Brokaw Movie House

The Brokaw Movie House is a historic two-screen cinema in downtown Angola, Indiana, United States. It first opened in August 1931 as the Brokaw Theatre, built for owner Joe Brokaw, who managed the Opera House across the town square. Designed by architect A.M. Strauss, the theater was a single-screen house seating roughly 600 patrons and was considered the finest of its kind locally, featuring Art Deco detailing, plush leather seating, and then-cutting-edge projection technology. Its first film was the Smiling Lieutenant, shown to patrons for 50 cents each. Over the decades the Brokaw changed hands several times. In 1990 the auditorium was divided into two screens so that multiple films could be shown each night, giving rise to the name Brokaw 1 & 2 Theatre. In 2014 Scott and Melissa Glaze purchased the theater and temporarily closed it for renovation, restoring and replicating much of the original Art Deco plasterwork while adding modern conveniences; the venue was rebranded the Brokaw Movie House. In October 2020 Joe and Libby Hysong of Angola bought the theater, continuing the Glazes' restoration vision while adding their own touches, including a retail shop. Today the Brokaw Movie House operates two screens equipped with digital projectors and surround sound, modern leather high-back seating, and tables for dining. It shows a mix of new releases and cult classics and offers a full food menu including pizza, hot dogs, breadsticks, and nachos alongside traditional concessions such as popcorn, candy, and fountain sodas. The theater also rents a private suite and hosts private events and school outings, and it remains a community-focused, locally owned business in downtown Angola.

The Brokaw Theatre opened its doors in August 1931 in Angola, Indiana. It was owned by Joe Brokaw, who managed the Opera House across the town square. The first film shown on its big screen was the Smiling Lieutenant, and patrons paid just 50 cents each to see it. The theater was designed by architect A.M. Strauss, who was known locally for his design of the Embassy Theatre. It was described as the finest theater of its kind, fitted with cutting-edge technology and plush leather seating, all surrounded by Art Deco features and accents. When it opened, the Brokaw was a single-screen house that sat about 600 patrons. Ownership of the Brokaw Theatre changed hands over the years to many dedicated and dutiful owners. In 1990, the theater was divided into two screens to allow for multiple films to be shown each night, which is reflected in the name Brokaw 1 & 2 Theatre. In 2014, Scott and Melissa Glaze purchased the theater and temporarily closed it for renovations. Staying true to the original Art Deco period, the renovation repaired, restored, and replicated much of the original plasterwork. The theater was renamed the Brokaw Movie House to acknowledge both the history of the cinema and the modern conveniences installed to enhance the customer experience. In October 2020, the theater was purchased by Joe and Libby Hysong, who wanted to continue the Glazes' vision while adding unique touches of their own, including a retail shop. As of the official website, the Brokaw Movie House operates two screens with digital projectors and top-of-the-line surround sound, modern leather high-back seating, and tables for enjoying diverse concession items. It shows a variety of movies, from recent blockbusters to cult classics, and offers a full food menu including pizza, hot dogs, breadsticks, and nachos, alongside popcorn, candy, and fountain sodas. The theater also has a private suite available for rent and hosts private events and school outings, and it remains an active part of the Angola community.

• 2020

  Joe and Libby Hysong purchase the theater in October, continuing the restoration vision and adding a retail shop.

• 2014

  Scott and Melissa Glaze purchase the theater and temporarily close it for renovations, restoring original Art Deco plasterwork and renaming it the Brokaw Movie House.

• 1990

  The theater is divided into two screens to allow multiple films to be shown each night.

• 1931

  The Brokaw Theatre opens in August in Angola, Indiana, owned by Joe Brokaw; first film shown is the Smiling Lieutenant at 50 cents per ticket.

A historic, community-focused, locally owned Art Deco movie theater offering modern amenities and in-theatre dining in downtown Angola, Indiana.

• Movie screenings

  Two screens showing new releases and cult classics with digital projectors and surround sound.

• Concessions

  Popcorn, candy, and fountain sodas.

• Full food menu

  Pizza, hot dogs, breadsticks, nachos, and more.

• Private suite rental

  A private suite available for rent.

• Theatre rental

  Hosting private events and school outings.

• Gift cards and certificates

  Gift cards and certificates available for purchase.

1. 1Brokaw Movie House - Angola, Indiana - Homethebrokaw.com
2. 2History - Brokaw Movie House - Angola, Indianathebrokaw.com
3. 3About - Brokaw Movie House - Angola, Indianathebrokaw.com
4. 4Brokaw 1 & 2 Theatre - Wikidatawikidata.org