The Marlow Theatre (original) (raw)

The Marlow Theatre
Helena's Showplace • 1918-1972 Home to Vaudeville and Motion Pictures
46°35'14.47"N 112° 2'24.59"W

The Marlow Theatre, 1928
Beloved by generations of Helenans

COURTESY OF TOM KILMER

The new Marlow was designed primarily as a roadshow house, but was also equipped with a motion picture projector and screen. Many touring vaudeville companies, mainly on the Pantages circuit, played the Marlow.

Site of the Marlow Theatre and Edwards St.

During Urban Renewal in the 1970s, Edwards St. was eliminated, and Broadway was extended west to Park Ave., passing through where the stage of the Marlow once was.

Thomas Arthur Marlow • 1861-1938
Local Banker Spearheaded Effort to Build New Theater

PHOTO FROM 'FROM THE QUARRIES OF LAST CHANCE GULCH' VOL. 2 WM. C. CAMPBELL

Thomas A. Marlow was a prominent and highly respected banker in Helena during the early 20th century. The nephew of the wealthy entrepreneur Col. Charles A. Broadwater, Marlow came to Montana in 1881 to work with at the sutler's store at Fort McGinniss.

In 1890, Marlow went to Helena at the behest of his uncle to help reorganize Broadwater's failing bank. Making it a success, Marlow became president of the institution, beginning a long and prosperous career in finance.

Marlow played an important role in organizing and managing the Helena branch of the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis that opened in 1921. He developed two
programs - the War Finance Corporation and the Montana Livestock Finance Corporation - that were instrumental in helping numerous ranchers stay in business through the very difficult depression years, which began in Montana at the close of the First World War and extended through the 1920s and 1930s.

In addition to his involvement on the executive boards of over a dozen financial
institutions in the western region, Marlow was on the board of directors of the Great Northern Railway Co. and the Montana Flour Mills of Great Falls, he owned a large ranch in the Big Sandy area and he invested heavily in the construction of the Marlow Theater, Placer Hotel and Canyon Ferry Dam.-- Biography from the National Register of Historic Places nomination form for Summit Lodge, Marlow's summer home northwest of Helena. Prepared by Carla Chronholm, 1990)

Early View of Edwards St.

Edwards St., looking west from near Main, ca. 1890. The Marlow Theatre would be built on the left-hand side of the street in 1918.

A Performing Bear on the Future Site of the Marlow Theatre, circa 1895
Looking North Toward Buildings on Edwards St.

COLLECTION OF KENNON BAIRD

Lack of a Large, Modern Theater

Following the 1914 closing of the Helena Theater (formerly the Ming Opera House) on Jackson Street), Helena was without a sizeable performance venue. A group of concerned citizens addresed this lack by organizing a fund drive, which was spearheaded by Thomas A. Marlow.

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Seattle Architect Henderson Ryan [Rian]

Henderson Ryan Henderson Ryan (1856-1927) was a prolific Seattle-based architect. He also designed two other theaters in Montana, the Rialto in Butte and the Liberty in Great Falls. Ryan pioneered the use of ramps in theaters instead of stairs. Although ramps required more room than stairs, the benefits were worth it if the size of the building lot allowed for them. He also invented a fan-driven ventilation system. More about Henderson Ryan here. And here.

Theater Opening, April 3, 1918

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Description of the Marlow When New, 1918
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Complete April 3, 1918 Opening Night Program
Courtesy Montana Memory Project
Click on image to open the MMP link

April 3, 1918 Opening Night Program, Printed on Silk

COLLECTION OF TED KIRKMEYER, COURTESY OF TOM MULVANEY

Marlow Theatre Employees, April 21 1923

The movie "My American Wife", starring Gloria Swanson, is advertised.

Information About the Marlow and Helena from
Herbert Lloyd's 1919 Vaudeville Guide

INTERNET ARCHIVE

Hundreds of Performers and Celebrities Appeared on the Marlow Stage
Here Are Some of the Notables

Myrna Loy Helena's Own

Young Myrna Williams, who would later be known as screen star Myrna Loy, appeared on the Marlow stage in 1919. The first newspaper archive mention of her performing is from June 28, 1918, when 12-year-old Myrna did a solo dance, "the bluebird", in the Placer Hotel ballroom, as part of a cabaret performance for visiting Knights Templar ladies.

Louise Brooks
EARL CARROLL VANITIES, 1927

1928 Theater Redecorating

"The Talkies" Come to Helena, 1929

The Marlow Marquee, Late 1930s

COLLECTION OF TED KIRKMEYER, COURTESY OF TOM MULVANEY • CLICK ON IMAGE FOR A BIG VERSION IN A NEW WINDOW

It appears that a policeman was needed for crowd contol on this occasion. A Deanna Durbin movie was featured on the posters, but I have been unable to find an image of that poster online to better date this photo.

