The Revue has occupied its Roncesvalles Ave. location since opening in 1912 and, until June 2006, never closed its doors. That gave it the distinction of being one of the oldest continuously running movie theatres in the country. Built by the Suburban Amusement Company Ltd., construction commenced with the issuing of a building permit on November 22, 1911. A license to show movies was granted by the end of January 1912, and the Revue opened soon after. To get an idea just how long the Revue has been around, consider this: the first films shown there were silent! (Music for such films would be provided by a piano, a location for which is shown in early architectural plans from the time.)

Last year, at the urging of the Revue Film Society, the Toronto Preservation Board recognized the heritage value of elements of the Revue’s façade, and recommended historic designation. The building is described as having classical Edwardian details, typical of the World War 1 era.

The distinctive Art Deco marquee was a later addition but became the feature everyone associated with the slightly shabby but endearing neighbourhood theatre. It came crashing down one night in February 2007, when a weakened supporting chain snapped under the weight of ice and snow. The metal lettering that graced the canopy was saved.

The Revue, which was part of the Festival Cinemas group, had been owned by Etobicoke resident, accountant and film buff Peter McQuillan. He died in 2004, and his children decided to sell it after continuing to operate it and two other theatres, the Royal and the Kingsway, for almost two years.

A new era has now begun. Sold to local residents Danny and Letty Mullin, and leased to the Revue Film Society, the Revue is now a cinema run by a community-based organization. With "Reel diversity, Real Community" as its moto, the Revue intends to be around for many, many more years to come.