An advertisement for Stanley Theatre’s (located at 19^th and Market) showing of Island of Lost Souls that was circulated throughout Philadelphia as it was placed in the city’s premiere newspaper, the Philadelphia Inquirer. It also appears that the Stanley Theatre along with the Stanton Theatre were the major venues for horror films in Philadelphia during this time. By Conor Fitzpatrick

Example of a film review of Island of Lost Souls that was circulated throughout Philadelphia as it was placed in the city’s premiere newspaper, the Philadelphia Inquirer. It must be noted that this article is contained within the “What’s Playing in the Theaters This Week” section and the article is best described as a hybrid of a film review and an advertisement. With that said, the title of the article, “STANLEY,” refers to the movie theater located on 19th and Market in which the movie was exhibited. By Conor Fitzpatrick

An advertisement for Stanton Theatre’s (located at 16^th and Market) showing of The Invisible Man that was circulated throughout Philadelphia as it was placed in the city’s premiere newspaper, the Philadelphia Inquirer. It also appears that the Stanton Theatre along with the Stanley Theatre were the major venues for horror films in Philadelphia during this time. By Conor Fitzpatrick

Example of a film review of The Invisible Man that was circulated throughout Philadelphia as it was placed in the city’s premiere newspaper, the Philadelphia Inquirer. It must be noted that this article is contained within the “What’s Playing in the Theaters This Week” section and the article is best described as a hybrid of a film review and an advertisement. With that said, the title of the article, “STANTON,” refers to the movie theater located on 16th and Market in which the movie was exhibited. By Conor Fitzpatrick

Review of the film “Delicious” at the Fox Theatre.

The review discusses how the story line is a typical “Cinderella story” about a poor girl achieving love and happiness. The ideas of people moving between the worlds of wealth and poverty, and people from humble means achieving great things were related to social issue films and represented an idealism that was soothing for film-goers during the Depression. By Uri Friedman

The article details the author’s opinions on several films he does not consider “art.” Also, the author includes more realistic/psychological horror films such as Fritz Lang’s M that he believe to me more shocking/scary than fantastical horror films.  By Conor Fitzpatrick

The article details how many of the special effects/creatures were created for King Kong.  By Conor Fitzpatrick

The article details an author’s reading of the poorly received and widely rejected horror film, Freaks. Also, the article reveals that Freaks was shown in a North Broad St. theater, which did not advertise in the Inquirer. This seems to suggest that Freaks was not exhibited at any mainstream theaters in Philadelphia (It was shown in New York, San Diego, and other major cities where it was severely rejected). It also describes several other horror films such as Island of Lost Souls.  By Conor Fitzpatrick

Example of a film review of King Kong that was circulated throughout Philadelphia as it was placed in the city’s premiere newspaper, the Philadelphia Inquirer. It must be noted that this article is contained within the “What’s Playing in the Theaters This Week” section and the article is best described as a hybrid of a film review and an advertisement. With that said, the title of the article, “STANLEY,” refers to the movie theater located on 19th and Market in which the movie was exhibited.  By Conor Fitzpatrick

The article details how Wills O’Brien created certain special effects/creatures featured in King Kong. By Conor Fitzpatrick

A still image of the film, King Kong, which appears in the “What’s Playing in the Theaters This Week” section of the Philadelphia Inquirer.  By Conor Fitzpatrick

An advertisement for Stanley Theatre’s (located at 19^th and Market) showing of King Kong that was circulated throughout Philadelphia as it was placed in the city’s premiere newspaper, the Philadelphia Inquirer. It also appears that the Stanley Theatre along with the Stanton Theatre were the major venues for horror films in Philadelphia during this time.  By Conor Fitzpatrick

Example of a film review of The Mystery of the Wax Museum that was circulated throughout Philadelphia as it was placed in the city’s premiere newspaper, the Philadelphia Inquirer. It must be noted that this article is contained within the “What’s Playing in the Theaters This Week” section and the article is best described as a hybrid of a film review and an advertisement. With that said, the title of the article, “STANTON,” refers to the movie theater located on 16th and Market in which the film was exhibited. By Conor Fitzpatrick