Neon Sign over Main Street

COLLECTION OF KENNON BAIRD • CLICK ON IMAGE FOR A LARGER VIEW IN A NEW WINDOW

Because the Marlow was on Edwards St., just west of Main, an electric advertising sign was hung over Main, announcing what movie was playing and directing people to the theatre.

The sign was installed in May of 1922. It was taken down in January of 1944, after a major fire gutted the Montana National Bank building, to which the sign was attached with cables.

The method of changing the lettering on the sign was ingenious, as this 1922 item form the Independent explains:

South Side of the Marlow Sign

COURTESY OF THE DAVID POOR COLLECTION

The Marlow Sign Over Main St., 1942

COURTESY OF THE DAVID POOR COLLECTION

The Ted Kirkmeyer Photo Collection

Ted Kirkmeyer 1908-2003

Ted Kirkmeyer managed the Marlow, Rio and Antlers theaters in Helena during the late 1930s. Mr. Kirkmeyer's collection of photos and ephemera is now owned by author and collector Tom Mulvaney, who is generously sharing many wonderful images via this website. Thanks, Tom -- and thanks, Ted, wherever you are.

Employees of Helena Movie Houses at the Marlow, April 2 1938

Several of these folks have been identified. Pass your cursor over the image for their names. There is more information about them below the photo...

COLLECTION OF KENNON BAIRD • CLICK ON IMAGE FOR A BIG VIEW IN A NEW WINDOW

Employees of the Marlow, Rio and Antlers theaters posed in the Marlow lobby for Les Jorud on April 2, 1938. The reason for the gathering is unknown.

UPDATE: Several people in this photo have been identified. Wanda Power e-mailed to say that the short man with the striped tie, third row back and third from the right-hand end, is Fred "Barney" Olson (1895-1977). A native of Red Lodge, Olson was employed by the Fox Theater Company for many years in various communities. And after moving to Helena in 1937, he was a motion picture operator for all the theaters in Helena. He also was employed as recreation director for Fort Harrison Veterans Administration for several years before retiring in 1966. "Barney" also did a ventriloquist act with his dummy "Jerry", and was a ham radio operator.

Standing on the far right is Ted Kirkmeyer (1908-2003), manager of the three theatres.

Daniel Sullivan has identified his grandmother, Charlotte "Lottie" McGowan, as third person from the left in the back row. She later married Dr. John Mitschke. Thanks, Daniel.

Deb Winston Bushnell of Helena has this same photo, and her mother, Thelma Barker Winston, is in the second row, second from the left sitting with her arms crossed. Thanks to Deb for e-mailing this info!

In the row of girls seated in chairs, the first girl on the left is Vivian Linderman. Thanks to Lynnette Nilan, her daughter-in-law, for the information.

As seen on the Art Deco-style display behind the people, Disney's "Snow White" opened at the Marlow the following day. The other advertising display, featuring the large cutout of the smiling woman on the far left, was for "Alexander's Rag Time Band", with Alice Faye and Don Ameche.

Winfred McDonnell and Her Debutantes on the Marlow Stage, June 12 1938
Photo by Les Jorud

COLLECTION OF TED KIRKMEYER, COURTESY OF TOM MULVANEY • CLICK ON IMAGE FOR A BIG VERSION IN A NEW WINDOW

From the newspaper archives, we learn that Winifred McDonnell was teaching piano in Bismarck, North Dakota in 1937. After their summer 1938 engagement at the Broadwater in Helena, Winifred and the Debutantes played another extended engagement at the Hotel Witter in Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin.

Winifred toured with a trio in 1939-40, playing in Ohio and Pennsylvania. In 1949-50, Winifred was teaching music at the Laurel, Montana, High School.

Marlow Theatre Lobby, December 20, 1938

COLLECTION OF TED KIRKMEYER, COURTESY OF TOM MULVANEY • CLICK ON IMAGE FOR A BIG VERSION IN A NEW WINDOW

An excellent view of the original Marlow lobby area, taken by Les Jorud. After the 1949 remodeling, the candy counter occupied the space on the left, where the displays of donated food and merchandise are. The carpet is original from 1918, and was replaced in a 1939 upgrade.

Marlow Usher and Usherettes, 1939

COLLECTION OF TED KIRKMEYER, COURTESY OF TOM MULVANEY • CLICK ON IMAGE FOR A BIG VERSION IN A NEW WINDOW

From left to right: Mary McCarthy, Thelma Barker, Bill Bennett, Margaret Alice Ashton, Betty Brown.

