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.
As of 2025, the building is vacant, and there is a proposal for mixed-use development at the site.
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 (City of Toronto Archives, Fonds 200, Series 1465, File 310, Item 1 – Urban Design photographs)
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)Between 1978 and 1980 – Looking east towards the Coronet Theatre, once located at 399 Yonge St and Gerrard St E (City of Toronto Archives, Fonds 200, Series 1465, File 310, Item 3 – Urban Design photographs)April 24, 2022 – Looking northeast towards the corner of Yonge St and Gerrard St E, which was once home to the Biltmore Savoy and the Coronet Theatre, and is now occupied by commercial space Late 1980s – The Coronet Theatre was once located at 399 Yonge St and Gerrard St E on the northeast corner. Note that the sign for the Coronet is still visible on the side of the building (City of Toronto Archives, Fonds 200, Series 1465, File 721, Item 58 – Urban Design photographs) 1981 – The Coronet Theatre was once located at the northeast corner of Yonge St and Gerrard St E. Notice prices ranged from $3.00 to $3.50 (City of Toronto Archives, Fonds 620, Item 120 – Avard Woolaver photographer) 1981 – Looking east towards the Coronet Theatre, originally the Biltmore Savoy, once located at 399 Yonge St and Gerrard St E in the Downtown Yonge area. On the marquee, “Halloween,” “Chinese Hercules,” “Return of the Dragon,” starring Bruce Lee and “Fists of Double K” all for $3.50 admission (City of Toronto Archives, Fonds 620, Item 16 – Avard Woolaver photographer) February 23, 2025 – Looking east towards 399 Yonge St and Gerrard St E which was once home to the Biltmore Savoy and later the Coronet Theatre. As of 2025, the building remains empty, and there are plans for a mixed-use development at the site1952 – Looking east along Gerrard St E from Yonge St towards the subway construction site, with the Biltmore Savoy Theatre later the Coronet Theatre on the right. On the marquee, “Rawhide,” starring Tyrone Power, was playing (City of Toronto Archives, Series 574, File 82, Item 491033 – Brigdens Limited photography) Circa 1954 – Looking north up Yonge St from south of Gerrard St. Notice The Biltmore Savoy Theatre on the right, later the Coronet Theatre. Notice S.S. Kresge and Eaton’s College Street Store on the left (Toronto Public Library Pictures-R-4019 – James Victor Salmon photographer) 1983 – Looking across the parking lot towards Hong Kong Imports Novelty Shop, Lindys Restaurant & Tavern, Lynn-Gold Clothes and the Coronet Theatre on Yonge St just north of Gerrard St E (City of Toronto Archives, Fonds 620, Item 586 – Avard Woolaver photographer) April 4, 2021 – Looking northeast towards the corner of Yonge St and Gerrard St E, this location was once home to the Biltmore Savoy and the Coronet Theatre. At the time this photo was taken, the old theatre had been converted into commercial space1983 – Looking towards Hong Kong Imports Novelty Shop, Lindys Restaurant & Tavern, Lynn-Gold Clothes and the Coronet Theatre on Yonge St just north of Gerrard St E (City of Toronto Archives, Fonds 620, Item 586 – Avard Woolaver photographer) March 7, 2020 – Once home to the Biltmore Savoy and later the Coronet Theatre, 399 Yonge St is shown when it was home to commercial space1965 – Advertising for Batman and Robin at the Coronet Theatre (Toronto Public Library Suddon_0079 – From the Alan and Thomas Suddon Collection)July 8, 1938 – Looking east towards the future home of The 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 – James Victor Salmon photographer) January 26, 1937 – The site at the northeast corner of Yonge St and Gerrard St E became home to the Biltmore Savoy Theatre and later the Coronet Theatre (City of Toronto Archives, Fonds 1231, Item 1486 – James Victor Salmon photographer)1965 – The Toronto City Directory showing the address of the Odeon Coronet Theatre (Toronto Public Library) 1953 – The Toronto City Directory showing the address and phone number of the Biltmore Savoy Theatre (Toronto Public Library)
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