Example of a film review of Murders in the Rue Morgue that was circulated throughout Philadelphia as it was placed in the city’s premiere newspaper, the Philadelphia Inquirer. It must be noted that this article is contained within the “What’s Playing in the Theaters This Week” section and the article is best described as a hybrid of a film review and an advertisement. With that said, the title of the article, “STANTON,” refers to the movie theater located on 16th and Market in which the film was exhibited. The review emphasizes that the film is a “hair raising thriller” and that it stars Bela “Dracula” Lugosi. By Conor Fitzpatrick

An advertisement for Stanley Theatre’s (located at 19^th and Market) showing of Dracula that was circulated throughout Philadelphia as it was placed in the city’s premiere newspaper, the Philadelphia Inquirer. It also appears that the Stanley Theatre along with the Stanton Theatre were the major venues for horror films in Philadelphia during this time. The ad contains no specific information of when or where the film will premiere, but instead simply states that “Dracula is Coming.” The purpose of this ad is simply to create a kind of mystery/word of mouth “buzz.” By Conor Fitzpatrick

Example of a film review of White Zombie that was circulated throughout Philadelphia as it was placed in the city’s premiere newspaper, the Philadelphia Inquirer. It must be noted that this article is contained within the “What’s Playing in the Theaters This Week” section and the article is best described as a hybrid of a film review and an advertisement. With that said, the title of the article, “STANTON,” refers to the movie theater located on 16th and Market in which the film was exhibited. The review calls White Zombie the “eeriest and most fantastic story ever pictured for the screen.” By Conor Fitzpatrick

Example of a film review of Frankenstein that was circulated throughout Philadelphia as it was placed in the city’s premiere newspaper, the Philadelphia Inquirer. It must be noted that this article is contained within the “What’s Playing in the Theaters This Week” section and the article is best described as a hybrid of a film review and an advertisement. With that said, the title of the article, “STANLEY,” refers to the movie theater located on 19th and Market in which the film was exhibited. By Conor Fitzpatrick

Example of a film review of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde that was circulated throughout Philadelphia as it was placed in the city’s premiere newspaper, the Philadelphia Inquirer. It must be noted that this article is contained within the “What’s Playing in the Theaters This Week” section and the article is best described as a hybrid of a film review and an advertisement. With that said, the title of the article, “STANLEY,” refers to the movie theater located on 19th and Market in which the film was exhibited. The review highlights the genius of the book and how many actors have attempted the role of Dr. Jekyll/Mr. Hyde. By Conor Fitzpatrick

Example of a film review of The Mummy that was circulated throughout Philadelphia as it was placed in the city’s premiere newspaper, the Philadelphia Inquirer. It must be noted that this article is contained within the “What’s Playing in the Theaters This Week” section and the article is best described as a hybrid of a film review and an advertisement. With that said, the title of the article, “STANTON,” refers to the movie theater located on 16th and Market in which the film was exhibited. The review mentions that the writer of the film, John L. Balderson, was once a “Philadelphia newspaperman.” By Conor Fitzpatrick

Example of a film review of Dracula that was circulated throughout Philadelphia as it was placed in the city’s premiere newspaper, the Philadelphia Inquirer. It must be noted that this article is contained within the “What’s Playing in the Theaters This Week” section and the article is best described as a hybrid of a film review and an advertisement. With that said, the title of the article, “STANLEY,” refers to the movie theater located on 19^th and Market in which the movie was exhibited. By Conor Fitzpatrick

An advertisement for Stanton Theatre’s (located at 16^th and Market) showing of The Mystery of the Wax  Museum that was circulated throughout Philadelphia as it was placed in the city’s premiere newspaper, the Philadelphia Inquirer. It also appears that the Stanton Theatre along with the Stanley Theatre were the major venues for horror films in Philadelphia during this time. The ad contains no specific information of when or where the film will premiere, but instead simply states that “What is the Amazing Mystery of the Wax Museum?” The purpose of this ad is simply to create a kind of mystery/word of mouth “buzz.”  By Conor Fitzpatrick

An advertisement for Stanton Theatre’s (located at 16^th and Market) showing of The Mummy that was circulated throughout Philadelphia as it was placed in the city’s premiere newspaper, the Philadelphia Inquirer.  It appears that the Stanton Theatre along with the Stanley Theatre were the major venues for horror films in Philadelphia during this time.  By Conor Fitzpatrick

