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Penthouse Premiere


Deseret News, 11 July 1968, page A18

A “piggy-back” theater, first of its kind in Utah, will be inaugurated Friday with the premiere of the movie “Rosemary's Baby” at the new Utah Penthouse.

The Penthouse is in the top section of the building which houses the Utah Theater on Main Street.  Opening of the Penthouse is the final phase of a remodeling of the building.

Dr. Dolittle

Moviegoers who enter the Utah Theater beginning Friday may attend either “Rosemary's Baby,” in the Penthouse on the top level, or “Dr. Dolittle,” which is already screening on the Utah Theatre (bottom) level.

The piggyback theater setup, although found in several cities around the country, is new to Salt Lake City.  Prior to the opening of the Penthouse, that area of the building was vacant.  By filling the vacuum with another theater, the management is able to realize added revenue from ticket sales, while still having relatively the same upkeep.

Old Ceiling

A unique feature of the Penthouse is the old ceiling, having a colorful antique motif, lending charm to the theater in contrast to the modern luxury of the seats, drapes, etc.

The Penthouse has 637 seats, compared to 807 in the Utah Theatre, according to Roger Peyton, who will be manager for both theaters.

“Rosemary's Baby,” will open Friday at noon.

Mature Picture

Suggested for mature audiences only, “Rosemary's Baby” is a Paramount picture based on a best-selling novel, which has done well whenever it has shown.

Mia Farrow, who plays the leading role, has been mentioned as a possible Oscar contender for the film.  Other cast members include John Cassavetes, Ruth Gordon, Ralph Bellamy, Sidney Blackmer and Maurice Evans.

The movie is a “thriller-diller” about modern witchcraft, with a surprise ending.