The Esquire Theater

Tucked between an eclectic coffee house and a Mexican bar and grill in Clifton’s Gaslight District, the art deco façade of the Esquire Theater announces itself with bold colors and neon signage. Had events unfolded a little differently, all of that would have been replaced by the smiling, freckled face and red braids of the Wendy’s girl. 

At its inception in 1911, this building was known as the Clifton Opera House. Just four years later, it was renamed the Clifton Theatre (and, later still, the Esquire Theatre), which better reflected its entertainment offerings. Cincinnatians poured into the 500-seater to enjoy silent movies and live events, marveling at the magical new world of film. Unfortunately, this early success did not augur smooth sailing ahead for the cinema. Over the years, its fortunes fluctuated greatly, to the point where it was almost permanently shut.

 After a short-lived and entirely unsurprising interval in the 1960’s in which the Esquire was used as an art house, it reverted to its cinematic function. Nevertheless, competition from VCRs, improved home viewing options, and large chain theaters dramatically reduced profit, and the theater shuttered its doors in 1983. Almost immediately afterwards, the owner announced that Wendy’s would buy the space. Locals vigorously protested this announcement and tried to prevent its realization by forming committees, hosting fundraisers, and launching cases in court.

 Over six years later, the Cliftonians won. Using the capital they had raised, as well as funds from investors, they transformed the dilapidated single-room theater into a 400-person capacity triplex. Since then, the financial success of the theater has enabled it to expand to a six-screen establishment.

Today, the Esquire Theater remains the beating heart of the Clifton community’s small shopping and restaurant district. Movie enthusiasts purchase tickets to watch the indie and foreign films screened there, or to attend and participate in live performances of The Room or The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Many locals contend that quirky cinema’s survival was instrumental in preserving the character of Clifton. Had it become a Wendy’s, more commercialization would likely have followed, and the small, walkable neighborhood would be unrecognizable today.