Usherette Betty Brown at Work, 1939

COLLECTION OF TED KIRKMEYER, COURTESY OF TOM MULVANEY

Ted Kirkmeyer on the Marlow stage, taken from the wings, 1939

April 1, 1939 -- "Oklahoma Kid" Costume Contest

COLLECTION OF TED KIRKMEYER, COURTESY OF TOM MULVANEY • CLICK ON IMAGE FOR A BIG VERSION IN A NEW WINDOW

Contestants in front of the Marlow Theatre, Edwards Street, April 1 1938.

COLLECTION OF TED KIRKMEYER, COURTESY OF TOM MULVANEY

Marlow Theatre manager Ted Kirkmeyer is "held up" by (presumably) the winner of the Oklahoma Kid costume contest.

Eddy's Bread Lone Ranger Promo Poster, 1939

Promotion for "Stagecoach", 1939
A View of Edwards Street

COLLECTION OF TED KIRKMEYER, COURTESY OF TOM MULVANEY

1930s Promotional Ephemera

COURTESY OF WENDI KOTTAS PETERSON

1940s Ephemera

At the top, a 1940 pass to the Marlow for a benefit screening of "The Secret of Dr. Kildare". The coupon for the Dopey doll drawing likely dates to 1944, when "Snow White" was re-released by Disney.

Myrna Loy Visits Helena, March 1940
Appears at the Marlow

Mayor Albert James Roberts (1867-1944) Presents a Bouquet to Myrna Loy at the Marlow

COURTESY OF WENDI KOTTAS PETERSON

Myrna Loy on the Marlow Stage

COURTESY OF WENDI KOTTAS PETERSON

Noral Whittinghill and His Marlow Theatre Band, April 1 1941

COLLECTION OF KENNON BAIRD • THANKS STEVE!
CLICK ON IMAGE FOR A LARGER VIEW IN A NEW WINDOW

Helena native Noral Whittinghill (1913-2001), seen here lying on the Marlow Stage, would later gain fame as a popular radio host in Los Angeles under the name Dick Whittinghill. He also appeared in numerous motion pictures and television shows. He has a star on Hollywood's Walk of Fame (6384 Hollywood Blvd.), and a statue in the Hollywood Wax Museum.

Noral "Dick" Whittinghill

Whittinghill's Helena band was broadcast live from the Marlow stage, via telephone line, on KPFA, Helena's first radio station...

Archery Exhibition or Contest, December 1, 1943
"Wild West Stampede" Program • Photo by Les Jorud

COLLECTION OF KENNON BAIRD • CLICK ON IMAGE FOR A BIG VERSION IN A NEW WINDOW

The Cidney Munn School of the Dance "Swing Shift" Revue, May 20 1944

THE WES AND CAROL SYNNESS COLLECTION • CLICK ON IMAGE FOR A LARGER VIEW IN A NEW WINDOW

This photo by Les Jorud was no doubt taken at a rehearsal for the May 24 performance, as advertised in the Independent-Record ad below.

The three girls kneeling in the photo above are, from left to right: Carol Lynch, Maureen Finstad and Mary Alice Gerard.

"Wildfire" Promotion, Oct. 21, 1945

On the left is Dorothy Johnson McCreanor; the girl on the right is unidentified.

High School Students Down Front
1947 Vigilante Yearbook
Colorized Image

1949 Remodeling

The Marlow underwent several redecorations and upgrades during its lifetime, with a final remodeling completed in 1949. The extensive re-do included the addition of a loge section and new "Bodiform" seats throughout. New projectors, screen, sound system and curtains were installed. The concession and lobby areas were brightened-up, and kidney-shaped ceiling coves were added to the lobby area. It was also in 1949 that the vertical neon "Marlow" sign and lighted aluminum marquee, familiar to all who remember the place, were added. The renovation was celebrated in early 1950 with the world premier of the Warner Bros. release "Montana", starring Errol Flynn. Flynn was in India filming "Kim" at the time, and could not attend.

The Marlow lobby, 1950. Scan of a newspaper photo.

TICKETS COURTESY OF INEZ SLAYMAN

33rd Anniversary of the Marlow ~ April 1, 1951

THE WES AND CAROL SYNNESS COLLECTION

The uniformed girl on the left is Donna Hannick (now Donna Wise); the girl in the center, with the dark coat, is Gloria Smith (now Gloria Marovich); the uniformed girl on the right is Larie Murphy (now Larie Stoll). The man is likely Sid Page, manager of the Marlow. The girl in the light-colored coat is Alvina Hartman Blank

Many thanks to the Wes and Carol Synness Collection for sharing yet another wonderful piece of Helena's history!

January 12, 1958

COURTESY OF TOM MULVANEY • CLICK ON IMAGE FOR A BIG VERSION IN A NEW WINDOW

Montana Governor J. Hugo Aronson (1891-1978) with wife Rose and members of the Civil Air Patrol in the Marlow foyer. Can you find the Governor in the audience photos?

