Carpenter Theatre
600 E. Grace Street,
Richmond,
VA
23219
600 E. Grace Street,
Richmond,
VA
23219
21 people
favorited this theater
Showing 1 - 25 of 85 comments
I made my first visit to the Loews around 1960 or so for an animated version of THE SNOW QUEEN and later ADVENTURE OF HUCKLEBERRY FINN. It was an eye popping experience with a huge curved screen (advertised on one of the doors as “Our panoramic Wide Screen.”) Later saw all the James Bond films there, up to DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER and often in double features of same. Also the Pink Panther films, BLOW UP, BANANAS and many others. By the time I saw my last film there, MAHGONNY, the floors were sticky and the place was starting to look shabby, as indeed downtown Richmond had begun to decline. It is notable that GONE WITH THE WIND had its initial showings in Richmond at this theatre in 1940. Years later a restored version was shown around 1989 with a parade and lots of ceremony. However there was a problem with audience members who tried to take FLASH pictures of the movie during the screening. The audience had to be reminded at intermission not to do this.
I don’t understand why movie palaces renovated into performing arts centers have to always have hideous racks of lights out in glaring plain view. The historic theatres I’ve visited in Canada never have this, come to think of it, the Loew’s in Jersey City doesn’t either, and I hope it never does. Talk about ruining the atmosphere of an atmospheric!
Great pictures of a Great looking Marquee.
Looking good:
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jim: Thanks for your wonderful post!
My uncle John J. Phillips, born 1905 in Lynchburg was a well known figure in Lynchburg for his musical talents. He played organ for theater and churches, taught music, was active with the YMCA, played in several bands. The one we can document with photos was “the Vagabonds.” In 1930 census, we was working in Winston Salem NC as a theater organist. It evidently was a short term position.
At his death, there was a tribute written in the newspaper by a long time friend that stated Uncle John had played organ for the Richmond Loews theater. It seems it would have had to be the very late 1920’s, or the early 1930’s.
If anyone can either prove or disprove his working in Richmond, I would be very happy to hear from them. He lived a very quiet personal life, was modest and unassuming. He never married, so no family to pass on the stories. Thanks. Jim Phillips
Adelphi: Great photos of a great atmospheric!
NICE PHOTOS ADELPHI,THE CLOUDS LOOK FAKE TO ME,JUST A JOKE.RELINKING!
A few more pictures.
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In FOX436’s post of Sept. 10, 2009. He said they have reinstalled the organ.
Didn’t find a history link on the official website….wonder if it has an organ?
Adelphi: Amazing photos!
Very nice, I like the vintage 1968 photo of the LOEWS.
A few more pictures of the Carpenter Theatre.
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Another old atmospheric LOEWS still going!
Another old LOEWS still going.
I sure would have enjoyed opening night at the Eberson Carpenter. I know some folks who were in nearby Williamsburg that weekend, but I wasn’t able to tell them about the opening and they might have enjoyed it during their visit to that area.
The Carpenter Theatre (Loew’s) finally re-opened, following 4 or 5 years of renovation, on September 12, 2009. The renovation is as extensive and beautiful as any I’ve ever seen of a John Eberson theater. Every corner and crack has been renewed. He’d be proud.
On previous occasions we saw a Doris Day movie here in 1962 and Carol Channing in Hello, Dolly about 15 years ago. On both occasions the theatre was beautiful, stunning, but shabby. No trace of shabby any more. We wasted no time on a return visit, travelling 90 miles and seeing the Oak Ridge Boys on Sept 19th. The show was too-loud-to-a-fault, but blame the Boys for poor judgement, not the theater.
The Carpenter has a solid schedule of attractions through Spring of 2010; so cut the gab, SIGN OFF, and BUY A TICKET. Talk is fine, but the idea of restoration is to have beautiful Cinema Treasures to ATTEND, not just yack about.
A little more footage of the interior.
http://www.nbc12.com/global/story.asp?s=11115371
and
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I have to agree with you on the clouds. They look a little too cartoonish to me. The acoustics are remarkable though.
Man, you just gotta love those cheesy looking clouds they put up. I know they are there to improve accoustics, and that they certainly coulo’ve put up something truly lousy looking, but things like that always just make a place look cheap no matter how they try.
Here’s a more recent video tour of the Carpenter Theatre.
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Here’s the Carpenter Theatre’s marquee in action on the eve of the invitational dress rehearsal (two days prior to the Grand Opening).
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P6CXpmbdbGQ
The slide show was fantastic and I only wish I lived near Richmond to attend the Grand Opening on the 12th. If anyone is in the Richmond area, go and tell us all about it!
For the Grand Opening (9/12/20090, Byrd Organist Bob Gulledge will be playing the Wurlitzer Organ. The organ has been reinstalled and the console will be on a traveling table and tucked away in a garage
back stage.