Visulite Theatre

The Visulite Theatre seated 500 people.

The Visulite Theatre utilized rear-screen projection, possibly the only such installation in Charlotte. It was an intimate space, with the feel of a real art house.

In the 1960s the Visulite ran the movie "Goldfinger" for almost a year. It also ran "art house" films. The old marquee and ticket window are gone, but at least the theater is still there, and is being used as a performance space.

It's too bad the old marquee and ticket window can't be returned to this 'performance space'.

The Visulite Theatre was built in 1938 with seating for 540 patrons.

I read that it utilized rear-screen projection which is interesting as I guess that was a rare feature. My husband's hometown theatre in PA utilized this projection. When I asked him about his theatre memories while growing up as a young boy that was the first thing he mentioned!

There are many theatres listed under Charlotte NC so if anyone can tell me about a theatre that I spotted in the NoDa section of the city, thanks. I was trying to find someone's home near Matheson and North Davidson when I spotted a small theatre in that part of town, but didn't have time to go around the block and check it out!

Patsy,
That was the Aster Theater on 36th Street. In the 1960's, it was the only place in Charlotte to see sex flicks... my mom wouldn't let me even look in that direction. Now it's a concert venue: The Neighborhood Theater

Oops, I meant to spell that Astor...

ohenry: Funny story and it sounds like your mom was a concerned and loving mother. Now if we could only generate concern and love for Charlotte's Carolina Theatre! If you wish to learn more about this theatre, please contact Charlie Clayton at the following email address: cclayton@carolina.rr.com and/or log onto the following site for a complete history of the Carolina Theatre: http://www.theatreorgans.com/nc/metrolina/carolina/

Here is a photo of the Visulite Theater.

If this theatre had a history, it's long gone now!

I heard at a meeting at CPCC a while back that Grubb Properties wanted to restore the facade of this theatre as part of their Elizabeth Ave. Project.

Already Taken: Plans to restore the facade of this theatre would be a wonderful start and certainly help the Elizabeth Ave. Project.

I so remember this place in the early'70s. I saw several pictures there that were considered 'art' films, like 'Harold and Maude'. ;-) We used to go there late nights and then hit the Krispy Kreme on Independence Blvd. There was a Earth Shoes store across the street!

This is the website for the Visulite Theater.

I have many fond memories of movie going at the Visulite in the 70's and early 80's. It was Charlotte's art house venue at the time and they showed great films. I saw my first subtitled movies here and learned to love alternative cinema. Luckily the Manor Theater has taken up some of the slack now that the Visulite is a music venue. The art house programming at the Manor sure is tame in comparison to the good old days of the Visulite though.

1984 photo of the Visulite Theatre.
http://americanclassicimages.com/Default.aspx?tabid=141&txtSearch=CATAdvancedSearch1%2c33%2c3%2c-1&catpageindex=5&ProductID=31291

There is also a Visulite Theater in Staunton, Virginia, as well (I think it's around the same size) which also featured back-of-the-screen projection. It sat empty for a number of years and then, I believe it was a playhouse. After an extensive restoration it is once again a movie theater, though I don't think the films are projected from behind the screen anymore as I don't believe the equipment exists today to support that technology.

aarfeld
The Visulite Theatre in Staunton, VA. is listed on Ct.

http://cinematreasures.org/theater/7644/