An advertisement for Stanton Theatre’s (located at 16^th and Market) showing of White Zombie that was circulated throughout Philadelphia as it was placed in the city’s premiere newspaper, the Philadelphia Inquirer.  It appears that the Stanton Theatre along with the Stanley Theatre were the major venues for horror films in Philadelphia during this time.  By Conor Fitzpatrick

An advertisement for Stanton Theatre’s (located at 16^th and Market) showing of Murders in the Rue Morgue that was circulated throughout Philadelphia as it was placed in the city’s premiere newspaper, the Philadelphia Inquirer. It appears that the Stanton Theatre along with the Stanley Theatre were the major venues for horror films in Philadelphia during this time. By Conor Fitzpatrick

An interview with Dracula and Murders in the Rue Morgue star, Bela Lugosi. While the article details Lugosi’s career, more important is Lugosi’s comments that not only do women love horror films, but Hollywood produces such films because women love them. These comments support the notion that women may have strongly attended horror films in Philadelphia and that advertising of such films was directed towards them. By Conor Fitzpatrick

An advertisement for Stanley Theatre’s (located at 19^th and Market) showing of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde  that was circulated throughout Philadelphia as it was placed in the city’s premiere newspaper, the Philadelphia Inquirer.  It appears that the Stanley Theatre along with the Stanton Theatre were the major venues for horror films in Philadelphia during this time. Also, the ad states that the film is “more terrifying that Frankenstein!”  By Conor Fitzpatrick

An article published in the Philadelphia Inquirer that briefly describes Karloff’s growing popularity and how he is the next “Lon Chaney.” By Conor Fitzpatrick

An article published in the Philadelphia Inquirer that details how the filmmakers decided on and created the look of the Frankenstein make-up/costume.  By Conor Fitzpatrick

An article published in the Philadelphia Inquirer that explores whether producer Carl Laemmle’s “no children, unless accompanied adult warning” issued for Frankenstein was an elaborate publicity stunt or a genuine advisory note.  By Conor Fitzpatrick

PA State Board of Censors considers banning films with Mabel Normand and Edna Purviance, due to a scandal surrounding an alleged shooting by their body guard. This news brief in the Philadelphia Inquirer indicates the watchful eye the public had towards the Board of Censors. Philadelphians must have been wondering what actions the Censors would take towards a controversy involving these actresses. In this instance, board went the way that the NY State Motion Picture Commission went, taking no action to bar films by these two actresses. By D. Verbofsky

A still image of the film, Dracula, that appears in the “What’s Playing in the Theaters This Week” section of the Philadelphia Inquirer. By Conor Fitzpatrick

An advertisement for Stanley Theatre’s (located at 19^th and Market) showing of Dracula that was circulated throughout Philadelphia as it was placed in the city’s premiere newspaper, the Philadelphia Inquirer. It appears that the Stanley Theatre along with the Stanton Theatre were the major venues for horror films in Philadelphia during this time. This advertisement was released on the day of Dracula’s Philadelphia premiere and includes the location and name of the theater playing the film. By Conor Fitzpatrick

An advertisement for Stanley Theatre’s (located at 19^th and Market) showing of Dracula that was circulated throughout Philadelphia as it was placed in the city’s premiere newspaper, the Philadelphia Inquirer. It appears that the Stanley Theatre along with the Stanton Theatre were the major venues for horror films in Philadelphia during this time. Also, the ad highlights the midnight showing of the film. By Conor Fitzpatrick

An advertisement for Stanley Theatre’s (located at 19^th and Market) showing of Frankenstein that was circulated throughout Philadelphia as it was placed in the city’s premiere newspaper, the Philadelphia Inquirer. It appears that the Stanley Theatre along with the Stanton Theatre were the major venues for horror films in Philadelphia during this time. Also, it is very important to point out that the advertisement includes a warning that advises parents not to send their children to the film, unless accompanied by an adult. This “warning” may be a clever publicity stunt or a genuine advisory note. By Conor Fitzpatrick

An advertisement for Stanley Theatre’s (located at 19^th and Market) showing of Dracula that was circulated throughout Philadelphia as it was placed in the city’s premiere newspaper, the Philadelphia Inquirer. It appears that the Stanley Theatre along with the Stanton Theatre were the major venues for horror films in Philadelphia during this time. Also, it is of worth to note that the ad highlights that the film was “held over,” meaning that the film continued to be shown in the theaters in lieu of a new film. By Conor Fitzpatrick

Hollywood gossip column describing the economic difficulties of Hollywood stars.

