Robert E. Lee Theatre

Here is a 2006 photo of what remains of the theatre.

The Robert E. Lee was built by Joy N. Houck, owner of Joy's Theatres Inc., who operated many theatres throughout Louisiana and surrounding states.
I remember seeing Funny Girl at Joy's Robert E. Lee. Mr. Houck once told me that he showed Dr. Zhivago for over a year at the 'Lee'.
It was sold to National General Theatres, then became a Mann Theatre.
An identical theatre, with the same name, was built by Joy's Theatres in Baton Rouge, La at 5800 Plank Road. The Baton Rouge Robert E. Lee closed in 1987.

This is another recent photo.

The Robert E. Lee hosted some great movies in its day. I saw the Poseidon Adventure, the Towering Inferno, Star Trek the Motion Picture, and many others at this great theater. If you lived on the Lakefront and wanted to see a top line movie on the big screen....the Robert E. Lee was it. Unfortunately, as with all single screen theaters, it couldn't keep up with the multiplex's. But I still think of it as one of the best movie theaters I ever experienced.

ATP

The Robert E. Lee was demolished last week. According to an article in the Times Picyune, it opened in 1965. I saw The Poseidon Adventure, The Towering Inferno, The Excorcist, For Pete's Sake, Harold and Maude and many other great films at this theater.

Louis Malle's "PRETTY BABY" set in New Orleans opened at the Robert E.Lee Theatre. $1.50 before 1:45pm. Last show was at 9:30pm. Wonder what kind of business it did.