Jax Jr. History

The Jax Jr. has had two distinguished predecessors at its location. The first was the Premier Theatre which John B. "Jack" Eames, "The Dean of New England Motion Picture Exhibitors", purchased in 1920 and was destroyed by fire in 1924. Jack rebuilt the block along with a new 800 seat Premier Theatre.

In 1941, a most extraordinary event for a small town theatre occurred; the World Premier of "The Great Lie" starring Bette Davis, a famous actress of that era. The event which was April 5, 1941, coincided with Bette's birthday so it was a twofold celebration, and what a celebration it was! The occasion brought tremendous publicity to Littleton attracting some 10,000 enthusiastic spectators.

In 1949 the Block was again leveled by fire prompting Jack to declare that he would not only build a fireproof structure, but that it would contain the finest theatre in New Hampshire. True to his word, the award-winning Jax Jr. opened on March 17, 1951. The first movie shown was "Royal Wedding" starring June Powell and Fred Astaire. Congratulatory messages were received from a host of Hollywood Greats including Bob Hope, Betty Hutton, Bing Crosby and Alan Ladd.

In November 1952, the Jax Jr. received the Jay Emanuel Merit Award, the highest honor accorded by the Motion Picture Industry.

On February 8, 1975, the Jax Jr. also had the distinction of a hosting a World Premier. The movie, shot on location in Littleton, with local residents taking part in some of the scenes was titled "Two" starring Sarah Venable. The Film was later titled "Captive".

In 1982 the Jax Jr. was divided into two Cinemas each with a capacity of nearly 300 seats. During construction the marquee read, "Closed. We're having Twins".

On January 28, 2011,The Jax Jr. Cinemas became New Hampshire's first all Digital 3D Cinema. 2011 marked the 60th anniversary of the Jax. Jr. Cinemas and with the arrival of Digital 3D Cinema the Jax Jr. continues a proud tradition of being one of the most modern movie theaters in the world.

Visit us and enjoy our pre-show digital trivia, new high back rocking chairs, Dolby Digital sound and and ultra vivid digital picture.