Paris Theatre

New Orleans, LA

900 Elysian Fields Avenue

, New Orleans, LA 70117 United States

(map)

Status:	Closed/Demolished
Screens:	Single Screen
Style:	Unknown

Function:	Unknown
Seats:	960
Chain:	Unknown

Architect:	Unknown
Firm:	Unknown

The Elysium Theatre opened in November 1903. It was one of several theatres built in New Orleans by Henry Greenwald.
It was re-named the Dreamland in 1922. The Dreamland became part of the United Theatre chain. At some time, there was a fire in the theatre, which caused structual damage to the balcony, which was re-inforced, but the balcony did not re-open.

It continued to operate as a neighborhood theatre, until 1965, when it was bought by Arthur Barnett, and re-named the Paris, featuring adult movies.
The theatre was purchased in the early-mid 70's by George Echols company ITU, and continued showing adult product.
In 1980, Essex, one of the better adult film companies of the day, purchased the Paris and continued to operate it until 1987 when the theatre closed.

In 1989, there was a massive fire that destroyed this history filled theatre. Prior to the fire, I seem to remember reading that someone was interested in re-opening it for live theatre events.
I worked as a projectionist at the Paris, and remember going behind the screen, where the original proscenium was still intact along with the footlights from the days of vaudeville. In the balcony, there were rest rooms, and a long abandomned concession counter that I'm told were from the days when African-American patrons were seated upstairs.

Although the theatre was not in the best condition when I worked there, it's a shame that it was not restored, as there were many historical items left in the theatre, including gas jets for lighting in the balcony.

Contributed by Michael Hurley

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Here's some Paris Theatre photos:
The front of the theatre taken in about 1986:
http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z105/moviemike/New%20Orleans%20photos/ParisTheatre.jpg
Posters in the lobby probably about 1982:
http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z105/moviemike/New%20Orleans%20photos/Parislobby.jpg
And an ad probably from the late 70's for the Paris & Cine' Royale:
http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z105/moviemike/New%20Orleans%20photos/parisad-1.jpg

posted by drive-in mike on Jan 21, 2008 at 3:41pm

1982 photo of the Paris Theatre.
http://americanclassicimages.com/Default.aspx?tabid=141&txtSearch=CATAdvancedSearch1%2c18%2c3%2c-1&catpageindex=10&ProductID=27913

posted by Chuck1231 on Apr 14, 2009 at 3:34pm

I can remember Mike getting me in here for free. I would sometimes help him clean up. From 2007 to 2009, I worked at the Adult Video store on Chef Highway. The back theater has some seat from the Paris.

posted by BigEasyBarry on Aug 10, 2009 at 2:21pm

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