry Rich and Marion Sunshine." A ticket at the Orpheum got you into to see a movie, Richard Dix in the "Public Defender," and a vaudeville show, with headliner Larry Rich and his Oompahs. Larry Rich was a comic bandleader who toured the vaudeville circuit with his own show, featuring his band the 14 Oompahs and singer Marion Sunshine. Ms. Sunshine would impersonate Maurice Chevalier and Ruth Etting and then sing her own songs, including the one for which she penned the English lyrics, "The Peanut Vendor." Larry Rich was the father of jazz drummer and bandleader Buddy Rich. A crowd had gathered between the VFW and the theater. Bowen #310-26 ?

Hundreds of children lined up outside the Rialto Theater to see Bette Davis and Douglas Fairbanks in "Parachute Jumper" and Will Rogers and Marian Nixon in "Dr. Bull." They were waiting for admission into the free Tacoma Times-Rialto Theater double feature, part of a party sponsored by the pair for Tacoma's youngsters. The year 1934 also saw the beginning of the film industry enforcing the Hays Production Code, in an effort to eliminate sex and violence from the movies. Under these guidelines, Hollywood began to turn out more family fare. TPL-161; BU-11239 (T. Times 5/21/1934, pg. 12)

ca. 1931. RKO Orpheum Theater, 901 Broadway. Six ushers posed in front of the movie palace dressed as jockeys. Banners on their chests say "Starting Monday, Sweepstakes." "Sweepstakes" was a 1931 RKO Pathe racetrack movie about a jockey and his horse, starring Eddie Quillan, James Gleason, Marion Nixon and Lew Cody. The playbill advertisement in the background refers to the Burns & Allen comedy act "Dizzy."

ca. 1932. View of the Roxy Theatre, ca. 1932. "The Thirteenth Guest " was the feature film showing at the Roxy at the time of this photograph. The film was released in 1932 and starred Ginger Rogers and Lyle Talbot. Movie marquee advertised that there was "Always a better show at your Roxy." Apparently cost of a ticket was 20 cents after 5 p.m. The former RKO Orpheum theater reopened as the Roxy in 1932; it is now known as the Pantages.

July 12, 1974 was the grand reopening of the Roxy Theatre located at 901 Broadway. A family film, Disney's "Herbie Rides Again," was the first-run feature in the newly remodeled and refurbished motion picture theater. The Roxy had been closed since May of 1973. It was one of the five theaters owned by Will Conner recently sold to the Mullendore family of Auburn. In 1975 the Tacoma Community Development Department began to explore the idea of taking over the building to create a showcase for the performing arts. The City purchased the building in 1979 and it, once again known as the Pantages, opened as a performing arts center in February of 1983. Also in this photograph is the Winthrop Hotel, across the street from the Roxy. The Deli, a new restaurant located on the site's ground floor, was scheduled to open in July of 1974. Photograph ordered by the North Pacific Trade Center, Inc. BU -11178 (TNT 7-9-74, A-5 article on reopening; Kipp: Tacoma Rediviva, p. 74-article )

Roxy Theatre (Tacoma); Motion picture theaters--Tacoma--1970-1980; Hotel Winthrop (Tacoma);

July 12, 1974 was the grand reopening of the Roxy Theatre located at 901 Broadway. A family film, Disney's "Herbie Rides Again," was the first-run feature in the newly remodeled and refurbished motion picture theater. The Roxy had been closed since May of 1973. It was one of the five theaters owned by Will Conner recently sold to the Mullendore family of Auburn. In 1975 the Tacoma Community Development Department began to explore the idea of taking over the building to create a showcase for the performing arts. The City purchased the building in 1979 and it, once again known as the Pantages, opened as a performing arts center in February of 1983. Also in this photograph is the Winthrop Hotel, across the street from the Roxy. The Deli, a new restaurant located on the site's ground floor, was scheduled to open in July of 1974. Color photograph ordered by the North Pacific Trade Center, Inc. BU -11178 (TNT 7-9-74, A-5 article on reopening; Kipp: Tacoma Rediviva, p. 74-article )

Roxy Theatre (Tacoma); Motion picture theaters--Tacoma--1970-1980; Hotel Winthrop (Tacoma);

