Why should we take Hitchcock seriously? Considering all of the books and documentaries about his work, the DVD and Bluray re-releases and remakes of his films, not to mention his direct influence on several generations of filmmakers, it seems like … Continue reading Robin Wood’s Hitchcock’s Films
Don Evans, of Meaford, On, wrote a great letter in response to a piece I wrote for the Toronto Star on the Victory Burlesque: “Re: Less sleaze, more tease, July 18 During the 1930s the south side of Queen St. between Bay and York St. had two burlesque houses: the Roxy and later, around 1936, the Casino theatre. The Roxy was converted into a regular Hollywood second run or older movie theatre before the Casino opened. I can recall seeing Burlesque stars such as Gypsy Rose Lee, Sally Rand, Rose La Rose with straight men like Rex Doyle and Robert Alda [father … Continue reading Toronto’s Burlesque Legacy
When adding photos to the Silent Toronto collection, I typically look for theatres and cinemas, but most importantly, neighbouring streetscapes showing some form of social activity. Where did neighbourhood cinema patrons dine, shop, and in this case, deposit their paycheques? So imagine my surprise when I found this gorgeous shot of the Eglinton Theatre‘s art deco neighbours. Probably taken in the late 1940s, early 1950s, we see the north side of Eglinton Ave., east of Castle Knock Rd. The giant structure on the right is indeed Kaplan and Sprachman‘s famed Eglinton, which closed in 2002 and now operates as a … Continue reading The Eglinton Theatre’s Elegant Neighbours
Since last week’s post showcased a burlesque act and a juvenile delinquent flick at the Casino Theatre, I thought I’d share this marquee-blazing shot of So Young So Bad at the Bloor Cinema, then the Midtown, in late 1950. Despite the alluring tagline, the film’s a bit of a doozy, but it does feature an early appearance by fiery Silent Toronto-fave Rita Moreno. When So Young So Bad opened, similar fare was shown across the street at the Bloor (now Lee’s Palace), which closed in 1957; you could catch the fancier stuff at the Alhambra (demolished), slightly east of Bathurst. … Continue reading So Young So Bad, Disappearing Doors at the Bloor
From the June 6, 1953 edition of the Toronto Telegram comes this tempting offer from the Casino Theatre at Queen & Bay: Latin-American chorus girls, the Marciano-Walcott fight and a Columbia cheapie about a school for sassy juvenile delinquents. If that wasn’t scintillating enough, your retinas would burn out to a newsreel of the recent coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. If you preferred the full royal experience, a visit to Yonge and Carlton was your best bet. That same day, the Odeon Toronto was showing A Queen is Crowned, “the only full-length Technicolor film of the coronation.” And hey, a … Continue reading Latin American Revue at the Casino
Classics From the Vault at the Fox Theatre is back for a fourth month and this time we’re bringing you a genuine Bogie double bill! Thursday, September 30, 7PM. THE BIG SLEEP (1946) Directed by Howard Hawks Screenplay by William Faulkner Starring Humphrey Bogart, Lauren Bacall 114 mins. Preceded by an assortment of cartoons, shorts and trailers. Stuff you’ve likely never seen! The second film in our Classics From The Vault lineup directed by Howard Hawks, The Big Sleep stars Humphrey Bogart as hard-nosed private investigator Philip Marlowe. Called on to the mansion of a wealthy client and tasked to … Continue reading Classics From The Vault presents The Big Sleep!
If this were sometime in the early ’70s, I’d be spending the witching hour on the Danforth, catching a bunch of Midnite Movies at the Music Hall, then known as the Titania. But hey, those days are long gone, so whataya gonna do for your midnight kicks? Thankfully, Midnight Madness at the Toronto International Film Festival is right around the corner. Learn a little more about this year’s selections at the official Midnight Madness Blog! Continue reading Midnight Madness Looms!
Jamie Bradburn, that bon vivant over at Torontoist, uncovers a swell gem in today’s Historicist column. In 1932, four years after a gaggle of Toronto kids got to dress up like their favourite Our Gang characters on the stage of the Loew’s Yonge St. theatre, the real Farina (and his sister Mango, says the ad) paid a visit to our fair city. Also, be sure to check out Jamie’s great blog, the Silent Toronto-approved JB’s Warehouse and Curio Emporium. Continue reading Farina in Toronto
Here’s a shot of the interior of the former Odeon Carlton, from September of 1948, featuring Vaudeville act Olsen & Johnson, some creepy clowns and a bunch of furries behind the Carlton’s fantastic mural. The comedy team and their perverted pals were in town performing on the grandstand at the CNE. A special benefit was held at the theatre, located near the corner of Yonge and Carlton. Days beforehand, on September 9, the mighty British cinema chain opened its finest Canadian movie house – dubbed “The Showplace of the Dominion” – with a premiere of Oliver Twist, starring Alec Guinness … Continue reading Olsen & Johnson at the Odeon Carlton
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