Loew's Theatres, Inc. - 1968-1969 dated Entertainment & Movies Stock Certificate - Movie Theater Chain

Stock printed by Security-Columbian Banknote Company.

Founded in 1904 by Marcus Loew, Loew’s Theatres started as a modest chain of nickelodeons and vaudeville houses in Cincinnati, Ohio. Loew’s vision was to provide high-quality entertainment at an affordable price, which allowed him to rapidly expand his presence across New York City and the United States. By the late 1910s, the company had become a dominant force in the industry, known for its architectural marvels called “Movie Palaces,” designed by renowned architects like Thomas W. Lamb. To ensure a steady supply of films for its extensive network of screens, Loew orchestrated a series of high-profile acquisitions, notably merging Metro Pictures, Goldwyn Pictures, and Louis B. Mayer Productions in 1924 to form Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM).

The mid-20th century brought significant challenges and transformations for the company. Following the 1948 Supreme Court “Paramount Decree,” which compelled studios to divest from their theater chains, Loew’s Inc. was legally required to separate from MGM in 1959. Shortly after, the company was acquired by the Tisch brothers (Loews Corporation), who diversified the brand into hotels and insurance while preserving the theater legacy. After decades of various ownership changes and industry consolidation, Loew’s entered a major merger with Cineplex Odeon in 1998, followed by an ultimate acquisition by AMC Theatres in 2006. While the “Loew’s” name has largely faded from marquees, the company’s history continues to shape the modern American cinematic experience.