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[rubedugans]

A foreclosure sale was scheduled for today on the Springfield MO theater, however, a filing of bankruptcy by the owning trust has halted the sale. This stems from a $3.5 million loan that has been delinquient for 900 days-over 2.5 years. The trust owns undertook a $10 million renovation and restoration of the Gillioz, in 2006-The original loan with Guaranty Bank in April 2006 totaled $4.3 million and of that amount $3.5 million is still left to pay.

The theater was built in 1926 by M.E. Gillioz, originally cost $300,000 to build as a transition theater( a theater with a pipe organ for silent movies and a stage for live performances, such as vaudeville acts). With the emergence of talkies, a sound system was installed in 1928.

The theater premiered 3 films:
1938 January 14: "Swing Your Lady" with Humphrey Bogart and Penny Singleton
1952 June 6: "The Winning Team" with Ronald Reagan
1952 July 4: "She's Working Her Way Through College," also starring Ronald Reagan

Elvis Presley was also spotted in the Gillioz on May 17,1956 watching the Glen Ford western "Jubal" between his shows/ sopund checks at the nearby Shrine Mosque.

It sat vacant for over a decade from 1980-1991 when the Springfield preservation trust purchased the structure and undertook the extensive renovation to restor the theater/ lobby to the original 1926 condition.

Indeed it is a sad time for such a beautiful piece of regional history. Hopfully the Old theater will pull through with the support of the public. If you would like read more about the attempt to save the Gillioz visit their website at:
http://gillioz.zhost.net/?p=378
main site
http://gillioz.zhost.net/

[rubedugans]

Having only spent a few weeks total in Springfield MO, I have only been to the theater once for a wedding reception in 2007. I was not able to see the theater itself as our reception took place in the Ronald Reagan Center banquet room. I was suprised at how small of a front the theater had, I believe it is only 16ft wide piece of property in the lobby/ entrance that opens into a larger theater that seats 1,130. Hopefuly I'll get in there sometime.

Anyone have any other stories about the Gillioz? Notable shows, performances, etc?

[Ozark Outlaw]

I hate to hear about any theater falling on hard times, but even more so with a historic one. Hopefully this isn't the beginning of the end, but rather a simple financial adjustment of sorts.

[rubedugans]

Apparently the Gillioz will remain open during the bankruptcy. The exact operations/ rent, etc will be soon determined between the Theater partnership, and the bank. A meeting was held yesterday to determine some of the details.

Fundraising is still underway to raise the $3.5 million owed, several contributions came in after Thursday, and about $36,000 has been donated, along with two pledges of $75,000 each.

[Ozark Outlaw]

Well it sounds like they are taking the right steps. Fundraising, and community outreach, and awareness would probably help this theater tremendously. Perhaps even giving it the publicity it needs to draw in more revenue.

I appreciate the updates Rube! Keep them coming when you can.

[Junior]

Glad to see they are making the effort. In my years in SW Missouri, the downtown square was pretty much ignored. It was pedestrian traffic only at that time, and the Springfield radio station Rock 99 showed midnight movies at one of the theaters down there. I remember seeing "Private Benjamin," "Excaliber," and "Heavy Metal" down there.

[rubedugans]

The cool thing about the Gillioz is that it Yes, it really is that narrow. The auditorium itself is on the back side of the block. It's just east of the square.

Junior you more than likely went to the former Fox Theatre on the Northeast corner of the square (actually on Park central square, and a church since 1985) in Springfield is the same way. except the Gillioz lobbywas VERY narrow (15ft) and very long to allow for patrons to enter in case of inclement weather. The Fox was originally part of the Electric Theatre chain, Built by M.E. Gillioz, who later built the Gillioz Theatre in Springfield.
http://abundantlifecovenantchurch.com/
Here is the ticket booth on the square

The Fox theatre in Joplin, Mo is similar in construction, with an enclosed "bridge" connecting the lobby on Main street to the auditorium on the other side of an alley.

[Junior]

Yeah, it probably was the Fox. Not the Gillioz. I just remember the fun times and the people I spent them with on this topic. Those midnight movies were great! Only cost 99 cents (sponsored by Rock 99) to get into. They were movies on their second run. I was dating this cute coed from Southwest Missouri State University at the time.