Night exposure of new Tacoma Mall Theater; large back-lit signs on brick and glass exterior. All is ready for the grand opening of the $1 million dollar Tacoma Mall Theater in May, 1968. The theater would open for business in one week with Hollywood stars in attendance. "First Night" tickets were still available at the time of this May 9th photograph; however, they were sold out by the 11th. Management added an extra late-evening viewing of "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner," but no stars would be present for the 11:30 p.m. show. The Tacoma Mall Theater was the latest addition to the Tacoma Mall Shopping Center. It offered ample free parking, luxurious lobby and a giant Cinerama screen. (TNT 4-18-68, B-15, TNT 5-8-68, D-13, TNT 5-14-68, insert) TPL-6520

Tacoma Mall Theater (Tacoma); Theaters--Tacoma--1960-1970; Motion picture theaters--Tacoma--1960-1970; Facades--Tacoma--1960-1970; Signs (Notices);

Miss Tacoma. Miss Tacoma, Cleta Jo Johnson, gets a early first-hand look at the new Tacoma Mall Theater prior to its grand opening on May 16, 1968. Miss Johnson would be among the luminaries present on the "First Night" of its movie existence. She is shown examining the comfortable body-conformed armchairs which were spaced 40 inches back-to-back. This allowed for plenty of leg room and easy maneuvering through the rows. The theater was originally built for a 1200-seat capacity. (TNT 5-8-68, D-13, TNT 5-14-68, insert)

Tacoma Mall Theater (Tacoma); Theaters--Tacoma--1960-1970; Motion picture theaters--Tacoma--1960-1970; Johnson, Cleta Jo; Beauty contestants--Tacoma--1960-1970;

V.I.P. night at the Tacoma Mall Theater. L.H. Sutton, managing director of the Tacoma Mall Theater, poses with an unidentified woman on May 14, 1968, V.I.P. night at the Tacoma Mall Theater. Mr. Sutton had recently been appointed to his position. His guest is wearing a fur wrap over a sequinned dress. On one wrist is an orchid corsage. Photograph ordered by Tacoma Mall Theater.

Tacoma Mall Theater (Tacoma); Theaters--Tacoma--1960-1970; Motion picture theaters--Tacoma--1960-1970; Sutton, L.H.; Women--Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1960-1970;

Interior - Tacoma Mall Theater. This is the view one would get looking from the giant screen to the back of the theater. The seats are empty because it is three days before the Tacoma Mall Theater's grand opening. The 1200 seats were deep and upholstered with extra space between the rows. They were staggered so that all would have a good view of the wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling screen. Armrests were made of upholstered foam rubber. Photograph ordered by the Tacoma Mall Theater. TPL-6521 (TNT 4-18-68, B-15, TNT 5-8-68, D-13, TNT 5-14-68, insert)

Tacoma Mall Theater (Tacoma); Theaters--Tacoma--1960-1970; Motion picture theaters--Tacoma--1960-1970;

V.I.P. night at the Tacoma Mall Theater. Theater executives take a behind-the-scenes look at the new Tacoma Mall Theater on V.I.P. night, two nights before the grand opening of the latest addition to the Tacoma Mall Shopping Center. Michael R. Forman, second to the right, and William R. Forman, extreme right, are associated with Forman United Theaters, owners of the new theater. William Forman had Northwest connections: he attended the University of Washington and married a Seattle woman. He had been named the pioneer of the year by the motion picture industry. (TNT 5-14-68, insert)

Tacoma Mall Theater (Tacoma); Theaters--Tacoma--1960-1970; Motion picture theaters--Tacoma--1960-1970; Forman, Michael R.; Forman, William R.;

Miss Tacoma, Cleta Jo Johnson, listens intently as she is shown the workings of the projection room on a May 9, 1968, visit to the Tacoma Mall Theater, the latest addition to the Tacoma Mall Shopping Center. Projectionist Frank Carlson shows Miss Johnson the new projection machines. The theater used a Simplex 35-70 set to run 35 and 70 millimeter film. The Tacoma Mall Theater would officially open on May 16th with gala entertainment planned for the evening. (TNT 5-14-68, insert)

Tacoma Mall Theater (Tacoma); Theaters--Tacoma--1960-1970; Motion picture theaters--Tacoma--1960-1970; Johnson, Cleta Jo; Beauty contestants--Tacoma--1960-1970; Carlson, Frank; Motion picture devices;

