PSTOS - Maple Leaf (Plaza, Odeon) Theatre, Vancouver B.C.

Maple Leaf (Plaza, Odeon) Theatre - 2/3 Robert Morton
Vancouver, B.C.
881 Granville St.

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News item in Motion Picture World Vol 19, No 3, July 15, 2016, p373

Ad for the Maple Leaf Theatre's opening March 17, 1908

News items from the Vancouver Daily World dated August 29 1908 describing the new Chronophone system to be installed at the Maple Leaf Theatre.

The Chronograph system was innovative in its use of synchronized phonograph records to provide sound for films. Unfortunately the system was not entirely successful with audiences and was removed in 1909.

Granville St. showing a glimpse of the Maple Leaf Theatre entrance and posters on left, c.1915

Maple Leaf Theatre entry signage, c.1920. Image courtesy City of Vancouver Archives, public domain.

According to the Junchen opus lists, the Maple Leaf Theatre had a 2/3 Robert Morton organ, install date unknown. Robert-Morton did not sell many instruments outside of the State of California until the 1920's so it's likely this instrument was installed between 1921 and 1927.

Heavily retouched photo of the Maple Leaf Theatre, date unknown. Image courtesy Royal BC Museum.

Maple Leaf Theatre entrance, c.1926

In 1936, the Plaza Theatre replaced the Maple Leaf. It is unknown if the Plaza was simply a remodel of the existing structure, or complete tear down and new build.

Click for a larger version of this image

Ad for the Plaza Theatre's opening, September 1 1936

c.1937. Image courtesy Vancouver Public Libary, public domain

c.1938. Image courtesy Vancouver Public Libary, public domain

c.1946. Image courtesy City of Vancouver Archives, public domain.

In 1963 the Plaza was renamed to Odeon. It operated under that name until closing in 1997.