Coronet Theatre, originally the Biltmore Savoy

Coronet Theatre, originally Biltmore Savoy, was once located at 399 Yonge St (at Gerrard St E on the northeast corner) in the Downtown Yonge area of Toronto.

In February 1951, the theatre opened as the Savoy and was a part of the Biltmore chain. It had 700+ seats and was known for playing double features. Opening night, the films included “Mr Universe” starring Robert Alda and “Tough Assignment” starring Don Barry.

The Odeon chain leased the theatre, and on January 1, 1964, the theatre played its first movie under its new name, the Coronet. It was a second-run movie house.

In 1978, Odeon sold the theatre, and it changed hands several times over the next five years. For just $3.50, patrons could watch five movies. The Coronet closed in February 1983, and the building was converted into a jewellery exchange and commercial space.

Coronet & Biltmore Savoy Theatre Photos

Between 1978 and 1980 - Coronet Theatre, originally Biltmore Savoy, was once located at 399 Yonge St and Gerrard St E on the northeast corner. On the marquee, “Every Which Way But Loose,” starring Clint Eastwood, and “OH GOD,” starring George Burns, were playing. Notice Lindy's Restaurant two doors up from the theatre
Between 1978 and 1980 – Coronet Theatre, originally Biltmore Savoy, was once located at 399 Yonge St and Gerrard St E on the northeast corner. On the marquee, “Every Which Way But Loose,” starring Clint Eastwood, and “OH GOD,” starring George Burns, were playing. Notice Lindy’s Restaurant two doors up from the theatre (City of Toronto Archives, Series 1465, File 310, Item 1)
Between 1978 and 1980 - Looking east towards the Coronet Theatre, once located at 399 Yonge St and Gerrard St E
Between 1978 and 1980 – Looking east towards the Coronet Theatre, once located at 399 Yonge St and Gerrard St E (City of Toronto Archives, Series 1465, File 310, Item 3)
2022 – Once the Biltmore Savoy and Coronet Theatre, today the building at 399 Yonge St and Gerrard St E is home to commercial space
2022 – Once the Biltmore Savoy and Coronet Theatre, today the building at 399 Yonge St and Gerrard St E is home to commercial space
1980s - The building on the northeast corner of Yonge St and Gerrard St E was once home to the Coronet Theatre
1980s – The building on the northeast corner of Yonge St and Gerrard St E was once home to the Coronet Theatre (City of Toronto Archives, Series 1465, File 721, Item 58)
1937 – The northeast corner of Yonge St and Gerrard St E became home to the Biltmore Savoy Theatre and later the Coronet
1937 – The northeast corner of Yonge St and Gerrard St E became home to the Biltmore Savoy Theatre and later the Coronet (City of Toronto Archives, Fonds 1231, Item 1486)
1965 - The Toronto City Directory showing the address of the Odeon Coronet Theatre
1965 – The Toronto City Directory showing the address of the Odeon Coronet Theatre (Toronto Public Library)
1950s - Originally the Biltmore Savoy, later the Coronet Theatre, was once located at 399 Yonge St and Gerrard St E on the northeast corner. On the marquee, “Federal Man,” starring William Henry, and “3 Godfathers,” starring John Wayne
1950s – Originally the Biltmore Savoy, later the Coronet Theatre, was once located at 399 Yonge St and Gerrard St E on the northeast corner. On the marquee, “Federal Man,” starring William Henry, and “3 Godfathers,” starring John Wayne (Archives of Ontario)
1952 - Looking east along Gerrard St E from Yonge St towards the construction of the subway and the Biltmore Savoy Theatre. On the marquee, “Rawhide,” starring Tyrone Power, was playing
1952 – Looking east along Gerrard St E from Yonge St towards the construction of the subway and the Biltmore Savoy Theatre. On the marquee, “Rawhide,” starring Tyrone Power, was playing (City of Toronto Archives, Series 574, File 82, Item 491033)
1955 - Looking north on Yonge St from south of Gerrard St. Notice The Biltmore Savoy Theatre on the right and S.S. Kresge and Eaton's College Street on the left
1955 – Looking north on Yonge St from south of Gerrard St. Notice The Biltmore Savoy Theatre on the right and S.S. Kresge and Eaton’s College Street on the left (Toronto Public Library R-4019)
1953 - The Toronto City Directory showing the address and phone number of the Biltmore Savoy Theatre
1953 – The Toronto City Directory showing the address and phone number of the Biltmore Savoy Theatre (Toronto Public Library)
2021 – The northeast corner of Yonge St and Gerrard St E, once home to Biltmore Savoy and Coronet Theatre, is commercial space
2021 – The northeast corner of Yonge St and Gerrard St E, once home to Biltmore Savoy and Coronet Theatre, is commercial space
1938 – Looking east towards the future home of the Biltmore Savoy and later the Coronet Theatre at the northeast corner of Yonge St and Gerrard St E
1938 – Looking east towards the future home of the Biltmore Savoy and later the Coronet Theatre at the northeast corner of Yonge St and Gerrard St E (City of Toronto Archives, Fonds 1231, Item 94)
Source
  • The Globe and Mail Newspaper Archives: Dec 31, 1963, pg 9
  • Toronto Star Newspaper Archives: Aug 6, 1983, pg F3
  • The Globe and Mail Newspaper Archives: Jan 5, 1984, pg L3
  • Photos: Denise Marie for TorontoJourney416
  • Vintage Photos: City of Toronto Archives & Archives of Ontario
  • Toronto City Directory 1953 & 1965 from the Toronto Public Library