The first movie theater ever established in St. Louis was the Electric Theater, which opened in 1896. It was located at the corner of 8th Street and Chestnut Street and was owned by the pioneering film exhibitor, George Kleine. Kleine had previously opened a number of theaters in other cities, including Chicago and Boston, but this was his first venture in St. Louis.
The Electric Theater offered a variety of films from different genres – including comedies, dramas and documentaries – as well as live performances. It soon became hugely popular with locals, who would flock to the theater for its unique offerings and for its groundbreaking technological advancements.
The Electric Theater was one of the first theaters to adopt Edison’s Vitascope projector which allowed films to be projected onto a silver screen from a projector located at the back of the theater. This innovation made it possible for films to be seen by large audiences for the very first time.
In addition to its technical achievements, the Electric Theater also gained notoriety for its luxurious interiors which featured plush seating and elaborate carpets and curtains. This attention to detail helped make it one of the most sought-after venues in St Louis for moviegoers, who could now enjoy films on a grand scale that had not been possible before.
The Electric Theater remained open until 1921 when it closed due to declining attendance and increasing competition from other theaters that had opened up during this period. Despite this, it will always be remembered as the very first movie theater established in St Louis and an important part of film history in general.
The story of the Electric Theater is a reminder that even though technology has changed dramatically over time, there are some aspects of cinema-going that remain timeless – like enjoying a great movie with friends or family in luxurious surroundings!
To conclude, The Electric Theater was established in St Louis in 1896 by George Kleine at 8th Street and Chestnut Street corner and served as one of the pioneers to introduce Edison’s Vitascope projector technology which allowed films to be projected onto a silver screen from a projector located at back end side of theater enabling large audiences watch movies on grand scale. It became popular among locals due its lavish interiors designs but eventually closed down due to declining attendance and increased competition from other theatres during 1921 but will always be remembered as first movie theatre established in St Louis marking an important part in film history.