As the sun sets over the Westwood Theater in Etobicoke, Ontario, the roof sign stands as a sentinel, keeping watch over the theater which has been closed since April 1998. It was built in 1951 as a large single screen cinema. In 1968 a second theater was added, and in 1980 the original theater was split in two making three screens. The Westwood was never an architectural masterpiece, but to many people growing up in the 1970's and 1980's it held great memories. It was not the most popular theater in town, nor one that had the best location or in the best condition. Sandwiched between the TTC subway tracks, Kipling Avenue, and a complex crossover of Bloor St West and Dundas Street West, you had to negotiate a few circles and then shoot across an off ramp to get into the parking lot. That was part of the fun of going to the Westwood. In the later years, the Westwood attendance really dropped off, and they responded with lower prices, so the people that still went got to see first run movies for a lower price. The last time I went to the Westwood, the theater really showed the wear and tear and the fact that money was not being invested to keep it maintained. It was sad to see this theater close. I remember many a Friday or Saturday night looking through the movie listings and having seen most of the movies at the other theaters, deciding - "Let's go to the Westwood." That was the Westwood. Never glamorous, but always there like a comfortable pair of old shoes. The Westwood roof sign "D" was damaged during the filming of Resident Evil 2, but even an apocalyptic movie like that could not do more than take a small bite out of the spirit of the Westwood. It still stands today, almost nine years after closing, its future unknown, but surely eventually destined to disappear into our memories. A stubborn old girl though - the sign on the window advising people that the theater is closed (put up in 1998) directs people to the closest Famous Players Theater - Skyway 6  - which closed the next year - 1999, after only being open for 19 years.

(Photos taken November 4th 2006)

The Music Hall or Danforth Music Hall is appropriately on Danforth Avenue in Toronto which is locally known as "The Danforth". This is the Greek area of Toronto, and not far from here you might recognize some places seen in "My Big Fat Greek Wedding". Originally opened in 1919 as the Allen, and later as the Century, it closed in 2004 but was recently re-opened (2006) as a venue for live performances which is more in line with the name Music Hall. A great location and a nice building in pretty good shape. I love the semi-circular marquee. It is nice to see an old theater still being maintained and run. There are fewer and fewer left.

(Photo taken November 4th 2006)

The Roxy Theatre is also on the Danforth, not far from The Music Hall. Unfortunately the Roxy is now closed and starting to show signs of wear. Although not far from The Music Hall, the neighborhood is not as busy or economically viable, so prospects for the Roxy may not be good. The Roxy was opened in 1940 and I remember in the 1980's it ran The Rocky Horror Picture Show exclusively. Architecturally the Roxy is worth saving, but it is one of many theaters in the Toronto area that have succumbed to Home Theater and Multiplexes. Most have been either demolished or gutted and converted for other use. The Roxy is currently for rent or sale.

(Photos taken November 4th 2006)

The Donlands Theater is also now closed and for rent. It is a real monstrosity from the outside, but as you can see the interior lobby is pristine with an Eastern motif, which is the original decor.

This cinema was built in the mid 1940's. It is a definite candidate for restoration, but sadly could just as easily be taken over for other uses. Most recently it housed a recording studio and other offices. It is not clear if the recording studio is still using the property or if the rental is for just part of the building.

I am not sure how the original exterior looked. It would be interesting to see how the massive front was decorated.

(Photos taken November 4th 2006)

The University Theater on Bloor Street just west of Yonge Street in Toronto was probably the Theater in Toronto that got the most premieres in its prime. I attended the World Premiere of Apocalypse Now there in 1979. They were one of the first theaters to install 70mm & Dolby THX Surround sound and I still remember jumping out of my seat at the roar of the tiger behind me during Apocalypse Now. The premiere had no credits - they handed out a booklet with all the credits which I still have. Built in 1949 and closed in 1986, I remember standing in line on the sidewalk at the University. It is now a retail store - The Pottery Barn, and the entire theater was demolished except for the awesome curving front facade which was saved. A unique and technologically superb theater that will be missed.

(Photos taken November 4th 2006)