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Historic Sites of Manitoba: Odeon Drive-In (4415 Portage Avenue, Headingley)
A drive-in movie theatre on the north side of Portage Avenue in Headingley, designed by the Winnipeg architectural firm of Libling Michener and Associates, was built for Odeon-Morton Theatres at a cost of about $500,000. It offered room for over 1000 automobiles. Designed for all-weather operation, the theatre provided in-car heaters for the use of patrons.
The opening day program on 20 September 1963 featured the double-bill “The Thrill of It All” (1963) starring Doris Day and James Garner and “Mystery Submarine” (1962) with Edward Judd, James Robertson Justice, and Laurence Payne.
The theatre operated for 45 years before closing in April 2008. Its perimeter fence, projection screen, and concession building were demolished in 2014 although the paved road into the site was still present in early 2020.
Projection screen and perimeter fence at the former Odeon Drive-In (June 2014)
Source: George Penner
Aerial view of the former Odeon Drive-In (July 2022)
Source: Gordon GoldsboroughSite Coordinates (lat/long): N49.87974, W97.35077
denoted by symbol on the map above
See also:
Manitoba Business: Libling Michener and Associates / LM Architectural Group
Historic Sites of Manitoba: Circus Drive-In Theatre / Delta Drive-In Theatre (Saskatchewan Avenue West, Portage la Prairie)
Sources:
“Announcing the opening of the Odeon Drive-In Theatre,” Winnipeg Free Press, 20 September 1963, page 12.
“Winnipeg's last drive-in theatre fades to black,” CBC News, 10 April 2008.
This page was prepared by Gordon Goldsborough and George Penner.
Page revised: 9 July 2022
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