Landers Theatre
332 E. Main Street,
Batesville,
AR
72501
332 E. Main Street,
Batesville,
AR
72501
1 person
favorited this theater
The Gem Opera House opened in 1906 in a three-story structure located on Main Street. By the early 1920’s, the Gem had become a movie house, with only ocassional stage shows. It became the first movie theater in the area to screen sound films, in 1931. Will Rogers appeared on the stage of Gem, which by 1941 had been renamed the Landers for the family which would operate the theater for three generations, until it closed in the 1990’s. After it closed as a movie house, it was used infrequently for concerts.
Contributed by
Bryan
Want to be emailed when a new comment is posted about this theater?
Just login to your account and subscribe to this theater
Recent comments (view all 11 comments)
The building is now used for:
Brads Vacuum & Sewing Center
334 E Main St
Batesville, AR 72501
(432) 366-6532
Here is a larger photo of the former Landers Theater.
Restoration news:
http://tinyurl.com/38qwnt
This is a 2007 photo.
The building was recently purchased by Fellowship Bible Church. “The theater is severely damaged and needs extensive rehabilitation work.”
1984 phoyo of the Landers Thieatre.
View link
1985 night photo of the Landers Theatre.
View link
Here are a few more 1985 photos:
Photo1
Photo2
Photo3
Here is another photo. The church was on its way.
http://tinyurl.com/ygy29tt
I saw the Empire Strikes back there back in 1980. I remember it was a pretty good theater, but my family preferred the one down the street.