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History
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With
much splendor, the 20th Century Theater opened on Aug
1, 1941. Owner Willis Vance selected the 20th
Century Fox Production “Blood and Sand” as the premiere.
This
grand opening marked many firsts for the 20th Century
Theater – first air conditioned theater in Cincinnati, one of
the first fire proof buildings, and first free valet parking.
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Designed
by Fred W. Stritzel in the Neoclassical Moderne or Art Moderne style,
20th Century reflected the fluidity of society in the
post Art Deco period. The original design was not only for
appearance but for improved and perfected acoustics, something little
considered in previous theatre designs.
Many
feature movies, with all the biggest stars, adorned the big screen
at the 20th Century until 1983 when the theater was closed.
A victim of the multi-plex theater that spelled the demise of the
neighborhood theater. |
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Left
to the elements, 9 years of neglect, vandalism, and water leaks
exacted a large toll on the once glorious theater. Over
the next 5 years, community members argued between demolishing or
restoring the historic theatre.
In
early 1990, an entrepreneur named Mike Belmont purchased the building
with the intent of changing the use to retail. The restoration was
massive and the building reopened in 1991 as Belmont’s Floor Company.
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This
lasted a full year before the business was moved to another location
in Oakley. At that
point the Cincinnati Church of Christ moved in and occupied the
space for approximately 4 years.
On
October 23, 1997, 20th Century Productions was born,
focusing on Special Concert Events and Private functions.
Please
come by and experience the beauty and history of The 20th Century
Theatre!
Contact
Us if you have any questions.
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