Tag: canadian odeon

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The Odeon Humber returns

Eric Veillette

After a delayed start or two, it appears the former Odeon Humber is finally set to re-open today, courtesy of the same folks who revived the Kingsway a few years ago. The Humber, located at 2442 Bloor St. West at Jane, was twinned in 1975 and closed in 2003 while under the control of Cineplex Odeon. But over sixty years ago,  on January 27, 1949, the 1200 seat theatre  opened with a flourish. In the spirit of showmanship and general bonhommie, the Rank Organization and theatre manager Chris Holmes held a gala premiere of the J. Arthur Rank production Blanche … Continue reading The Odeon Humber returns

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Olsen & Johnson at the Odeon Carlton

Eric Veillette

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