A Research On The History Of Motion Picture Theatres In The United States Of America

Since the Motion Picture was invented in1893, more than100years haspassed. With its studio system and complicated network the Hollywoodcontinued its supremacy in this new era. In this dissertation I am trying to figurea clear clue out of the history of motion picture theatres in United States ofAmerica, as well as studying the history of motion picture industry (especiallythe Cinema Chain Corporations) and the architecture fashions during the lastcentury. I am also trying to present the development of architecture styles, form,function and technology of motion picture theatres in different historical phases,analyze the chain theatres’ location changes effected by the motion pictureindustry and architecture movements, and discuss the design and buildingprocess of some symbolic motion picture theatres as well as the professionalcareers of some famous motion picture theatre architects and associates.This dissertation can be generally divided to three parts, including:Introduction and Summarize as part one, composed by chapter1andchapter2. Part one discusses the importance of this research and analyzes therelationship between American movie, American culture and Amer ican historyas the preparation and background of part two.Part two is the main body of this dissertation, which is from chapter3tochapter7, studying in detail about the motion picture theatres in every historicalphase. This part is been separated to two sections.The first half from chapter3to4discusses the motion picture theatres fromits very beginning to the end of Economic Crisis in1934, including theNickelodeon time and the Movie Palace time. During those phases, theArchitecture Style of motion picture theatres followed the classic form orNeo-classic, the emphasis on space design transfered from entrance within boxoffice outside to the foyer and lounge inside. The first generations of motionpicture architects as well as their works were also highlight during thosephases.The second half from chapter5to7discusses the motion picture theatres from1930s to recent years, with the background of golden years of Hollywood,Modernism architecture and suburbanization, including the New mo tion picturetheater time, Multiplex time and Megaplex time, referring to New(small) motionpicture theater, Drive-in theatre, Neo-Tech theatre, multiplexes and Megaplexesby the time line, presenting the motion picture theatre architects associates andthe theatre remodeling trend influenced by Neo-urbanism and ‘Smart Growth’.During those phases the Architecture style of motion picture theaters shiftedfrom modernism to diversification, the emphasis on space design teansferedfrom functional auditorium to multi-space in and out of the theaters.The third part is chapter8with conclusion, which evaluates the creationsand shortages of this dissertation, looks into the future of motion picture theatreArchitecture as well.