Embedded Files
Halton Hills' connection to the film industry dates back to the dawn of film in 1909.
The first documented movie theatre in Acton was the Wonderland Theatre, opening in May 1909. It was first opened by Morris Saxe and Able Maldavor but was soon purchased by Russell L. Gregory and later renamed the Gregory Theatre. Gregory would then relocate his theatre across the street to 6 Mill Street East in 1948 and renamed The Roxy. This theatre would operate until closing in 1961.
The first known movie theatre in Georgetown was the Rex Theatre, dating back to 1914. Another theatre to open in Georgetown was the Gregory Theatre, located at 72 Mill Street, owned by Russell Gregory, in December 1928. It too, same as the theatre in Acton, would eventually be renamed The Roxy but later sold to Odeon. In April 1958, this theatre suffered fire damage and did not reopen, despite the building receiving renovations.
The final movie theatre to operate in Halton Hills was the Georgetown Cinemas 3, bringing movies back to Georgetown after 21 years. It operated at 235 Guelph Street from March 1979 until its closing in May 2008, marking the end of commercial movie theatres in Halton Hills.
It is to note, the John Elliott Theatre at the the Halton Hills Public Library, Georgetown branch, known as the Halton Hills Cultural Centre, occasionally presents films.
The Roxy Theatre, 6 Mill Street E., Acton - 1955 Photo Credit: Dills Collection
The former Gregory Theatre, 72 Mill Street, Georgetown - 2022
Photo Credit: Town of Halton Hills
Grand Opening advert for Georgetown Cinemas 3, from The Herald; February 28th, 1979
Photo Credit: The Herald / Halton Hills Public Library
The earliest known surviving film, capturing a location in Halton Hills, is of Acton from early 1935 showing the shovelling of snow on Mill Street East.
Recorded on 8 mm film, Pharmacist Ted Hassard used a hand-cranked camera capturing a group of men shovelling snow outside his store, once located at 32 Mill Street East. It also includes brief scenes along Mill Street and even a scene of cars turning at the intersection of Mill & Main Streets, with the Dominion Hotel seen in the background.
Another example of early surviving film would that be of Stars of the Town: Acton from 1949.
Filmed by Rev. Roy Massecar, and part of the University of Western Ontario archives, it too, like Hassard's film, captures life around Acton but in greater length and at a time when the community was booming with industry.
Today, Halton Hills continues to be a favourite place among directors and producers of films for its unique landscape and small town charm.
A frame from the Ted Hassard film of men shovelling snow on Mill Street East - 1935
Photo Credit: Hassard Collection
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