A Look Back
By Fred Miller
Seventy-five years ago, there were four movie theaters on the Ocean City Boardwalk: Surf, Strand, Village, and Moorlyn. Last year there were none, but that may change in 2023. There are plans to re-open The Moorlyn Theatre this summer.
The Moorlyn opened to much celebration in 1922. “OCEAN CITY TO HAVE FINEST THEATRE IN STATE” was the headline on the front page of the Oean City Sentinel on October 20, 1921. The article reported, “The biggest building operation in Ocean City this fall is the converting of the Casino Building at Moorlyn Terrace and the Boardwalk into a moving picture theatre that will not be surpassed by any in the State.
“The cost of remodeling, estimated to be $150,000, included the removal of the bowling alleys and building of the theatre. The Carpenter’s Dancing Casino on the second floor would not be touched.”
On June 10, 1922, the Ocean City Ledger reported on the resort’s newest attraction: “The equipment of this theatre is without question the best that can be obtained, and nothing has been spared so far as expense is concerned.
“The seats, 2,000 in number, are large, roomy and deeply upholstered. The cooling and ventilating system will be taken care of by two large ten-foot fans, drawing fresh air from the top of the building and disposing of it at the bottom, guaranteeing an entire change of air every two minutes.
“The picture will be thrown on the screen, which is larger than usual, and is so constructed that no distortion of the picture is visible from any part of the auditorium, by two of the very latest type projection machines manufactured by the Powers Company. This theatre will be the first one to use this improved type of machine.”
The June 10, 1922 Ledger included a large ad announing the grand opening of the Moorlyn Theatre.
Last month, local movie theater chain Town Square Entertainment puchased that the Moorlyn. It will live again after extensive renovations. “Ocean City deserves a movie theater” said comapany president Brett DeFafo.