The opening of the column describes in a unique way how Hollywood stars have to be much more careful about their money during this period of economic hardship. Another example of how the Depression affected the Hollywood film industry. By Uri Friedman

Review of the film “Possessed” at the Arcadia Theatre.

The review discusses the plot of the film, which revolves around a poor girl’s struggle to overcome her environment. The ideas of people moving between the worlds of wealth and poverty, and people from humble means achieving great things were related to social issue films and represented an idealism that was soothing for film-goers during the Depression. By Uri Friedman

Review of entertainment program at the Mastbaum Theatre.

The review discusses how the Mastbaum is having screen and stage stars appear at the theater to do a variety of acts as part of its re-opening. This article reflects the fact that a number of Philadelphia theaters had to close (sometimes reopening, like the Mastbaum) during the Depression and how theaters had to offer incentives other than simply a film to get people to spend their money on entertainment.  By Uri Friedman

Short article about special effects in “Lottery Bride” at the Earle Theatre.

The article discusses how the bridge and groom are superimposed in front of clouds with “magnificent” Technicolor. This is emblematic of the technological achievements of the film industry during the Depression-era. By Uri Friedman

This column discusses how the economic issues in Hollywood caused by the Depression have made Hollywood stars intent on finding ways to preserve their wealth. He describes in vivid terms how the Depression has ravaged the glamorous film industry.  By Uri Friedman

Review of the film “Inspiration” at the Mastbaum Theatre.

The review discusses the splendor of Greta Garbo’s persona and of the scenes. Though there were lavish film sets and goddess-like portrayals of female actresses before the Depression, this type of film is emblematic of the “escapist” films often seen during the Depression’s difficult times.  By Uri Friedman

Broadway critic’s musings about how the entertainment industry will handle the sudden Wall Street economic crash.

This column expresses the writer’s worry that the stock market crashes, which had occurred only days before the column was printed, would have negative effects on theater attendance, exhibition, and production. He explains how in times of economic crisis, luxuries are often the first to be disregarded, even if they would help people escape their economic misery. By Uri Friedman

Article advertising the newest Inquirer-Universal Newsreel.

The Inquirer often showed newsreels in a number of local theaters that showed interesting footage from around the world. In this article, the writer uses Depression-era terminology to explain a sequence about ducks, and also mentions that the newsreel includes images from an employment program in Massachusetts. This can be contrasted with articles about Inquirer newsreels in 1929, which discussed images such as skyscrapers and turtle races. The impact of the Depression on film can be noted here. By Uri Friedman

Review of the film “Love, Live and Laugh” at the Fox Theatre.

The review focuses a great deal on the novelty of sound in the film, demonstrating the attraction of this new technology for a pre-Depression movie-going audience. By Uri Friedman

Review of the film “Sunny Side Up” at the Fox-Locust Theatre.

The review focuses a great deal on the novelty of sound in the film, demonstrating the attraction of this new technology for a pre-Depression movie-going audience.  By Uri Friedman

Film critic’s assessment of Hollywood in the late 1920s.

Discusses the upheavals that talking pictures have caused in the Hollywood film industry and warns Philadelphia readers that getting a job as an extra in Hollywood at the time is very difficult. His statements describe an unfortunate state of affairs in Hollywood that would be fully realized with the coming stress of the Depression.  By Uri Friedman  

Review of the film “Our Modern Maidens” shown at the Mastbaum Theatre.

The review gives another example of how pre-Depression films dealt with Jazz Age issues.  By Uri Friedman

Review of the film “The Hollywood Revue” shown at the Aldine Theatre.

The review gives a second glimpse at the way a film critic saw the Hollywood Revue and also shows that jazz music was incorporated into the film.  By Uri Friedman

Review of the film “Broadway” at the Stanley Theatre.