John F. Kennedy at the Marlow, June 1960

Presidential Candidate John F. Kennedy made an appearance at the June 1960 Montana State Democratic Party Convention in Helena. Kennedy showed up at events held at the Marlow Theatre, the Civic Center Ballroom, and at the home of Joe Reber, a Helena contractor and politician. Ted Kennedy and Sargent Shriver accompanied J.F.K. on this trip, and were in Helena with him.

FROM THE 1964 BOOK "WESTWARD I GO FREE - THE STORY OF J.F.K. IN MONTANA" BY EDMUND CHRISTOPHERSON

Kennedy in the Marlow lobby, his arm being gripped by Walter Marshall, local promoter and politico.

Kennedy in the Marlow Auditorium

FROM THE 1964 BOOK "WESTWARD I GO FREE - THE STORY OF J.F.K. IN MONTANA" BY EDMUND CHRISTOPHERSON

Kennedy addressed the convention, then returned to the Placer Hotel to confer with State party officials.

GENE BROWN, MANAGER OF THE MARLOW 1960-1962

COURTESY OF KERRY BROWN

Marlow manager Gene Brown (1926-2002) stands at the Edwards St. ticket window, 1960. Los Angeles native Gene was an accomplished musician and educator. He served in the Army Airborne in the South Pacific during WWII, received a degree in education from Eastern Montana College, and worked for Fox Inter-Mountain theaters for several years before coming to Helena to manage the Marlow in 1960.

In 1961, Gene produced at the Marlow the world premiere of Gary Cooper's last film, "The Naked Edge". Several photos of that event may be seen below.

After his Marlow gig, Gene taught music in Helena schools for many years, was a local radio and TV personality, and was very active in education and the community. For more about Gene, click here.

Your editor thanks Gene's son Kerry Brown (1951-2015) for sending in these great Marlow photos, as well as other interesting images for this site_!_

WORLD PREMIERE OF GARY COOPER'S LAST FILM
"The Naked Edge" - June 28, 1961

COURTESY OF KERRY BROWN

Gene Brown in the Marlow lobby, the day of the premiere of "The Naked Edge". The three posters on display at left are from 1930s Gary Cooper movies.

COURTESY OF JUNE VIRAG

COURTESY OF KERRY BROWN

Premiere-goers in the Marlow lobby.

COURTESY OF KERRY BROWN

Gene Brown and Helena politico/promoter Walter Marshall. Marshall and his wife Doris operated the Old Brewery Theatre, a summer stock playhouse on West Main St.

Walter S. Woods, Manager

This story disappered from the newspapers in a day or two, without any further explanation.

Costumed Marlow Employees
"Gone With the Wind" Re-release Promotion
May 1, 1969

COURTESY OF ROBERT BERG
CLICK ON IMAGE TO ENLARGE IN A NEW WINDOW

Standing, left to right: Debbie Hamilton, Barbara Thompson, Vickie Louquet Westervelt, Diane Linjatie, Ann Gehring, Paula Westervelt Berg, Colleen Visser.

Kneeling left to right: Robert Berg, John Moore.

The Marlow's Final DaysYour Tax Dollars at Work

In July of 1970, Urban Renewal purchased the Marlow Theatre from Paul Holenstein's Diversified Realty, Inc. of Butte for $97,900. Diversified Realty was formed in 1963 as a consequence of the bankruptcy and reorganization of Holenstein's Prudential Diversified Services. Holenstein had numerous interests in Montana, and operated the Placer Hotel in Helena 1961-1965. He died in 1974.

The Marlow shortly before demolition, 1972
THE WES AND CAROL SYNNESS COLLECTION

The Marlow Seen from Fire Tower Hill, 1972

From The Independent Record, May 21 1972
CLICK ON IMAGE TO OPEN PDF FILE

Demolition Photos, 1972

COLLECTION OF THE LATE HENRY W. JORGENSEN • CLICK ON IMAGE FOR A BIG VERSION IN A NEW WINDOW

THE WES AND CAROL SYNNESS COLLECTION

Site of the Marlow, taken from what was once Edwards St., June 2009

PHOTO BY KENNON BAIRD

Marlow Demolition Slideshow - WMV File
By Dick Alberts with Photos from Jan BrownCOURTESY OF PAM ATTARDO AND THE LEWIS & CLARK HERITAGE AND TOURISM COUNCIL

A Face From the Marlow Façade

COURTESY OF KERRY BROWN

Kerry Brown writes: "My wife and I went out to dinner tonight at Bert & Ernie's [the former Globe Clothing building] and as we were leaving I noticed the sculpture you see in the attached photo. This is one of the three, that are now owned by Toby Dewolf (owner of Bert and Ernie's), son of Bill Dewolf who owned the Union Market. These were proudly displayed on the front façade of the Marlow Theater, near the top of the Building. You can see them in some of the Marlow pictures."

Thanks, Kerry, for the great photo!

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