Forest Theatre

The Forest Theatre is a historic movie theatre located at 215 North Clark Street in Forest City, Iowa, United States. It first opened in 1914 as the "New Opera House," presenting live shows, and was renamed the Forest Theatre later during World War I. The theatre has operated under various managers and owners over the decades, including the M.A. Brown family, Central States Theatres, and others. A major fire on January 10, 1950, caused an estimated $125,000 in damage, but the theatre reopened on August 8, 1950. After a period of closure, it reopened in 2013 and now operates as a nonprofit community cinema. The theatre screens first-run films, hosts special events such as drive-in movies, and offers free showings. It relies on donations and community support to fund operations, repairs, and a new speaker campaign. The Forest Theatre is a local landmark and gathering place, providing affordable entertainment in a small-town setting.

The Forest Theatre, originally named the "New Opera House," opened in 1914 in Forest City, Iowa, presenting live shows. It was renamed the Forest Theatre later during World War I. For much of its early history, it was operated by the M.A. Brown family, who moved to Riceville in 1923. In 1947, Willson Gaffney, the son-in-law of Mr. Brown, became manager. Central States Theatres took over on July 1, 1938. A devastating fire occurred on January 10, 1950, during a showing of "Yes Sir That's My Baby," causing an estimated $125,000 in damage; all attendees escaped safely. The theatre reopened on August 8, 1950, with Franklin Brown as manager, but he was replaced in February 1951 by Henry C. Nelson, who operated until July 1954. Jack Compston then took over and installed CinemaScope a month later. After a period of closure, the Forest Theatre reopened in 2013 to large crowds. Today it operates as a nonprofit theatre, relying on donations to fund general operations, repairs, and a new speaker campaign.

• 2013

  Reopened after restoration, drawing large crowds.

• 1954

  Jack Compston took over and installed CinemaScope.

• 1950

  Fire on January 10 caused $125,000 in damage; reopened on August 8.

• 1938

  Central States Theatres took over on July 1.

• 1914

  Opened as the "New Opera House" with live shows.

• 1914

  Renamed the Forest Theatre during World War I.

Nonprofit community movie theatre offering affordable entertainment and preserving a historic venue.

• Movie screenings

• Drive-in movies

• Free showings

1. 1The Forest Theatre | Movie Theatre in Forest Cityforestcitytheatre.com
2. 2About | Forestcitytheatreforestcitytheatre.com
3. 3Donate | Forestcitytheatreforestcitytheatre.com
4. 4Forest Theatrewikidata.org