Boston’s Downtown Movie Palaces

“This book is a ticket, a ticket through time to visit these places in their heyday. It is easier than ever to access film today. But entrée to most of these theaters is impossible. This book offers such access.”

Since the late 1800’s Boston has been a trendsetter in the development of the movie business. It was here that many of the earliest public showings of moving images took place the name nickelodeon first appeared on a storefront theater.

In 1896, Boston vaudeville mogul  B.F. Keith added film to his Washington Street theater, then throughout his national chain  of vaudeville houses. In 1914, Boston’s Modern became the country’s first theater with an installed sound projection system. A magnet for theatre architects,  Boston became a center for elegant movie houses. Thanks to civic leaders and academic institutions, many of Boston’s palaces have been preserved and restored and are alive and well today.

Through compelling images and fascinating stories, Art and photographer Ron Goodman take the reader back through 12 decades of Boston movie going, bringing back memories of silent films, double features, newsreels, work premieres, kiddie shows, and the luxury and sheer enjoyment of “going out to the movies.”

What People Are Saying

“A glorious age, when lavish movie palaces were as big an attraction as the films they showed, comes to life in the pages of this fascinating book.”

Dick Flavin, Playwright, TV Commentator, and Speaker

“A marvelous telescope on Boston’s history as a movie mecca! I loved the old photos illustrating this colorful and crucial first chapter in our movie-going past, and re-affirming Boston as a city always on the forefront of culture and technology.”

 Joyce Kulhawik, Arts & Entertainment Critic (JoycesChoices.com)

“Movie Hub: When Boston was home to many lavish theaters” (Boston.com, 1/8/2012 – requires account)

“Newton person of the week: Art Singer, author of ‘Boston’s Downtown Movie Palaces'” (Wicked Local Newton, 12/29/2011)