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Home » Theater Guide » Location » United States » Michigan » Detroit » Redford Theatre

Redford Theatre

Detroit, MI
17360 Lahser Road
, Detroit, MI 48219 United States
(map)
313.537.2560
Status: Open
Screens: Single Screen
Style: Atmospheric, Oriental
Function: Movies (Classic), Special Events
Seats: 1661
Chain: Independent
Architect: Unknown
Firm: Verner, Wilhelm and Molby
Redford Theatre
The Redford's vertical sign when it was part of the Kunsky chain
Photo courtesy of Oren Walther
This 1928 Detroit neighborhood house was built to resemble a Japanese outdoor garden theater. The theater was opened by the Kunsky chain on January 27, 1928, with a seating capacity of 2,051. It was purchased by the Goldberg family in 1931 as part of their Community Theaters circuit.

The Motor City chapter of the American Theatre Organ Society took over operation of the Redford Theatre in 1974, and purchased the building in 1977. Since that time the all volunteer staff has run it as a classic films/rental/stage show/organ concert venue. Much of the original Japanese Atmospheric style decor was altered in past decades, and the MCTOS have been working for many years to re-create what was lost.

Recently the theater has a new computerized light board and new historically accurate seats. Restoration is continuing as funds and time permit. The classic film series shows a different film every other weekend.

Related Websites

The Redford Theatre (Official)
Contributed by John Lauter, Oren Walther

YOUR COMMENTS

 
A beautiful theatre lovingly restored by the Motor City Theatre Organ Society! You can't beat the Redford for movie classics!
posted by BrianCarmody on Mar 7, 2001 at 2:48am
This theater was designed with a Japanese decor which was covered over after December 7, 1941 for obvious reasons. The original decor has been restored in recent years.
posted by gflinn on May 29, 2002 at 2:47pm
LOL, thanks for the info gfinn, funny to think about them covering the decor! Are they all still Japanese decor? Anyone have any interior pictures? I am curious to see what it looks like inside
posted by SNWEB.ORG on Dec 1, 2003 at 11:46am
Neo there are some great pics of the interior and exterior on their website. Both vintage and current, Then and now it is still a beautiful palace.
posted by Chuck1231 on Mar 24, 2004 at 4:42pm
Perhaps the only other Japanese themed theatre in the US is on this page here: http://cinematreasures.org/theater/1356/
posted by Jim Rankin on Apr 16, 2004 at 5:55am
I saw "Born Free" there and also "Sands of the Kalihari".
posted by brian74 on Jun 4, 2004 at 12:33pm
Turns out that this CT page's account of the Los Angeles LINDA LEA THEATRE, is one of but three that once graced that city in Japanese style: http://cinematreasures.org/theater/3493/
posted by Jim Rankin on Jun 14, 2004 at 6:43am
I used to attend Mr. Michigan and Mr. Great lakes bodybuilding contests there back in the 1970's and 1980's.
posted by johnnyb on Jul 7, 2004 at 6:55pm
Favorite moments at the Redford (early 80's) include a winter power failure (when a local transformer exploded). First, we all sat around and sang songs as one of the organists pulled out an old upright piano. After an hour or so, they realized we couldn't finish the movie (Paint Your Wagon), so they opened the side door of the theater and drove in a Volkswagen Beetle! The driver pointed his headlights out into the auditorium so everyone could safely exit. We sang all the way home.
posted by Tom Ervin on Jul 15, 2005 at 8:21pm
Only the Redford would be able to have a master organist playing along with the opening credits of Ben Hur! I can still hear the organ chimes.
posted by Tom Ervin on Jul 15, 2005 at 8:24pm
I love the Redford. If only the city of theatres could have held onto a few more..
posted by ranger emily on Aug 20, 2005 at 5:13pm
I saw Phantom of the Opera (1925 - Lon Chaney), Some like it Hot (M Monroe) and The Mark of Zorro back in the early 90's. Only classics were being shown then, and just one of two showings a month. But a memorable experience with the organ.
posted by Buster on Sep 9, 2005 at 9:02am
Nice color photo of the Redford Theatre.
http://www.agilitynut.com/05/6/redford.jpg
posted by Chuck1231 on Sep 27, 2005 at 9:02pm
I hope to be able to come for IMITATION OF LIFE, that is one of my all time favs !!
posted by BoxOffice70MM on Nov 1, 2005 at 5:29pm
As one of the people restoring the Redford I want to say thanks for all the complements. We still need your help. Bring all you friends to see the Redford.
posted by allenfitz on Nov 2, 2005 at 7:16am
She's a beautiful place. My husband and I were there all the time while dating and engaged. We really miss it now that we're in PA! How is the artist's space/lounge in the back doing? It was really exciting to get a peek at that.
posted by NightingaleJen on Jan 2, 2007 at 3:12pm
This is a recent photo of the Redford Theater.

posted by Lost Memory on Jan 3, 2007 at 8:06am
Added to the National Register of Historical Places in 1985

Redford Theatre Building (added 1985 - Building - #85000171)
17354 Lahser Rd., Detroit
Historic Significance: Architecture/Engineering, Event
Architect, builder, or engineer: Shreve,R.F., Verner,Wilhelm & Mobly
Architectural Style: Other
Area of Significance: Performing Arts, Architecture
Period of Significance: 1925-1949
Owner: Private
Historic Function: Commerce/Trade, Recreation And Culture
Historic Sub-function: Theater
Current Function: Commerce/Trade, Recreation And Culture
Current Sub-function: Business, Theater

posted by Lost Memory on Jan 5, 2007 at 5:29am
My wife and I saw "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers" along with a Bugs Bunny cartoon last weekend. Four dollar? They should charge more!! The price at the concessions was great! The organ music before, at the intermission and the end was fantastic. WE WILL BE BACK!
posted by Northstar on Mar 9, 2007 at 9:19am
Here is another recent photo of the Redford Theater.

posted by Lost Memory on Mar 13, 2007 at 7:18am
The Norelco DP-70 projectors (70MM/35mm) came from the former Summit Cinerama Theatre (aka: Cass Theatre) before that theatre was razed.
posted by William on Oct 9, 2007 at 5:00pm
Another photo can be seen here.

posted by Lost Memory on Feb 3, 2008 at 12:39pm
This website has photos of the Redford Theater.

posted by Lost Memory on Mar 18, 2008 at 6:12pm
A night view of the Redford Theater.

posted by Lost Memory on Mar 23, 2008 at 8:38pm
Another photo is on this website.

posted by Lost Memory on Dec 19, 2008 at 7:39pm
Redford Theater at night

posted by Lost Memory on Apr 4, 2009 at 1:06pm
1982 Photo

1984 Photo

posted by Lost Memory on May 6, 2009 at 1:52pm
2007 photo of the Redford by CT member Derek Farr
http://www.flickr.com/photos/detroitderek/1289982138/in/set-72157602770798694/
posted by Chuck1231 on Aug 14, 2009 at 11:09pm
This is a photo of the interior.

posted by Lost Memory on Sep 9, 2009 at 5:11pm
Here is a recent photo of the Redford.

posted by Lost Memory on Nov 6, 2009 at 9:58am
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