Marshall Theatre

172 E. Grundy Street,
Tullahoma, TN 37388

Unfavorite 1 person favorited this theater

Additional Info

Styles: Art Deco

Nearby Theaters

Marshall Theatre in 1985

The Marshall Theatre was a Tullahoma attraction on East Grundy Street for many generations of movie-goers. Opened December 25, 1940, it’s Art Deco style architecture made the building a unique landmark in the city until it was demolished in 1985.

Contributed by Jack Coursey

Recent comments (view all 11 comments)

htbentley
htbentley on August 24, 2007 at 11:09 am

I was the First Christian Church Board Chair at the time the church bought the theater and eventually had the building razed. This was our only room to expand and still remain in the downtown area. The front was made like a tank with a lot of concrete. The marquee came down with just a light touch from a bulldozer. The back wall was only a brick thick and over two stories high. It crashed very quickly … it could have been a real safety issue. We certainly wished there was a way to have saved the classic structure. The movie rate structure eventually lead to it’s demise and the development of the multi theater Regal Cinema. I have saved a classic fire extinguisher and am looking for a picture of the theater for a plaque and brass inscription.

Mike Rogers
Mike Rogers on August 3, 2010 at 5:58 pm

What nice looking theatre. It was a Cumberland Amusement Company Theatre back in the late 50’s.

bigdaveford
bigdaveford on May 4, 2011 at 12:13 am

This is one of my friends from Tullahoma http://www.myspace.com/scorpioblueyes
Go to his pictures page then go to the Marshall album.
Its was a beautiful theater

TLSLOEWS
TLSLOEWS on May 4, 2011 at 6:13 am

Yes very nice,very 40,s looking.

Mike Rogers
Mike Rogers on May 27, 2011 at 7:30 am

Thanks Big Dave.

donaldintn
donaldintn on August 8, 2011 at 12:33 pm

I’ve created a Facebook fansite for Coffee County’s Marshall Theatre, Arnold Drive-In and Manchester Drive-In. I’ve started by uploading scans of all my vintage show cards for these theatres. Go to my site below, then click the link to the Marshall Theatre site.

http://www.facebook.com/#!/donaldfarmerofficial

seywhut
seywhut on December 27, 2012 at 1:56 pm

It opened christmas day 1940 and the whole town is very very well aware of the “need” for a parking lot “expansion” for the church. It could have been saved. They just didn’t want to. I remember the main publicized reason was that the balcony was terribly unsafe. It was the hardest part to destroy with all the iron girders. It was torn down in 1985. The new cinema put it out of business. Was a sad loss for selfish needs. The entire town was outraged! The head of the committee was also the local historian. How quaint! It was a major landmark in the town and one that should have not been lost.

vnnny009
vnnny009 on June 28, 2015 at 11:03 am

I wish it was still here.I used to go every Saturday with my aunt or cousin while our mothers shopped and then sometimes I would go on Saturday nights if my brothers went.It was a Beautiful theater..Go to the square in Winchester at night and look at theirs all lite up it is so Beautiful…

dentonrose
dentonrose on November 23, 2017 at 8:01 pm

My mom played before movies in one of the city’s movie houses in the 1940’s with a Lois Berryhill. Anyone ever heard of her?

randyorr
randyorr on March 20, 2022 at 8:37 am

https://www.facebook.com/donaldfarmerofficial/photos_albums

You must login before making a comment.

New Comment

Subscribe Want to be emailed when a new comment is posted about this theater?
Just login to your account and subscribe to this theater.