In 1946, the statewide chain of 110 Golden State/T&D Theaters wanted a state-of-the-art Cycloramic screen in Santa Cruz. It created a three dimensional illusion of depth (independent of any 3-D film processes which had yet to be developed), and gave added clarity to the picture, whith no distortion from close-up seats. But its curving shape couldn't be raised and lowered like the flat screens at their two local theaters--the Del Mar and New Santa Cruz--which would render their stages unusable. This was unacceptable for the pair of combined cinema/stage/convention theaters called "the king and queen of Santa Cruz movie palaces."
So Golden State built the Rio Cycloramic Theatre, and located it in the booming East Santa Cruz business district, also called "downtown Braciforte." Some think the theater was dubbed "Rio"("river") for the Spanish town named after Branciforte Creek, or as "the theater beyond the [San Lorenzo] river." But it's just as likely its ocean liner-inspired architecture suggests a steamship cruise to Rio de Janeiro, a tropical destination reminiscent of Santa Cruz.
Construction ran from 1947 to 1949. The Rio was built of Davenport-area cement and Hebbron-Nigh Lumber; with the ticket booth, aluminum doors and poster cases crafted by Modern Industries of Oakland; the chairs, carpets, drapes and projector from National Theater Supply; and lighting fixtures from Peerless Electric of San Francisco. The 938 seat Rio opened June 12, 1949, with a live radio broadcast on KSCO of the 15-minute dedication ceremony. Then theater patrons enjoyed a double feature of "Song of India" and "Law of the Barbary Coast."
Rio Theatre is not affiliated with AmericanTowns Media
Sure, California is home to world-renowned chefs and upscale restaurants, but sometimes the down-home comfort of a mom and pop restaurant is what you’re seeking. In every neighborhood,… Read More
California might be stereotyped as the land of health food, but that doesn’t mean that locals don’t know how to enjoy a good cheat day! From internationally-renowned haute cuisine with a… Read More
We know a thing or two about top-notch shopping options in California. From Costa Mesa plazas to gallerias in Glendale, you’ll find just about anything you could dream about. If you’re a… Read More
California is known to be a hotspot for fantastic Asian food, and that includes Thai cuisine. If you want to try the best Thai spots around, head to any of these top California Thai… Read More
It’s the perfect time to pick up a fresh apple pie. From Los Angeles bakeries to Sacramento diners, there are mouthwatering apple pies to be found all across California. Whether it’s for… Read More