Capitol Theatre
213 Franklin Street,
Clarksville,
TN
37040
213 Franklin Street,
Clarksville,
TN
37040
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Additional Info
Previously operated by: Crescent Amusement Co., Martin Theatres
Architects: Joseph W. Holman
Firms: Marr & Holman
Previous Names: Nu-Capitol Theatre
Nearby Theaters
The Capitol Theatre was a replacement for the earlier 1928 Capitol Theatre across the road which had been destroyed by fire in 1935. The Nu-Capitol Theatre was opened April 30, 1936 with Janet Gaynor in “Small Town Girl”. It was initially designed for both live and film presentation. By the time the Capitol Theatre was acquired by Martin Theatres chain, it was strictly a first run film exhibitor.
The Capitol Theatre was closed October 17, 1974 with Jack Nicholson in “Chinatown”. It was demolished in late-1983. By 2022 the site was used as a parking space.
Contributed by
Jack Coursey
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Recent comments (view all 5 comments)
The Capitol was opened in the early 1930’s. There is a sound, B&W film made of the Capitol’s opening with interviews of businesspeople and “acts” by some of the local talent. It’s a treasure if anyone would know where it is.
I remember it well. I left Clarksville in 1960. The Capitol was still going great!
I live very near where this used to be. I believe it is a jewelry store now. What a shame.
There is a photo of the Capitol Theatre on page 72 of Clarksville, by Liana Mitchell and Joel Wallace (Google Books preview.) The caption says that the theater in the photo opened in 1936, replacing the original Capitol Theatre which had opened across the street in 1928 and had been destroyed by a fire in 1935. A low, rather ugly red brick garage has replaced the handsome Art Deco theater building.
April 30, 1936 opening ad with “Small Town Girl” in photos. As noted above, the Capitol Theatre replaced the burned out previous Capitol across the street. Architectural plan was by Marr and Holman of Nashville with Joseph W. Holman. The theatre closed on October 17, 1974 with “Chinatown.” It was ostensibly replaced by the opening of the Martin Twin. The Capitol Theatre was razed after being vacant late in 1983.
A parking garage occupies the space at present.