Belle Theatre

J. Roy Hunt was the owner and operator of a small movie theater that opened at 505 Broad Street. The theater opened during 1911, although in 1915 the popularity of the movie house took off. It was during that time that Hunt purchased a movie camera and began filming things throughout north Alabama to show in his theater. Hunt also filmed a full-length movie feature starring local actors and actresses to show at the Belle Theatre. Hunt traveled extensively shooting newsreels and perfecting his talents in cinematography. It made the Belle Theatre a very popular place, although success came at a high price, because Hunt soon sold the Belle Theatre to Mr. and Mrs. W.B. Wood. Hunt left Gadsden for Hollywood and a career as a cinematographer.

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