Film and Media Arts - Facilities

In many prairie cities, old movie theatres serve as important, visually appealing reminders of the past and continue to present thought provoking films. One of Edmonton's historic theatres is the Princess, located on bustling Whyte avenue. With an arching, sculpted ceiling, cherub paintings gracing the space above the screen, and a rebuilt balcony, the Princess theatre provides an elegant backdrop for film viewing. Built in 1914 by John McKernan at a cost of $75,000, the building incorporated many examples of fine detailing and craftsmanship, including a unique marbled front. In fact, the amount of work that went into the Princess' design was so extensive, that the construction was extended three months past the original schedule.

Alex Entwistle, one of the projectionists at Edmonton's Bijou movie house, became the first theatre-chain owner in the city. Along with sons Clarence and Arnold, Entwistle purchased Edmonton's Princess and Monarch theatres in 1920. The Entwistle's merged with Famous Players in 1930, and also acquired the Empress, Strand and Garneau theatres.

The opening reception at the Princess theatre featured First World War films, with accompaniment provided by pianists or bands, a feature that continued until talkies, or films with sound, came on the scene in the 1930s. The Canary Murder Case, starring Louise Brooks, was the first movie with sound to come to the Princess theatre around 1929.

While the main floor of the building was used as a theatre, the upper floor underwent various transformations over the years. Initially a hostel, railway workers used the multitude of rooms as a temporary home base. Later, the space became a brothel, and was finally transformed into a hotel. Currently, the upper floor is not in use. The basement of the building was initially a place for dancing, later became a pool hall and currently houses a second theatre.

Due in part to the introduction of television, the Princess endured a difficult period in the late 1950s, resulting in its closure in 1958. For the following decade, the theatre was converted into a shoe shop and sewing machine store. Purchased by Towne Cinemas in 1970, the building was re-modeled and re-opened as the Klondike Theatre. Similar to its predecessor, the theatre struggled, yet due to the assistance of the Old Strathcona Foundation, the theatre survived rough times. Many individuals, along with organizations such as CFRN donated money in $1,000 installments to help with renovations and remodeling. Gold stars with engraved names of donors continue to grace the lobby of the well-maintained Princess, a reminder of the donations that helped the theatre survive. In 1982, re-painting and plastering helped to revitalize the building.

Today, the Princess thrives, having been prosperous for upwards of 20 years screening a variety of independent productions. A landmark on the Whyte avenue strip, the theatre has contributed to the local film community over the years by hosting events such as the Edmonton International Film Festival.