Imperial Theatre

124 South Tryon Street,
Charlotte, NC

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Carmichael
Carmichael on February 19, 2012 at 11:41 am

This was a tragic loss to the culture and heritage of 20th Century Charlotte. I saw several films there, but by far the most memorable was: Dr. No. The first James Bond thriller had just been released, and it was scintillating – every school boy’s dream. What a pity that this gem of a theater has been lost.

Mike Rogers
Mike Rogers on May 25, 2011 at 11:45 am

Thanks it will be great to see the lost theatres.I have a shot of the Thunderbird Drive-in There,too,

firstmom1982
firstmom1982 on May 25, 2011 at 11:35 am

I remember riding by the Imperial Theatre during shopping trips to Charlotte with my grandmother; by that time it had been closed. Patsy, I plan to order “Remembering Charlotte” and I’ll scan the photo and post it.

Mike Rogers
Mike Rogers on October 13, 2009 at 6:44 pm

Couldn’t Charlotte save any of her theatres? What’s wrong with you folks. We saved three downtown theatres in Augusta. And even Atlanta has sense enought to saved a few of their old theatres.

PatriciaCarol
PatriciaCarol on March 4, 2009 at 11:07 pm

I’m not positive, but I believe there was an art department downstairs (basement?) in the Imperial. They were responsible for the lobby cards and other signs for directing/informing theatre patrons.

ncmark
ncmark on November 30, 2008 at 11:51 am

The World Premier of the movie ‘The Vanishing American’ took place at the Imperial on September 21, 1925.

Patsy
Patsy on October 17, 2007 at 10:44 pm

Lost Memory: Found any photos other than the one I found in Remembering Charlotte?

lostmemory
lostmemory on October 17, 2007 at 6:18 pm

A Wurlitzer theater organ opus 1234 style “E” was installed in the Imperial Theater on 12/23/1925.

Patsy
Patsy on February 1, 2007 at 4:41 pm

And yes, I hope that we can all view the photo of this theatre that is within the pages of “The Time of the Trolley”.

Patsy
Patsy on February 1, 2007 at 4:39 pm

This theatre is featured in a small postcard photo within the pages of Remembering Charlotte. “Stars and constellations were wondrously projected onto the ceiling. Its narrow entrance wedged between the Bank of Charlotte and Tate-Brown Co. did not deter moviegoers. The Imperial was one of four or five profitable theaters within two blocks of the Square before suburban theaters opened.” Then in the ‘urban renewal 60’s, it was demolished due to suburban theaters. Such a shame. Fortunately, the City of Charlotte still has the Carolina Theatre, but it needs to be completely restored.

BrooklynJim
BrooklynJim on July 6, 2006 at 11:25 am

The Imperial Theatre is clearly shown in a 1928 half-page photo that appeared in William D, Middleton’s book, “The Time of the Trolley” (Kalmbach Publishing, 1967, p. 209). The theater’s marquee, unfortunately, is blocked by two passing Birney trolley cars, but the signage stands tall, sharp and ornate.

I lack the technical tools to scan and post photos, but Middleton’s book is available in many public libraries. Hopefully, some industrious person can get the job done and link the photo to this page. Good luck!