Alabama Theatre
2922 S. Shepherd Drive,
Houston,
TX
77098
2922 S. Shepherd Drive,
Houston,
TX
77098
16 people
favorited this theater
The Alabama Theatre opened on November 2, 1939 with the feature “Man About Town” starring Jack Benny and Dorothy Lamour. After the Alabama Theatre closed it became a bookstore. In this use it was meticulously maintained, and resembled a theatre inside, though one with bookshelves and no seats. The screen was still present.
The bookstore closed on September 15, 2009, relocating to another unit in the mall. Preservationists are worried that the beloved Alabama Theatre is at risk of demolition.
Contributed by
Mina
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Recent comments (view all 74 comments)
The Alabama Theatre’s grand opening was at 7:15 p.m. on November 2, 1939. The premier feature was “Man About Town†with Jack Benny and Dorothy Lamour. The building contractor was George P. O’Rourke Construction Co.
Good luck on no demolition.
The Alamo Drafthouse Cinema company has shown some interest.
Even better, our Angelika Film Center, downtown, suddenly closed, about 2 months ago. Landlord disputes. I see a physical theatre needing a tenant & a living film company, needing a home.
The theatre appears to be in excellent condition and as grand as ever. Curious as to what its fate will be. How about a Midwest venue for the AFI? Bookstop (e.g. Barnes and Nobel) did a great job in restoring the theatre and keeping it up. It is a beautiful work of art both inside and out. Photos from February 2011:
1, 2,3
We’re having an issue with Weingarten Realty here in St. Louis MO. Can anyone tell me what the outcome of the Houston Theater demoltion plan was? Was Weingarten worried about the impact on their PR? Is the theater stil there? Thanks!
Weingarten Realty doesn’t seem to worry too much about PR. They depend on people having short memories. Fortunately the Alabama is still standing. I think it has more to do with the bad economy than anything positive happening.
This interior photo is not the Alamaba Theatre. Actually it’s an early shot of the River Oaks Theatre on West Gray – currently operated by Landmark.
Here is an interior shot of the Alamaba Theatre http://www.cah.utexas.edu/db/dmr/image_lg.php?variable=e_bb_1495
Stan. That link didnt work. You are probably right that is not the interior of the Alabama.
The Alabama ran some of the big 70mm road shows. Sound of Music ran for over a year. Lawrence of Arabia played there. It was magnificant. The Tower was the first 70mm house. Mike Todd was there for the opening of Oklahoma. He made them take out the pop corn machine to add some dignity to the occasion. They replaced it when he left. There was a push to equip theaters with 70mm. The Delmon, Village, The Uptown, and some others made the expensive switch.
westawesta, don’t let your guard down. Fight as hard as you can. Weingarten’s only care about what hits their pocketbook. There’s been mention of Trader Joe’s moving into the Alabama. Most recently, though, the report is that murals have been removed & the floor filled in with sand & no mention of Trader Joe’s whatsoever.