Introduction
SAVAR Theatre — one of the most modern places of amusement in America — when opened in 1938 it was the first theatre in America to present its talkies through RCA’S improved sound reproducing system, since adopted by the majority of theatres in the United States.
Although the caption indicates a 1938 opening, the picture above was taken in 1936, when the movie “Country Doctor” starring Jean Hersholt was released. Although generally forgotten today, Hersholt appeared in over 130 films between 1906 and his passing in 1956.
The Savar was the flagship theater of the Savar Theatre Corporation chain, which was founded by Samuel Varbalow. His brother, Joseph A. Varbalow, also served as an officer of the corporation, as well as practicing law in Camden. Another brother, Harry, passed away in 1940. Other theaters in the Savar chain in Camden included the Auditorium, which was torn down and rebuilt as the Rio; the Victoria, the Towers, the Midway, and the Arlo.
Located just to the east of the Camden Trust bank building on Market Street, the Savar in 1938 was the first theater to utilize a new sound system that had been developed by the Radio Corporation of America, otherwise known as RCA, which had its research and development facilities in Camden at the time.
The Varbalow family had roots in the Jewish agricultural settlements established near Hammonton before the turn of the century. They came to Camden prior to World War I, and engaged in realty, building, shoe stores, and other business. The family settled first in South Camden, and shortly afterwards in Cramer Hill. In the late 1940s, Samuel and Joseph A. Varbalow both lived in the 2600 block of Baird Boulevard, between Marlton Pike and Federal Street. Their neighbors included realtor Edward J. Borden and tavern owner David Plasky.
Deteriorating economic conditions in Camden, caused by the closing of many of Camden’s major employers, translated into declining attendance. By 1970 the Savar had closed its doors. The building has been gone for decades.
‘Who’s Who’ Contest Ends at Savar Today
Camden Courier-Post —
A last chance to win $100 in cash prizes in the “Who’s Who in Camden” contest will be given patrons of the Savar theatre today. The contest closes at midnight.
Movie fans of South Jersey are showing considerable interest in the game of picking various merchants and civic leaders from motion pictures of their backs.
Entry blanks are furnished patrons as they enter the theatre and at each performance the film, “Who’s Who,” is run with full instructions as to the marking of blanks. It is not necessary to pick all the persons shown on the screen, but those who name the greatest number will be awarded prizes.
Cash prizes of $50, $30 and $20 are to be given the persons who know local business and civic leaders back to back as well as face to face.
Sonja Henie & Don Ameche in “Happy Landing”
Camden Courier-Post —
Named: SAVAR, February 21, 1938, and Sonja Henie & Don Ameche in “HAPPY LANDING”.
October 1939 Street Advertising
Street advertising for the Savar Theater near South 2nd Street and Mickle Street, October 1939. Photograph by Arthur Rothstein for the Farm Security Administration.
Says Savar Pulled One
Camden Courier-Post —
Says Savar Pulled One
To the Editor:
It seems as if the public doesn’t know the difference between Billy Conn and Patrick Comiskey.
Please check up on the poster advertising the Joe Louis–Billy Conn 15-round heavyweight fight in front of the Savar Theatre.
It is not Billy Conn’s picture that appears on the poster.
It is Patrick Comiskey’s picture, young heavyweight from Paterson, N. J.
Am I right or wrong? Conn or Comiskey? GEORGE J. RUIZ. 1823 Forty-fourth Street.
Man Hunt
Camden Courier-Post —
Named: SAVAR, July 23, 1941, and “Man Hunt”.
Moon Over Miami
Camden Courier-Post —
Named: SAVAR, July 30, 1941, and “Moon Over Miami”.
How Green Was My Valley
Camden Courier-Post —
"WHAT SIN CAN THERE BE IN A LOVE LIKE OURS?"
SAVAR MARKET at BROADWAY
Now Showing
Richard Llewellyn's HOW GREEN WAS MY VALLEY
with WALTER PIDGEON · MAUREEN O'HARA · DONALD CRISP · ANNA LEE · RODDY McDOWALL
Feature Presented at 11.01 - 1.05 - 3.14 - 5.53 - 7.32 - 9.46
SCOOP! Actual Scenes U. S. Navy Bombing the Jap Isles
The Stanley Theater, Camden Trust, and Savar Theater
1952
Market Street east of Broadway, 1952, showing the Stanley Theater, the Camden Trust, and the Savar Theater.
7 Faces of Dr. Lao
Camden Courier-Post —
Ends Today: “Brass Bottle” & “The Raiders”
EMerson 5-9630 SAVAR MARKET AT BROADWAY STARTS TOMORROW
New Jersey Premiere Showing:
BOLT THE DOORS! LOCK THE WINDOWS! DR. LAO’S COMING TO TOWN!
M-G-M presents A GEORGE PAL PRODUCTION starring TONY RANDALL 7 FACES OF DR. LAO
ARTHUR O’CONNELL in METROCOLOR BARBARA EDEN · JOHN ERICSON
Shown 12:15, 2:15, 4:10, 6:10, 8:10 and 10:05
FREE PARKING AFTER 6:00 P.M.—SMOKING SECTION
A Memory of the Savar
I Graduated in 1940 from Merchantville High and when my husband and I were dating went to Camden almost every night. Skated first at 4th & Federal and then at 7th and Cooper, then for movies Friday at the Grand, Saturday night at the Savar and Sunday at the Stanley for the stage show. Saw many of the big bands there — it was a wonderful time to be young.
— June Styron Formont, January 2004
Midway Theatre Opened by Mayor
Camden Courier-Post —
Mayor Brunner cut a ribbon across the remodeled Midway Theatre, Broadway and Carman street, today, to open Camden’s newest first-run movie house.
The ceremonies were attended by Army recruiting officials and a sergeant, representing the U. S. Air Force, in conjunction with the first showing of “The Wild Blue Yonder.”
The photoplay is the film story of the U. S. Air Force B-29s, starring Wendell Corey, Forrest Tucker, Vera Ralston, Phil Harris and Walter Brennan.
These Hollywood stars, scheduled to appear in person for the first eastern showing of the Air Force classic, wired their regrets to Arthur Smith, manager of the theatre. Smith also displayed congratulatory messages from Bing Crosby, Judy Canova, Betty Hutton, John Wayne, Esther Williams and others.
The Midway, operated by the Savar Theatre Corp., will show the latest releases from major Hollywood studios, it was announced by Samuel Varbalow, president of the independent movie firm, and his brother, Joseph, a co-owner.
The owners have transformed the house into one of the most ornate in this area. During the two-month closing for renovations, 1000 new body-form retracting seats have been installed. The new seats make it possible for patrons to reach their seats without disturbing those whom they have to pass.
Opening New Midway
Camden Courier-Post —
Mayor Brunner, who can be seen above in tape-cutting ceremony. Others in front row are, left, Arthur Smith, theatre manager and district manager for Savar Theatre circuit, and Captain Ellison Wynn, commanding officer of the Camden Army Recruiting Station. In the rear are, left, Technical Sergeant Merle Bailey, information officer for local recruiting office, and Master Sergeant Horace A. Cooper, of the Air Force.