Interior - Tacoma Mall Theater; view of 2000 yards of red draw curtains, stage and rows of empty upholstered seats. The Tacoma Mall, first indoor theater in the Forman-United Theater circuit of drive-ins in the Tacoma area, was just days away from its grand opening on May 16, 1968. Architect George T. Nowak utilized updated motion theater design in planning the new theater. The $1 million dollar theater was advertised as "Elegance in Entertainment" with staggered seating, body-contoured armchairs, custom made chandeliers, bronze-smoke Belgian glass mirrored walls and a giant screen extending wall-to-wall and floor to ceiling. It had a seating capacity of 1200. The building was divided into two sections in 1974 and renamed the Tacoma Mall Twins. Ultimately, it would close in July of 2002; the building was razed and a Krispy Kreme store opened on the site. Photograph ordered by the Tacoma Mall Theater. (TNT 4-18-68, B-15, TNT 5-8-68, D-13)

Tacoma Mall Theater (Tacoma); Theaters--Tacoma--1960-1970; Motion picture theaters--Tacoma--1960-1970; Theater curtains;

On May 14, 1968 the new Tacoma Mall Theater held a special V.I.P. night two days before its official grand opening on the 16th. Selected officials and guests were invited to see the spacious new movie theater, which cost over $1 million to build and could seat 1,200, before it opened to the general public. The four crystal chandeliers in the lobby were imported from Belgium, and its giant screen was capable of accommodating "Cinerama" films. The Mall Theater closed in July of 2002 and it was demolished before the end of the year. (Publicity photograph ordered by the Tacoma Mall to be mailed to Pacific Theaters in Los Angeles.)

Tacoma Mall Theater (Tacoma); Theaters--Tacoma--1960-1970; Motion picture theaters--Tacoma--1960-1970; Chandeliers; Lobbies--Tacoma--1960-1970;

Lobby in Tacoma Mall Theater. A beautiful display of elegance greeted patrons of the new Tacoma Mall Theater in May, 1968. Four $6000 imported, custom-made crystal chandeliers hang from the lobby's lofty ceiling. Each chandelier contains 3,250 clear crystal pendants. Small recessed ceiling and wall lights present an illusion of stars. The plush red carpet and corresponding red curved snack bar wall provide a colorful contrast to the dark walnut vinyl paneling. The snack bar, at 72 feet, was the West Coast's longest. The Tacoma Mall Theater was the first major theater development in 40 years in this area. 34 years later, in July of 2002, it would shut its doors for good. (TNT 5-8-68, D-13, TNT 5-14-68 insert)

Tacoma Mall Theater (Tacoma); Theaters--Tacoma--1960-1970; Motion picture theaters--Tacoma--1960-1970; Chandeliers; Snack bars--Tacoma; Lobbies--Tacoma--1960-1970;

V.I.P. night at the Tacoma Mall Theater. Zack S. Beiser of United Theatres in conversation with a woman tenatively identified as Miss Tacoma, Cleta Jo Johnson, at V.I.P. night at the Tacoma Mall Theater on May 14, 1968. Those attending the private party were able to view the theater before its grand opening on May 16th. Forman-United Theatres were the builders of the $1 million dollar theater, the first major theater development in the area in 40 years. Publicity photograph ordered by Tacoma Mall Theater for Pacific Theaters, Los Angeles.

Tacoma Mall Theater (Tacoma); Theaters--Tacoma--1960-1970; Motion picture theaters--Tacoma--1960-1970; Beiser, Zack S.;

Women's restroom in Tacoma Mall Theater. Even the restrooms at the new Tacoma Mall Theater carried on the theme of elegance with chandeliers, patterned wallpaper and fine floor coverings. Bright lighting and good ventilation were integral parts of the large, sparkling ladies room. Photograph ordered by Tacoma Mall Theater.

Tacoma Mall Theater (Tacoma); Theaters--Tacoma--1960-1970; Motion picture theaters--Tacoma--1960-1970; Rest rooms;

Daylight view of the Tacoma Mall Theatre. Customers at the Tacoma Mall Theatre had the pleasure of a fine double bill with "Rachel, Rachel" and "Wait Until Dark," starting at the end of October, 1968, and running for four weeks. Joanne Woodward starred in "Rachel, Rachel" while Audrey Hepburn portrayed a recently blinded woman menaced by thugs in "Wait Until Dark." Woodward's film was directed by her husband, Paul Newman, and was nominated for an Academy Award. At the time of this October, 1968, photograph, the theater had been open only five months. Photograph ordered by the Pacific Drive-In Theatre, Los Angeles.

