Belcourt Theatre

The main auditorium, which opened in 1925, currently seats 340. The second auditorium, which was added in 1966, seats 410.

A Kimball organ Size 2/5 was installed in the Hillsboro Theater in 1925.

I read that this theatre was once called the Hillsboro. Does this restored theatre still have its 1925 Kimball organ?

According to the Belcourt Theater website, this theater opened as the Hillsboro Theater and was renamed the Nashville Community Playhouse before becoming the Belcourt Theater. There should be an aka name of Nashville Community Playhouse.

The official website gives the complete history dating back to when it first opened so at least Nashville's grass-root efforts saved this one! I wonder if the 'twin' description is correct?

I don't know if Jack forgot that he had taken this photo of the Belcourt Theater, but I found it and I'm posting it here. I hope he doesn't mind.

Here is a 2007 photo of the Belcourt Theater.

In the 60s this theatre was called and advertized as the Belcourt Playhouse. Later in the decade, it was called the Belcourt Cinema. Played foreign films mostly - risque ones at that. Things you wouldn't see anywhere else in Nashville: ...If, Elvira Madigan, Here We Go 'Round the Mulberry Bush, I, A Woman, Therese and Isabel, etc.

The Belcourt is a twin by addition, not by division. The 1966 theater was added on the west side of the original. They both now share the same lobby.

The Belcourt is truly a great place! One auditorium shows movies that you can't find anywhere else in TN. The other auditorium hosts live events like music and theatre. The concession stand in the lobby sells liquor and beer! I love drinking while watching a show.

"Does this restored theatre still have its 1925 Kimball organ?"
Patsy: Unfortunately there are NO theatre organs left in Nashville.
I'm sure the Kimball to which you referred was removed a long time ago. I never even saw a hint of it when I attended movies there back in the 60s.
The Kimball from the Knickberbocker did service at 1st Lutheran Church until installation of current organ in early 60s. The Paramount Wurlitzer was removed and scattered abroad.

I also remember the addition of a 2nd theater. It had a smoking section of about 6 rows in the back behind a wrought iron partition. The chairs rocked. Very comfortable for its day. Much more comfortable than the smaller original theater. Saw "Easy Rider" and "Hello Dolly" there.

When The Belcourt was known as the Hillsboro Theatre, a Mr. Benedict gave the opening performance on opening day, May 15th, 1925, on the Kimball pipe organ.

Here is a b/w photo.

Photos of the Belcourt Playhouse are here in the July 8, 1963, issue of Boxoffice. The theater had recently been taken over and remodeled by Rockwood Amusement Company, and was operated as an art house. Seating had been reduced from 550 to 344. The article says the house had also been known as the Children's Theatre after being called the Community Playhouse.

Rockwood Amusement must have operated the Belcourt Playhouse for only a year or so, as by August, 1964, Boxoffice was calling it the Belcourt Cinema and said it was being operated by the Nashville Theatre Company. In 1968 it was part of Fred Massey's Masco circuit, and the August 26 issue of Boxoffice carried the announcement of Masco's intention to add a second auditorium to the house. The January 20, 1969, issue listed the Belcourt Cinema II as being under construction. I've been unable to find an opening date.