Cinerama was one of the widescreen technologies that popped up during the early 1950s but really took off in the late 50s-early 60s. The process was quite complex, it projected images simultaneously from three synchronized 35mm projectors onto a huge, deeply curved screen. While some existing movie theaters were modified to run Cinerama movies, there were also stand alone ones, that were also a great example of Mid-Century Modern architecture. Sadly most of them are gone now. That's why I'm starting a series dedicated to those great structures.
I am starting with three almost identical structures built by the Cooper Foundation, bearing the signature of architect Richard L. Crowther of Denver.
1. St. Louis Park’s Cooper Theater opened on August 8, 1962, at 5755 Wayzata Blvd. The first film to run here was “The Wonderful World of the Brothers Grimm.” It was demolished in september 1992 to make room for an Olive Garden.
2. Denver’s Cooper Theater - opened on March 9, 1961. Demolished in 1994, a Barnes&Noble was put in place.
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3. Indian Hills Theater, from Omaha, that was replaced by a parking lot in 2001. When it opened in December 1962, the theater's screen was the largest of its type in the United States.
Those theaters were focused on offering a premium experience. The entrance was reservation only, made in advance via a phonecall. There were doormen at the entrace that would let you in, the reserved seat tickets would be picked up at the box office and the beautiful and elegant dressed usherettes would walk the patron into the auditorium. The girls would wear a black dress with pearls uniform, but on special screenings their outfits would match the time frame of which the movie was set in. Snacks and refreshments were available only at designated lounges inside and were not allowed in the seats. The speakers in the lobby and lounges were playing the film musical score.
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