Tacoma Mall Theater (Tacoma); Theaters--Tacoma--1960-1970; Motion picture theaters--Tacoma--1960-1970; Signs (Notices);

Night view of Tacoma Mall Theatre. Conveniently located in the heavily trafficked Tacoma Mall Shopping Center and blessed with large free parking lots, the Tacoma Mall Theatre was able to show many first-run films such as "Rachel, Rachel" advertised above in late October of 1968. In addition, movie goers were able to watch the suspenseful "Wait Until Dark" starring Audrey Hepburn. The Tacoma Mall Theatre, with its elegant lobby featuring four expensive custom-made crystal chandeliers and 72-foot snack bar, had opened in May of that year. It would remain open, after modification to a twin-theater, until 2002 when it was demolished. Photograph ordered by Pacific Drive-In Theatre, Los Angeles. TPL-6526

Tacoma Mall Theater (Tacoma); Theaters--Tacoma--1960-1970; Motion picture theaters--Tacoma--1960-1970; Signs (Notices);

Actor John Forsythe on stage during opening night at the Southcenter Theatre, April 1, 1970. The theater, with one of the nation's last mammoth screens, has since been demolished. Mr. Forsythe had made a special appearance at the Tukwila theater to promote his new film, "Topaz." ALBUM 7.

Forsythe, John; Actors; Motion picture theaters--Tukwila; Southcenter Theatre (Tukwila);

Actor John Forsythe on stage during opening night at the Southcenter Theatre, April 1, 1970. His film, "Topaz," was the first film shown at the theater. It was directed by Alfred Hitchcock and also starred Philippe Noiret and Michel Piccoli. Based on the complex Leon Uris spy novel, Mr. Forsythe played a CIA agent who uncovers Soviet plans to place missiles in Cuba. Mr. Forsythe was perhaps better known in later years as a television star, appearing in "Bachelor Father," the unseen Charlie in "Charlie's Angels," and as oil tycoon Blake Carrington in "Dynasty." ALBUM 7.

Forsythe, John; Actors; Motion picture theaters--Tukwila; Southcenter Theatre (Tukwila);

Actor John Forsythe shakes hands with a young woman during grand opening night at the Southcenter Theatre, April 1, 1970. Mr. Forsythe was present to greet his fans and address the audience from the stage. His film, "Topaz," was the first film shown at the new theater. It was directed by Alfred Hitchcock and based on the Leon Uris spy novel. ALBUM 7.

Forsythe, John; Actors; Motion picture theaters--Tukwila; Southcenter Theatre (Tukwila); Shaking hands--Tukwila;

Actor John Forsythe in conversation with an unidentified man during opening night at the Southcenter Theatre, April 1, 1970. Mr. Forsythe's film, "Topaz," was being shown that evening and he was present to greet his fans. Mr. Forsythe has had a long career on Broadway, in motion pictures and on television. He has starred in television's "Bachelor Father," "World of Survival," and "Dynasty." ALBUM 7.

Forsythe, John; Actors; Motion picture theaters--Tukwila; Southcenter Theatre (Tukwila);

Actor John Forsythe escorts a young woman during opening night at the Southcenter Theatre, April 1, 1970. The young lady and the young man accompanying her are dressed in prom fashion; she has a large corsage, elbow-length gloves and evening gown. Mr. Forsythe was in town to greet his fans at the showing of "Topaz," where he appeared as a CIA agent. TPL-6527 ALBUM 7.

Forsythe, John; Actors; Motion picture theaters--Tukwila; Southcenter Theatre (Tukwila); Clothing & dress--Tukwila--1970-1980;

Actor John Forsythe on stage during opening night at the Southcenter Theatre, April 1, 1970. Hands in pocket, Mr. Forsythe addresses the crowd attending "Topaz," an Alfred Hitchcock-directed spy film which also starred Philippe Noiret and Michel Piccoli. He eventually became best known for his work in television on "Bachelor Father" and the unseen, uncredited Charlie on "Charlie's Angels." ALBUM 7.

Forsythe, John; Actors; Motion picture theaters--Tukwila; Southcenter Theatre (Tukwila);