Capri Theater
3500 East Independence Boulevard,
Charlotte,
NC
28205
3500 East Independence Boulevard,
Charlotte,
NC
28205
3 people
favorited this theater
The Capri Theatre opened on November 2, 1964, with 995 seats. The opening film was Polly Bergan “Kisses For my President” It was a single screen theatre owned and was operated by Charlotte based Stewart and Everett Theatres. The theatre itself was a real showplace and it was the second moviehouse to open that year (the other was the Park Terrace Theatre which opened in May). It was also the second cinema along Independence Boulevard (the other was the Charlottetown I & II, owned and operated by General Cinema, which opened in 1963 as one of the first twin theatres to be established in North Carolina).
The overall decor of the Capri Theatre (with its ‘upside-down’ pyramids overlooking the front entrance) were impressive state of the art features of its interior, that were revolutionary for its day, and Charlotte loved it. The seating was plush, rocking chair seats and it had brilliant widescreen projection that was capable of showing both 35mm & 70mm films.
The Capri Theatre became the first to show premiere engagements, that were exclusive to North Carolina. The Rex Harrison, Audrey Hepburn musical “My Fair Lady” had its North Carolina Premiere engagement here in 1964 where it played to capacity crowds during its exclusive roadshow run. Other N.C. Premiere’s that played the Capri Theatre were “Thoroughly Modern Millie” in 1967, as well as the documentary feature “Stockcar” in 1967 when it was still a single screen theatre.
The theatre was ‘twinned’ in the mid-1970’s, when a second building was constructed that had 400 seats. By the early 1980’s, the original auditorium was split into two screens down the centre, making it a triple screen operation, now with a total seating capacity for 1,286. By 1986, the theatre was acquired by Carmike Cinemas, and by 1996, the Capri Theatre was closed.
Contributed by
muray, raymond
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Recent comments (view all 60 comments)
On January 31, 1977 Carrie was playing and for just a day, author Stephen King was in the lobby signing copies of his book of the same title (you could purchase the paperbacks there). I was no longer an employee but came by, thinking there would be a huge crowd and there was no one – so I sat in the lobby and chit-chatted with Stephen King for a few minutes and of course, bought a book and had him sign it. Nothing profound from it – just a little quirky bit of history for the Capri.
Ok, the last American hero, the junior Johnson story made its world premier at the Capri. The stars Jeff bridges and valerie perin came and I had the pleasure of having lunch with them at the hotel across the street from the Capri.
Cool! Wonder where those photos went? Daddy always made sure there were photos of any promotions – I’m afraid my mother threw away some things not too long after his death in 1998. She didn’t think they were important. I did not remember that premier but remembered the movie. And the Ramada Inn’s restaurant across the street used to be a nice place to go. Not to mention The Peddler Steakhouse next door to the theatre (for a time). Thanks for sharing!
tccox and patriciacarol: Interesting! I do recall the Junior Johnson Story having its world premiere for one of the ads that I saw in the Charlotte Observer,somewhere during the mid-1970’s. Having the honor and the pleasure of meeting two big Hollywood stars…Jeff Bridges and Valerie Perrine and joining them for lunch across the street from the theatre! That’s a day worth remembering! I’m from the Raleigh-Durham area,and I was born in the Charlotte area,and I do recall vivid memories of the Capri Theatre. Not to mention The Ramada Inn across Independence Boulevard and at one time The Peddler Steakhouse,which was Charlotte’s top-rated restaurant that was next door to the cinema! All along that stretch of Independence Boulevard! E-mail:
Well, they were not big stars at the time. Just starting out I think. I got to go to the luncheon for them but mr brand had me work the rest of the day and David Newton got to spend the rest of the day driving them to various public apperiences in his red 66 ford mustang. Movie premiered in July 1973.
Steven Spielburg’s masterpiece “E.T.” played here first-run at this theatre on June 11,1982. I have the original ads from the Charlotte Observer. Presented in DOBLY STEREO.
Patricia. I was there when the exorcist was there also. We must have worked together.
You would be right but I don’t remember anyone by the last name of Cox (assuming that is your last name). You probably paid little attention to me. I worked very part-time in the beginning but (I think) at least two part-time shifts on the weekend during The Exorcist. Exorcist was so busy – the ushers were really, really working with the crowd and we were crazy back behind the concession stand – as soon as we finally got the last served, it would start all over again as people arrived early for the next show. Wasn’t lots of time for chit-chatting while it played. Learned how to count back change in that job – no one knows how to do that anymore but I’ve never forgotten.
Patricia Carol: It must have been crazy dealing with the capacity crowds when “E.T.” played there in June of 1982. I know the ushers were really working their behinds off between showings,not to mention dealing with the capacity crowds that arrived early for that too. By the way Patricia e-mail me sometime at I have in my possession the original ads for “E.T.” where it played at the Capri first-run in 1982. Also,the original ad from January 28,1965 where the Capri played “My Fair Lady” during it’s exclusive roadshow run. Not to mention,I have the ad for the theatre’s grand opening from the Charlotte Observer newspaper of November 2,1964.
Don’t know how busy it was in 1982 with “E.T.” – I left in 1975 – didn’t remember that picture playing first run there either. About the ads – do you mean you have the tear sheets? (from the newspaper) Or do you mean you have the actual paste-ups? I’ll email you.