The review shows how movies before the Depression often dealt with Jazz Age themes such as the exciting life in nightclubs.  By Uri Friedman

Review of the film “The Hollywood Revue” shown at the Aldine Theatre.

The review shows how in the period before the Depression the recent advent of talkie films and the use of new color technology allowed movies such as this one to draw big audiences by focusing on songs, dances, lively chatter, and aesthetics, rather than dialogue.  By Uri Friedman

Advertisements for amusements including theater, motion pictures, vaudeville, and photoplay. Day before opening of Crosskey. 

Motion picture from WW I being shown at Chestnut St. Theater. The film was taken by The Chicago Tribune and was described as “the most marvelous historical record ever made.” Film from the war was seen as providing a historical, indexical document. 

Also the ads demonstrate the integration of movies into vaudeville shows, such as in the Palace Theater ad. The Palace advertised showings of Paramount Pictures.  By Jake M. Chanin

Ad for Arcadia Theater (showing Niobe starring Hazel Dawn) and others. By Jake M. Chanin

Ad for Arcadia Theater (opened Apr. 24, 1915) for continuous “A. M. to 11.15 P. M.” showings of The Bride of Hate staring Frank Keenan and Margery Wilson.  By Jake M. Chanin

The period from 1906-1915 was a time of major growth for film. There were many new theaters constructed in Philadelphia during that time period. In addition, many old theater spaces for plays and musicals were adding short films to their billings

Metropolitan Opera House (Sunday Morning September 6, 1914): “A big holiday bill for every day of the week. We have picked some good programs, but this week’s list suggest a ‘Top Notcher.’ Aside from the liste features we have a few others each day that are in the surprise list. YES, ONE DIME, THAT’S ALL” The ad displays uses Mary Pickford’s name in capital letters to help promote the movie. It’s an early example of the importance of the star. One for the films Mr. Burglar MD was a reissue of At a Quarter of Two (1911).

Adelphi Theatre: Ad read “Showing Help Wanted!” playing of WWI to “recruit” Jack Latt’s comedy.  By Jake M. Chanin

Ad for Arcadia Theater Opening Day, showing of Metro Picture’s The High Road staring Valli Valli. Admission 15¢ for matinee and 25¢ for evening shows. Also mentions Crosskey Theater (opened December 28, 1914) playing photoplays. By Jake M. Chanin

Review of opening night at a new theater. Arcadia Theater is noted for being “pretty and comfortable.” It was described as a well planned theater part of the shift towards more elaborate exhibition spaces such as picture palaces. The decorum was French renaissance with marble and an expensive organ; the theater even had an air conditioning system. The theaters policy is to only show “high-class photo plays, with frequent changes of subjects.” Arcadia seems to have been designed as a space for elite art.  By Jake M. Chanin

Article reviewing theater plays and films. Mention of Juggernaut playing at the Arcadia Theater, which was “brilliantly added to the list of picture theaters.” Juggernaut was not worthy for its “thrilling scenes” especially the “crashing through a trestle of an entire railroad train.” This crash was a “climax” and “in itself would makes the picture well worth seeing.” Review demonstrates the novelty of early cinema. By Jake M. Chanin

Weekly motion picture novel from Sunday December 27, 1914. Motion pictures penetrated newspapers. The Inquirer began running a weekly series.  By Jake M. Chanin

Review of new theater (playhouse) the Forrest Theater. This is a play house but it is still interesting because it is an example of the expansion in exhibition spaces and it marks the move towards more opulent spaces. The Forrest Theater is described as “magnificent” and “a gem.”  By Jake M. Chanin

Article on the future of motion pictures in 1915. Integration of the theater space as an exhibition area for plays, burlesque shows, vaudeville, and photo plays.  By Jake M. Chanin

The death of Sigmund Lubin was surrounded by suspicions that he fell into poverty in the last few years of his life. His daughter refutes this supposition and then the rest of the article is dedicated to an extended obituary. By Lara Fine

The explosion at the Lubin Manufacturing Company made front page in the city newspaper so it was obviously well known. The article states that many of Lubin’s films were destroyed – a loss we still feel today. By Lara Fine