This photo was taken in March of 2008 when the place was known as the Roxy. It has since been purchased as is now known as the “The Blind Dog“. It’s hard to believe it today, but at one time this one one of Downtown’s major movie theatres.
This is how the building looked in 1977, shortly after it was “modernized”. The look that remains to this day. The Vanity was closed by Famous Players in 1987, and at the time of its closure was the largest movie house in Windsor with 695 seats. How’s that for a throw back? Multi purpose buildings. A movie theare in the rear with retail space in the front…
When it opened in 1937, it looked like the photo above. At that time the theatre held 966 seats, that total was reduced over the years to 695 with the closure of the balcony. The building was designed by Windsor architect A.H. McPhail.
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I remember going to see The Return of the Jedi at the Vanity...among other movies. Besides the Vanity, the farthest back I can remember as far as names go is Bernie's. What else was there in between?
Imagine that, retail even! Last movie I can remember seeing there was Rocky IV. Now, just another bar...sigh.
I wish we still had buildings with original "retro" looking signs like that...we're always thinking we have to change the old and make it look new, such a disgrace.
Also congrats on being mentioned in Anne Jarvis' article in the paper today.
I wonder what happened to the ones in other cities since it seems like movie houses all closed down in the city, except for the new mega-screen giants. I remember how downtown was the place to be for movies when I was younger. The Odeon, Palace and Vanity. People would line up down the street when big movies would be opening. Often going out to dinner after, or catching an afternoon matinee. I really wish this city would create some sort of bylaw against all these bars opening up.
Does anyone remember the theater on Ottawa street?
Was the theater on Ottawa called the Park Theater? I remember going there in the late fifties.
The Park was (I believe) on Ottawa where the parking lot is beside the CIBC bank. There was another smaller theatre also on Ottawa St. called the Kent. It was across the street from Canada Salvage, and I think it was last in use as a Karate School.
I remember my last movie there was Rocky IV as well.
Does any one remember the small theatre on Sandwich St.? The building is still there and most recently was used as a re-sale store (but closed 3-4 years ago).
There was also a Park Theatre on Erie Street which I've sent you photos of before. Closed down in the 80s.
those dam VCR'S