THE PRINCESS THEATER OPENS
One day next week the new Princess moving picture house will be opened to the public. The playhouse is fast nearing completion. The date for the opening would probably be set by Manager Larson this week if it was certain that some of the equipment would appear when expected. As it has not shown up he does not feel safe in announcing the opening date for a certainty, but will make such announcement next week. The little theatre is showing up handsomer every day and will surprise those who see it for the first time when it is formally opened. A feature program will inaugurate the opening.
The Princess Opens Saturday.
Odebolt's palatial new home of the "movies" will be opened to the public Saturday with two performances. The formal opening of the playhouse will take place at a matinee beginning at 2:30, and in the evening at 7:30 the big night show will begin. This is an announcement that has been looked forward to with pleasurable anticipation for several months, or ever since ground was broken for the new building. It is so far ahead of anything yet attempted as an amusement venture here that the public has felt a keen interest in the enterprise and has awaited announcement of the opening with interest.
When
the doors of the playhouse are thrown open for the first time those who elect to
go as first nighters will be greeted with a distinct surprise, for it is
doubtful if many appreciate just how substantial and handsome a proposition the
new theatre really is. They will see a building of ornamental design, 25x100
feet in size. It is built of hollow clay tile and buff brick with Bedford stone
trimmings. The front is particularly artistic. The buff brick and ornate stone
are so arranged as to present a very pleasing effect. The lobby is finished in
pebble dash, has steel ceiling and trimmings in dark stained wood which are set
off to advantage by lights advantageously placed. It is after one has passed the
wide swinging doors that other surprises greet them. The main room is very
ornate. It has an artistic steel ceiling, with frescoed side walls, and a
stenciled border in empire design. The lighting effects are arranged to the best
advantage. Indirect fixtures are used. There are six of the indirect fixtures,
and they are supplemented by a cluster of direct lights at the center of the
ceiling. The woodwork is of dark stain color and is of ornamental design. The
building has a stage 15x24 feet in size and a full set of scenery has been
purchased for it.
The seating capacity is 300 and that number of opera chairs have been placed for the comfort of the patrons of the house. One feature that will insure sanitary conditions in the house is a thorough ventilating system. A large exhaust fan at the rear will be kept running constantly to draw out the dead air and six electric fans will keep the air in constant motion. A large size hot air furnace will heat the building. A complete electrical system has been installed. This will furnish current for the lights, for the electrical sign and the power that is needed. It is of sufficient capacity to more than do the work that will be demanded of it. A 6-A Powers machine rests in a fireproof booth and will produce one of the best pictures of any machine on the market. Throughout the entire building everything is the most modern and improved that could be bought. The entire investment represents an outlay of $10,000. A visit to the playhouse will prove the assertion that it is one of the most artistic in Iowa.
O. W. Larson is the promoter of the enterprise and will be its sole owner and manager. Many have thought he has been taking a long chance on an investment of that size, but he is a pusher and intends that the business shall be a success. As the moving picture craze is growing every day and seems to be very popular here it is morally certain that the business will prove a very profitable investment. Nothing but the best of licensed films will be produced and a good clean place of amusement will be conducted by Mr. Larson at all times.
John McFarland built the building, and A. E. Peterson is responsible for the interior decorations. His work on this job stamps him an artist of the highest order. The steel ceiling is one that will attract much attention. The color scheme and design were originated by Mr. Peterson and the effect to the eye is particularly pleasing.
Large crowds attended the opening of The Princess last Saturday and much appreciation of the handsome building and equipment was shown by the patrons of the place. To many the playhouse was a surprise as they had no idea how magnificent a place it was to be. Manager Larson expects to produce nothing but licensed films and will run a clean place where women and children will at all times be welcome, as well as those of the sterner sex. The program for each week will be published in THE CHRONCLE where it may be seen by those who are interested in the things which manager Larson will have to offer.
The Princess Theater as it looked in the 1952.
An Audie Murphy movie is playing.
(Transcribed by B. Ekse from microfilm)
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