VL Cinema Grand Opening – Sept. 3, 1964

Here's an ad that kind of symbolizes the transition that began to occur in Lorain in the 1960s. The ad ran on Sept. 2, 1964 in the Journal and announced the Grand Opening of the VL Cinema in the former Dreamland Theater – 48 years ago this month.

What the Dreamland was showing in May 1963

An article that ran in the paper the same day explained, "The VL Cinema, 1936 Broadway, opens formally with entirely new exterior and interior trimmings and a new program policy.

Referring to the Dreamland, the article noted "As a popular Central Lorain movie house operated by the Zegiob family and later by State Rep. Maurice Brown, it served two generations of Lorain Movie fans. In its new role it will be the only outlet between Cleveland and Toledo for first-run modern films."

The VL stands for Vic-Lin Enterprises, which was headed by Frank Nardini (who acquired the property from the Zegiob interests).

The inaugural VL Cinema movie, A Taste of Honey, was described as a 1961 controversial comedy-drama adapted from a Broadway stage hit.

I don't know, it's a long way from Cary Grant, Doris Day and Tom & Jerry!