State Theatre

1008 N. Franklin Street,
Tampa, FL 33602

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rivest266
rivest266 on September 27, 2017 at 3:34 pm

This opened on December 26th, 1940. Grand opening ad in the photo section.

Richard Wheeler
Richard Wheeler on September 25, 2010 at 2:47 pm

The State Theatre suffered from being located in an area that increasingly became a “skid-row” district back in the 1950s-60s. Much of that area was later cleared by urban renewal programs.

Mike Rogers
Mike Rogers on September 5, 2010 at 12:50 pm

Love to have that “ROBIN HOOD” one sheet.Great pics,Nick.

Nunzienick
Nunzienick on September 2, 2010 at 10:00 pm

Two photos of the gala premier of Warners' “King of the Carnival” at the State in 1955:
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Harry Lauter and Fran Bennett, the stars of the film make an appearance:
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Fran Bennett looks pleased with her crown:
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TLSLOEWS
TLSLOEWS on August 31, 2010 at 4:28 pm

Great 1948 photos Nick. “Johnny Gonatos on Stage”!!!

Mike Rogers
Mike Rogers on August 31, 2010 at 2:55 pm

Thanks all for the great pictures.

AndyCallahanMajorMajor
AndyCallahanMajorMajor on August 31, 2010 at 5:01 am

This is the State in 1984, courtesy of the State Archives. Everything from the State to the traffic light was demolished.

Nunzienick
Nunzienick on August 30, 2010 at 9:46 pm

I heard the State Theatre was a Warner Brothers house for some time and played Warners pictures exclusively. The filmed-in-Tampa WWII epic “AIR FORCE” had it’s world premier here and was a huge city event.

When the theatre closed the building became a fabric store for several years. I can’t be sure but I think it was called Mae Fabrics. The State closed before my movie going days so I never got the chance to see it as a theatre. I visited the fabric store a couple times during the mid-1960s anxiously looking around for some detail of the theatre but alas there was nothing remaining of the State.

These two photos are dated 1948. Refreshment stand with lady employee. Looks like candy was a big seller in 1948. Where’s the popcorn machine?
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Line of people waiting to buy tickets for an exciting attraction.
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AndyCallahanMajorMajor
AndyCallahanMajorMajor on August 29, 2010 at 7:40 am

I’m trying to get a new link. I think it might be the website. It’s not cooperating.

Ret. AKC (NAC) CCC Bob Jensen, Manteno, Illinois
Ret. AKC (NAC) CCC Bob Jensen, Manteno, Illinois on August 29, 2010 at 6:48 am

Photo wouldn’t work for me?

Open till 1955?

Anyone have more info or more photos?