Redford Theatre

17360 Lahser Road,
Detroit, MI 48219

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The Redford Theatre (Official)

Additional Info

Previously operated by: Community Theatres, Kunsky Theatres

Firms: Verner, Wilhelm and Molby

Functions: Movies (Classic), Special Events

Styles: Atmospheric, Oriental

Phone Numbers: Box Office: 313.537.2560

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News About This Theater

Redford Theatre

Located in the Redford Charter Township section to the northwest of Detroit, MI. The Redford Theatre was opened by the Kunsky Theatres chain on January 27, 1928. The auditorium is in an Atmospheric style to resemble a Japanese outdoor garden theatre. It originally had a seating capacity of 2,051. It is equipped with a Barton 3 manual, 10 ranks organ. It was purchased by the Goldberg family in 1931 as part of their Community Theatres circuit.

The Motor City chapter of the American Theatre Organ Society took over operation of the Redford Theatre in 1974, and purchased the building in 1977. Since that time the all volunteer staff has run it as a classic films/rental/stage show/organ concert venue. Much of the original Japanese Atmospheric style décor was altered during World War II, and the MCTOS have been working for many years to re-create what was lost.

Recently the theatre has a new computerized light board and new historically accurate seats. Restoration is continuing as funds and time permit. The classic film series shows a different film every other weekend, plus music played on the Barton organ.

Contributed by John Lauter, Oren Walther

Recent comments (view all 23 comments)

Kaimannaa
Kaimannaa on January 2, 2007 at 3:12 pm

She’s a beautiful place. My husband and I were there all the time while dating and engaged. We really miss it now that we’re in PA! How is the artist’s space/lounge in the back doing? It was really exciting to get a peek at that.

TEWinkes
TEWinkes on March 9, 2007 at 9:19 am

My wife and I saw “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers” along with a Bugs Bunny cartoon last weekend. Four dollar? They should charge more!! The price at the concessions was great! The organ music before, at the intermission and the end was fantastic. WE WILL BE BACK!

William
William on October 9, 2007 at 5:00 pm

The Norelco DP-70 projectors (70MM/35mm) came from the former Summit Cinerama Theatre (aka: Cass Theatre) before that theatre was razed.

CSWalczak
CSWalczak on October 14, 2012 at 11:04 pm

An article about octagenarian former teacher Peggy Grimshaw, who knows to keep increasingly rare film prints coming to the Redford, can be read here.

DavidZornig
DavidZornig on March 23, 2015 at 7:20 pm

Redford Theatre’s Facebook page has some photos. Copy & paste to view.

https://www.facebook.com/RedfordTheatre/photos_stream

DWAtkinson
DWAtkinson on March 26, 2015 at 6:07 am

I was at The Redford last weekend. With the exception of the projection and sound problems, the show was great. Many noticed and I will bet few complained.

rivest266
rivest266 on November 4, 2015 at 3:38 pm

January 22nd, 1928 grand opening ad in photo section. It was quite small.

Ken Roe
Ken Roe on May 22, 2021 at 1:58 pm

The exterior, lobby and auditorium of the Redford Theatre can be seen in an early scene in the 2014 horror movie “It Follows”.

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