The Cresco Theatre dates to 1914, when it was originally opened under the Cresco Opera House moniker. The grand facility was originally constructed to accommodate live shows from traveling groups and was used for such performances through the late 1920s. While there are occasional live performances from the local community theatre group, the theatre is mostly used for movies, with first-run shows playing nightly at 7:30 p.m. For current movie offerings, call (563) 547-4292.
The Rialto Theatre in downtown Boone was completely destroyed in September 1966, when a large fire engulfed the building, damaged two adjacent businesses, and required help from firefighters from the nearby communities of Ames and Ogden. Less than a year later, in August 1967, the fully rebuilt Boone Theatre made its debut in the same location. The 470-seat theatre was considered one of the finest in the midwest, featuring a large screen and colorful red, black, and white interior design.
At time of construction the theatre was locally owned by the Boone Theatre Corporation; the single-screen movie house was sold to Iowa chain Fridley Theatres before changing hands again in 2008. The theatre, which has up to four shows daily, is now owned by Big Time Cinema.
While the Mitchell County community of Saint Ansgar hasn’t had an active movie theatre for over thirty years, residents and visitors can enjoy the marquee, sit in the old theatre seats, and view the original ticket booth. Spots for movie posters have been replaced with advertisements for dresses and tuxedo rentals, as the movie house has been converted to The Bridal Theatre, a local business featuring dresses and accessories for proms, weddings, and other special occasions.
Construction on the building began in April 8, 1937, and the Roxy Theatre officially opened less than four months later. The Saint Ansgar Enterprise newspaper had a number of articles highlighting the theatre’s amenities, including the “finest” sound and projection equipment, “comfortable upholstered chairs,” and a 12 x 16 foot screen. The Roxy also was equipped with a “crying room,” a place where mothers “can take their children when they get fretty and see the picture from a glass window.”
After serving as a bowling alley for a short time, the building was reopened as the Cinema Capri in October 1977. The Bridal Theatre business was established two years later.
Located on the north side of the square in downtown Glenwood, Iowa, the Rex Theatre has been showing movies since 1909. Originally built as a live performance house, the building was constructed by the local Independent Order of Odd Fellows in 1891. Many aspects of the historic building have been preserved, including some of the original hardwood floors and tin and plaster drop ceilings along with the ornate stained glass window on the second floor.
The theatre has been under the same ownership since 2001, when local resident William McGinnis purchased the business after seeing a for-sale ad in the Glenwood newspaper. Movies are shown each Friday and Saturday night, with an occasional Sunday matinée. The theatre caters to families, with no R-rated movies shown and a reasonable $5.00 admission cost. Note the theatre is closed during the winter months to save on maintenance costs; when movies resume, call (712) 527-4433 for showtimes.
Construction began on the Rialto Theatre in downtown Pocahontas, Iowa, in early 1939, with the first movie shown September 3 of that year. The theatre operated continuously for nearly 50 years before closing in 1989. After three years sitting vacant, in May 1992, a meeting to discuss the reopening of the theatre attracted over 100 interested residents. The decision was made to to renovate and reopen the historic theatre as a multi-purpose venue for both movies and live entertainment.
After three years of renovations and repairs, the theatre reopened with great fanfare with a premiere screening of the Walt Disney movie Pocahontas on June 22, 1995. The movie brought staff and stars from Pocahontas to town for the screening and attracted media outlets from across the state. The theatre continues to operate today, with volunteers playing an integral role in the day-to-day operation. Movies are shown nightly, with a Sunday matinee; tickets are just $4.00 for adults and $2.00 for students and children.