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1906-1915 Theater Mapping

By Jake M. Chanin

"Arcadia Theater Opens" Philadelphia inquirer [microform]. April 25, 1915.

Review of opening night at a new theater. Arcadia Theater is noted for being “pretty and comfortable.” It was described as a well planned theater part of the shift towards more elaborate exhibition spaces such as picture palaces. The decorum was French renaissance with marble and an expensive organ; the theater even had an air conditioning system. The theaters policy is to only show “high-class photo plays, with frequent changes of subjects.” Arcadia seems to have been designed as a space for elite art. By Jake M. Chanin

"How the Theaters will Usher in the New Year" Philadelphia inquirer [microform]. Dec 27, 1914.

Article on the future of motion pictures in 1915. Integration of the theater space as an exhibition area for plays, burlesque shows, vaudeville, and photo plays. By Jake M. Chanin

"New Forrest Theater Opened Last Night" Philadelphia inquirer [microform]. Sept 3, 1907.

Review of new theater (playhouse) the Forrest Theater. This is a play house but it is still interesting because it is an example of the expansion in exhibition spaces and it marks the move towards more opulent spaces. The Forrest Theater is described as “magnificent” and “a gem.” By Jake M. Chanin

"The Exploits of Elaine: A Detective Novel and Motion Picture Drama" Philadelphia inquirer [microform]. Dec 27, 1914.

Weekly motion picture novel from Sunday December 27, 1914. Motion pictures penetrated newspapers. The Inquirer began running a weekly series. By Jake M. Chanin

"Last Nights Doings in the Theaters" Philadelphia inquirer [microform]. April 27, 1915.

Article reviewing theater plays and films. Mention of Juggernaut playing at the Arcadia Theater, which was “brilliantly added to the list of picture theaters.” Juggernaut was not worthy for its “thrilling scenes” especially the “crashing through a trestle of an entire railroad train.” This crash was a “climax” and “in itself would makes the picture well worth seeing.” Review demonstrates the novelty of early cinema. By Jake M. Chanin

Ad for Arcadia Theater Opening Day. Philadelphia inquirer [microform]. April 24, 1915.

Ad for Arcadia Theater Opening Day, showing of Metro Picture’s The High Road staring Valli Valli. Admission 15¢ for matinee and 25¢ for evening shows. Also mentions Crosskey Theater (opened December 28, 1914) playing photoplays. By Jake M. Chanin

Ad for Arcadia Theater. Philadelphia inquirer [microform]. Jan 18, 1917.

Ad for Arcadia Theater (opened Apr. 24, 1915) for continuous “A. M. to 11.15 P. M.” showings of The Bride of Hate staring Frank Keenan and Margery Wilson. By Jake M. Chanin

Ad for Arcadia Theater. Philadelphia inquirer [microform]. May 16, 1915.

Ad for Arcadia Theater (showing Niobe starring Hazel Dawn) and others. By Jake M. Chanin

Ad for Metropolitan Opera House and Adelphi Theater. Philadelphia inquirer [microform]. Sept 6, 1914.

The period from 1906-1915 was a time of major growth for film. There were many new theaters constructed in Philadelphia during that time period. In addition, many old theater spaces for plays and musicals were adding short films to their billings

Metropolitan Opera House (Sunday Morning September 6, 1914): “A big holiday bill for every day of the week. We have picked some good programs, but this week’s list suggest a ‘Top Notcher.’ Aside from the liste features we have a few others each day that are in the surprise list. YES, ONE DIME, THAT’S ALL” The ad displays uses Mary Pickford’s name in capital letters to help promote the movie. It’s an early example of the importance of the star. One for the films Mr. Burglar MD was a reissue of At a Quarter of Two (1911).

Adelphi Theatre: Ad read “Showing Help Wanted!” playing of WWI to “recruit” Jack Latt’s comedy. By Jake M. Chanin

Philadelphia theaters : a pictorial architectural history / Irvin R. Glazer.

Glazer compiles historical photographs of Philadelphia Theaters. By Jake M. Chanin

Philadelphia theatres, A-Z : a comprehensive, descriptive record of 813 theatres constructed since 1724 / Irvin R. Glazer.

Philadelphia Theater Locations (Constructed 1906-1915). Lists Philadelphia theaters with descriptions and addresses. By Jake M. Chanin

Theater Advertisements. Philadelphia inquirer [microform]. Dec 27, 1914.

Advertisements for amusements including theater, motion pictures, vaudeville, and photoplay. Day before opening of Crosskey.

Motion picture from WW I being shown at Chestnut St. Theater. The film was taken by The Chicago Tribune and was described as “the most marvelous historical record ever made.” Film from the war was seen as providing a historical, indexical document.

Also the ads demonstrate the integration of movies into vaudeville shows, such as in the Palace Theater ad. The Palace advertised showings of Paramount Pictures. By Jake M. Chanin