The Laurier Palace Theatre Fire

Today we look at the tragic Laurier Palace Theatre fire, which claimed the lives of 78 Montreal children in January of 1927. Many local parents considered the Laurier Palace Theatre a firetrap. Situated between a cafe and a bar, there were no lateral exits; the only way out of the theatre was through exits on either side of the ticket wicket and two rear exits on both sides of the stage, which led out onto a lane at the rear of the building. Few parents were aware their children had lined up to see a movie that cold and sunny … Continue reading The Laurier Palace Theatre Fire

Canada’s Atmospheric Theatres – The Empress

This week we continue our recent examination of the historic Atmospheric theatres that once existed in this fair country. We now leave Toronto and look to la belle province to the east. by Eric Veillette While walking in the Notre-Dame-De-Grace area of Montreal on a particularly cold winter night in January of 2007, I looked up and noticed a massive structure spanning most of the block. Noting the intersections of Sherbrooke and Old Orchard, I realized this must be the Egyptian theatre a friend of mine had just mentioned. Despite the darkness, it was a marvelous sight. Overlooking Girouard Park … Continue reading Canada’s Atmospheric Theatres – The Empress