UPTOWN THEATRE
MOVIES ON MAIN STREET U.S.A.
Experience the Magic of the Movies in Walt Disney’s Childhood Hometown of Marceline, Missouri.
Why help preserve the Uptown Theatre?
There are many reasons. First, it’s the only theater in north-central Missouri that is not only still standing but will soon be on the National Register of Historic Places. Second, it has a strong connection to Walt Disney (two premieres have been held here). Third, it has a special place in the hearts of thousands of people who grew up going to this theater—first dates, living in the apartments, nights out with friends, and so much more.
About Us
The Walt Disney Hometown Historic Theater Foundation, Inc. is a registered 501c3 nonprofit run by a group of cinephiles and Disneyphiles.
In 2016, we bought the Uptown Theatre. Regrettably, while we were making improvements the COVID-19 pandemic hit, and we were forced to put the updates on hold.
Like so many other organizations and businesses, we struggled through the pandemic. As a result, the Uptown Theatre’s integrity suffered.
And like everyone else, we are now bouncing back.
History
The Uptown Theatre has been a centerpiece of Marceline for nearly 100 years and will soon get some well-deserved recognition as the the first historic property in Marceline listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The Uptown was built in 1930 by local movie magnate A. B. Cantwell and Marceline contractor Fred Wolfskill. The left (north) side of the building was The Cantwell Theatre (originally the Snappy Theatre). In 1929, Cantwell purchased the Kaiser-Koch Department Store to the right (south), hired local contractor Fred Wolfskill, and erected this theater.