Friday, June 3 to Thursday, June 9
Provided by Landmark Theaters (Cover photo and photo above by Bruce Cochran during the Theatre’s 2012 renovation)
On June 3, 1916, the 1500-seat Lagoon Theater opened at 2900 Hennepin Avenue South in Minneapolis. It was re-christened the “Uptown Theatre” at the advent of talking pictures in 1929. Following a fire in 1938, it was extensively renovated and opened on November 16th, 1939 with a showing of George Cukor’s The Women.
(Photo courtesy of Landmark Theaters)
While the programming on the Uptown’s big-screen has been ever-changing, constant have been the Uptown’s 60 foot tower, Kasota stone façade and inside murals. An extensive 2012 interior renovation showcased a modern design that included a full bar, all-new seats, and 4K digital projection.
In celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Uptown Theatre, Landmark is offering a week long retrospective featuring 10 classic films that have played at the Uptown over the years. The event kicks off on Friday, June 3 with a 7 pm cocktail hour followed by an 8 pm show of The Women. $9 admission includes the film and party, including a wine tasting courtesy of E&J Gallo Winery and vintage trailers on screen before the show. Attendees are requested to dress in their best 20’s and 30’s fashion. Door prizes and giveaways from local businesses will be featured throughout the week.
Other films included in this celebration are King Kong, The Wizard Of Oz, Citizen Kane, Seven Samurai, The Cabinet Of Dr.caligari, Cinema Paradiso, The Godfather, Rebel Without A Cause and Once Upon A Time In The West.
Uptown Theatre timeline
June 3, 1916 – Lagoon Theater opens. 1500 seats w/ orchestra pit & 40-foot stage.
(Photo courtesy of Landmark Theaters)
April 11, 1929 – Name change to Uptown Theatre coinciding w/ installation of sound equipment and opening of The Dummy.
April 1939 – Fire breaks out in ventilation system during a screening ofTrade Winds.
April 16, 39 – Uptown Theatre re-opens with a screening of The Women.Redesign by Liebenberg & Kaplan includes a streamline moderne design, murals designed by Gustav Krollmann, 900 seats, and a 60- foot tower.
1974 – Uptown closes its doors. Amarcord is the final movie played.
1976 – Landmark buys property, re-opens the theater, and screens classic double features.
May 19, 1978 – Rocky Horror Picture Show begins to play.
1984 – Lobby remodel that includes a circular box office/concession stand design.
November, 1985 – Repertoire changes to feature foreign and independent cinema beginning with The Coca-Cola Kid.
The interior of the Uptown Theatre being gutted prior to the 2012 renovation (Photo by Bruce Cochran)
1986 – Protesters of Jean-Luc Godard’s Hail Mary break into the Uptown, steal the film print, and damage both projectors. The theft only causes the cancellation of three shows.
1990 – Uptown deemed a local heritage site & undergoes small renovations.
January 31, 2012 – The Uptown closes its doors for renovations. Pariah is the final movie played.
September 14, 2012 – The Uptown reopens with Sleepwalk with Me. Renovation includes 350 new seats, a full bar, and digital projection.
More information
A full schedule is available at landmarktheatres.com.
The Women trailer is available at youtube.com.
More information is available at uptowntheatre.blogspot.com.
See related: All Film News on MinnyApple.com
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