Centre Theatre/Then and Now

The Centre Theatre in 1943 when Destroyer was showing.

Looking past a solitary gas pump on Dundas near Bathurst towards the Centre Movie Theatre.
According to John Sebert in his excellent book Nabes:
"It gained notoriety as the Duchess Theatre in 1933, when it's owner was arrested for hiring two thugs to beat up a neighbouring theatre owner. Shortly after came the name change."
This photo appears to have been taken in the late 1930's or early 1940's as the marquee lists
The Dead End Kids.

Today
The Dead End Kids A.K.A The Bowery Boys.

Parkdale Theatre/ Then and Now

A very early photo of the Parkdale.

The Box Office in 193719472010
The Parkdale Theatre on Queen Street West was built by the Allens and opened April 5, 1920 and was very successful thanks to it's proximity to Sunnyside Amusement park. It finally closed in 1970. A substantial venue with over 1500 seats.
For a short time the box office was used as a Beer Store and more recently the entire space has been divided into several antique stores.
In the 1937 photo the film playing is "Kid Galahad".
In the 1947 photo the film is "Humoresque".
Back when Parkdale was considered a suburb!

The lobby from 1947.

For more information on Toronto's Lost Movie Houses please look for John Sebert's book
"Nabes". A recent article on The Parkdale Theatre can be found here at Silent Toronto.