The Sun-Ray Cinema in Riverside, formerly known as Riverside Theater and 5 Points Theatre, is a very special and historic place. It was the first theatre in the state of Florida equipped to show talking pictures, opening in March 1927, and designed by noted architect Roy Benjamin.
The Jazz Singer , released in 1927, is widely considered "the first talking picture" even though 75% of it was silent and only the singing was synchronized. The first full-length film with full sound was released in October 1927, so The Riverside Theater's opening in March of that year was very timely.
Jacksonville was the winter film capital in the early 1900s until local politics sent filmakers packing to an unknown town called Hollywood in California. Imagine what our city would be like today if the filmmakers had never left.
The Riverside Theater has had different names over the years, but 88 years later its doors are still open. It truly is a faithful landmark and attraction in the Riverside-Avondale area of Jacksonville.
Of course, it's not just your ordinary movie theatre. Popcorn is served in metal bowls and drinks are served in real glases. Wine and beer, sandwiches and pizza are also available. While the Theatre is considered a single screen theatre, there is a smaller screening room that seats about 30 where our top agents group watched a screening of 'Foxcatcher' this afternoon.
The current owner purchased it in 2011 through crowdfunding. The marquee was restored by the previous owner, even though it was not original to the building.
Address is: 1028 Park Street, Jacksonville FL 32204
Phone 904-359-0049
Check it out the next time you're in the mood for a movie and support this historical Riverside attraction. First-run main stream movies are screened, along with indie films. The Riverside Movie Theatre - Sun-Ray Cinema adds to Jacksonville's rich cinema history.
Comments (1)Subscribe to CommentsComment