The Cinema Theater is a motion picture theater in Rochester, New York. Opened as a neighborhood motion picture theater in 1914, it is one of the oldest continuously operated motion picture theaters in the United States.[1] The theater is located at the corner of South Clinton Avenue and South Goodman Street in Rochester.
| Cinema Theater | |
|---|---|
 Cinema Theater in 2022 | |
 | |
| General information | |
| Architectural style | Art Deco |
| Address | 957 S Clinton Ave, Rochester, NY 14620 |
| Town or city | Rochester, NY |
| Country | United States |
| Opened | 1914 |
| Renovated | 1949 |
| Other information | |
| Parking | Parking lot, street parking |
| Website | |
| cinemarochester | |
History
editOriginally named "The Clinton", due to a circular arrangement of wooden benches with an open area in the middle, it was affectionately referred to as the "flea pit", a name which stuck for many years — and long after the original dirt floor was covered and the benches were replaced with seats.[1] In 1949 it was renamed the Cinema by its owners, Morris Slotknick and Philip Cohen, and four years later it was enlarged to extend a full city block, and its distinctive Art Deco facade installed.[2] The business was acquired by Jo Ann Morreale in 1985.[1]
In April 2006, The Cinema was about to close due to financial difficulties, but long-time patron and real-estate developer John Trickey stepped in and financially brought the cinema back. This was celebrated with a ceremony of "Relighting the Marque". Trickey formally took over as the sole owner of the theater in 2012. In 2018, the business was leased to a local couple while Trickey retains ownership of the building.[3]
Current status
editThe Cinema has one screen and films tend to rotate weekly. They show a mixture of mainstream and independent films. The schedule usually features an afternoon matinee on weekends and daily double features in the evening.[1] The theater is also known for having resident pet cats that moviegoers can socialize with.[3]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ a b c d "History of the Cinema Theater". Archived from the original on 2012-02-07. Retrieved 2012-02-18.
- ^ Rochester Times Union newspaper, September 12, 1953, article by Hamilton S. Allen
- ^ a b Lubitow, Adam. "Bonus features: Meet the Cinema Theater's new owners". City Newspaper.
External links
edit43°8′22″N 77°35′46″W / 43.13944°N 77.59611°W
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