“The Big Fisherman”: The North American 70mm Engagements | Read more at in70mm.com The 70mm Newsletter |
| Compiled by: Michael Coate | Date: 06.06.2022 |
 The following is a reference / historical listing of the 70-millimeter engagements of “The Big Fisherman” in the United States and Canada. These were the first and best cinemas in which to experience this motion picture.“The Big Fisherman” was among five confirmed first-run films released in 1959 with 70mm prints for selected engagements. The Rowland V. Lee production and Buena Vista release — directed by Frank Borzage and starring Howard Keel, Susan Kohner, John Saxon, Martha Hyer and Herbert Lom — premiered August 4th and followed with a staggered rollout. (The film’s 35mm general release commenced during 1960.) The 70mm prints of “The Big Fisherman” featured six-track stereophonic sound and full-frame imagery sourced from Super Panavision 70 photography (known at the time and billed as “Panavision 70”). These presentations were exhibited with a reserved-seat policy (i.e. roadshow) except where noted otherwise. Premiere/Opening date YYYY-MM-DD … locale — cinema (duration in weeks) [notes] * seating not reserved ** matinee seating not reserved, evening seating reserved 1959-08-04 … New York — Rivoli (23) 1959-08-12 … Los Angeles — Vogue (19) 1959-09-30 … Philadelphia — Midtown (7) 1959-10-01 … Columbus — Cinestage (11) 1959-10-01 … Salt Lake City — Villa (17) 1959-10-06 … Boston — Gary (7) 1959-10-07 … Atlanta — Roxy* (7) 1959-10-07 … Baltimore — New* (6) 1959-10-07 … Washington — Warner (10) 1959-10-08 … Dayton — McCook (9) 1959-10-08 … Minneapolis — Academy (6) 1959-10-08 … Pittsburgh — Warner (10) 1959-10-14 … Cleveland — Colony (12) 1959-10-15 … Denver — Aladdin* (10) 1959-10-15 … Houston — Tower* (7) 1959-10-15 … Louisville — Brown (6) 1959-10-15 … Rochester — Monroe (9) 1959-10-15 … Syracuse — Eckel (8) 1959-10-16 … St. Louis — Pageant* (5) 1959-10-22 … Detroit — United Artists (9) 1959-10-22 … Kansas City — Brookside (11) 1959-10-22 … Oklahoma City — State (10) 1959-10-22 … San Diego — Capri (10) 1959-10-22 … Youngstown — State** (11) 1959-10-28 … Richmond — Willow Lawn (6) 1959-11-05 … Seattle — Blue Mouse (5) 1959-11-06 … Montreal — Seville (8) 1959-11-10 … Hartford — Strand* (4) 1959-11-11 … Little Rock — Capitol* (4) 1959-11-12 … Portland — Broadway (5) 1959-11-18 … Phoenix — Vista (9) 1959-11-19 … Miami — Florida* (8) 1959-12-25 … Birmingham — Ritz* (4) 1959-12-25 … Nashville — Crescent* (5) 1959-12-25 … St. Petersburg — Center* (6) This information has been principally referenced from film industry trade publications and regional newspaper promotion, with thanks to Sheldon Hall, Bill Kallay, Bill Kretzel, Mark Lensenmayer and W.R. Miller. The film’s international roadshow engagements (except for noting the film’s world premiere locale) have not been accounted for in this article. If you believe this article contains any errors or omissions, please consider emailing the author or editor. | More in 70mm reading: "The Big Fisherman" Filmed in Super Panavision 70 70mm Cinemas in North America in70mm.com's list of films blown up to 70mm 70mm Engagements by Title 35mm to 70mm Engagements by Year Large Format 7OMM Engagements Month by month premiere list of wide gauge and 3-strip films Chronological premiere list of major 70mm films 70mm Blow Up List Dolby Stereo |
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