Comique Theatre – An Early Moving Picture Show

18 May 2022

Comique Theatre was once located at 279 Yonge St (just south of Dundas Sq on the east side) in the Downtown Yonge area of Toronto.

In the Toronto City Directory, under “Places of Amusement,” David Minier was listed as the theatre manager from 1909 until 1913. For the years 1914 and 1915, it’s listed as Comique Theatre. The movie palace was owned by Canada Moving Pictures Limited and was showing a profit of $300 per month.

Located next to the theatre at 283 Yonge St was the Vendome Hotel. In 1917/18, a new building was constructed on the Comique Theatre and Vendome Hotel site. Architect John Chorley Westervelt designed the new Art Deco style building for Child’s Restaurants and offices. It later became home to Friar’s Tavern, then Hard Rock Café. Today, Shoppers Drug Mart and a small Friar’s Music Museum area occupy the space.

Comique Theatre Photos

1910 - Comique Theatre was once located at 279 Yonge St, just south of Dundas Sq on the east side. One of the films advertised was "Jean the Matchmaker," starring Florence Turner, released in 1910. The admission price was 5¢. Notice a sign next to the door that says Best Moving Picture Show — 1910 – Comique Theatre was once located at 279 Yonge St, just south of Dundas Sq on the east side. One of the films advertised was “Jean the Matchmaker,” starring Florence Turner, released in 1910. The admission price was 5¢. Notice a sign next to the door that says Best Moving Picture Show (City of Toronto Archives, Fonds 1244, Item 320)

1912 - Goads Map showing the location of the Comique Theatre at 279 Yonge St. Notice, next to the theatre is Vendome Hotel. Wilton St became Dundas St however, the portion from Victoria St to Yonge St is known as Dundas Sq — 1912 – Goads Map showing the location of the Comique Theatre at 279 Yonge St. Notice, next to the theatre is Vendome Hotel. Wilton St became Dundas St however, the portion from Victoria St to Yonge St is known as Dundas Sq (Toronto Public Library)

1909 - In the Toronto City Directory, David Minier was listed as the manager of the theatre at 279 Yonge St — 1909 – In the Toronto City Directory, David Minier was listed as the manager of the theatre at 279 Yonge St (Toronto Public Library)

1914 - The Toronto City Directory showing the address of the Comique Theatre — 1914 – The Toronto City Directory showing the address of the Comique Theatre (Toronto Public Library)

Source

The Globe Newspaper Archives: Jul 18, 1912, pg 2
Vintage Photos: City of Toronto Archives
Vintage Map: Atlas of the City of Toronto 1912 by Chas E Goad from the Toronto Public Library
Toronto City Directory 1909 & 1914 from the Toronto Public Library