Right on, Jeff! Whatever happened to showmanship anyway?
It seems to me these days that, most of the time, the only showmanship is in the marketing department. The problem with this, though, is that our culture is so awash with mass media, that even the most brilliant TV / Internet marketing campaign is quickly dismissed.
Some of my observations about the biz are these:
I know we can not return to the glory days of old Hollywood, but, as I think you migth agree, everything the old studios and exibitors did
should not be dismissed as quaint or old-fashioned. Certain aspects of showmanship are timeless and date to the Romans and the Greeks – and certainly the Ancient Egyptians. It wasn’t for no reason that many movie palaces reflected / cloned / emulated these cultures.
Understandably, auditoriums in modern multiplexes can not duplicate the granduer of the old palaces, except, perhaps, in their larger auditoriums. But what of the lobbies? We have three huge multiplexes here in the Nashville area – the Hollywood, the Green Hills and the Thoroughbred. All of their lobbies are boring – two are just garish. [i should note that the exterior of the Hollywood, built about 1996, is awash in neon and is very theatrical.]
The entrance to the Green Hills [the best in terms of programming in town] is so lackluster as to be laughable. Absolutely nothing about the entrance says you are going into anything magical. The lobby might be described as High Mall Circa 1990. The only thing the least bit interesting is the 30 foot escalator taking you down to the 14 screens downstairs. But once downstairs, all you see is a concession stand that apparently is never open. To the right is a long, dark corridor which leads to the 14 auditoriums. It’s do dark and grim, you wonder if you might be mugged. I don’t know how much Regal paid the architect, but, what ever it was, they got ripped off. I think Regal would find that a complete upgrade of the facade and lobby areas would be well worth the investment.
Yhe great profits from video and DVD, plus the exhorbitant cost of opening weekend promotion, seem to have destroyed most attempts to build a picture through anticipation. What if certain pictures ignored this pressure? What if, for example, we brought back the idea of the roadshow movie? [Gasp!]
Ironically, roadshows would be easier today than they were 40-50 years ago. Back then, in order to get tickets, you had to go by the box office or MAIL in a form. Today, you could simply go to Fandango on line.
Take any special movie you like in 2005. I’ll use King King just as an example. Instead of booking it on 11,000,000 screens on a grind policy, you open it on one or more screens in a city, depending on the city’s size. It is a long movie. You have two screenings daily, one at 2 PM, one at 7:30 ot 8 PM. Not only are all seats reserved, but [i like this one from the old days], better seats cost a little more.
Naturally, the key has to be that the movie is good. After X weeks, King Kong moves to general release, and the movie you couldn’t get into is now available. And you think, I’ve got to see this, it was sold out for a month.
Aside: One day recently I went to the movies with my cantankerous cousin. She complained that the film as out of focus and asked me to get the problem fixed. I did as she asked, although I asked myself in the process if the manager on duty was still in high school.
I think it is the old Donelson. I am intrigued how buildings learn, how often times they do not resemble what that were built as. One personal favorite is The Mall at Green Hills, which looks very modern, but is, in fact, built around a fifty year old structure.
Anyway, the Donelson, Inglewood and Green Hills [now Garce’s Plaza] were fine examples of Cresent Amusement’s adroit move into the suburbs. Only the Green Hills did really well. [See separate entry.]
Cinema South was a sparse complex, very 1970s. It was the antithesis of a movie palace. The exterior was white stucco with a lackluster marquee. The interior was about as exciting as a Holiday Inn of the same period. The walls were so thin that you could sometimes here the movie playing in the next auditorium.
If it was still standing today, it would be grim reminder of how far movie theaters had fallen at that time.
Jack, the Capri was not the same as Harding Mall 6. The Capri was located on the south side of the mall. It was very successful for a time, even though it was a dump, far removed from the movie palace.
Harding Mall 6 opened in the early 90s as part of the mall’s upgrade. It was located on the north side.
Mall 6 was a cozy little venue. It failed for several reasons:
It’s operator, Carmike Cinemes, either did not know of and/or did not appreciate the impact of the stadium multiplex. The venue was dated the day it opened.
The area continued its change from a middle class one to a lower class area.
The mall’s renovation did not save it.
In 2005 wrecking balls destroyed the entire mall. The property is now being built as a WalMart.
Unlike some other old theaters in Nashville, neither the old nor the new venues at the old Harding Mall are likely to be fondly rmemebered.
Chuck are you sure it was Crescent that took over operations? I ask because this was the Sudekum Brothers' company, and they built the place. Was it Martin who took over the venue? It was Martin who bought Cresent Amusement.
There is a story that the Sudekum brothers designed the Belcourt on the sand in Florida while on vacation. As the theater wennt up, they realized that they had forgotten the projection booth. Surely this isn’t true, but, for whatever reason, way up on the back wall of the theater there was a room that projected out from the otherwise blank facade. This was the projection booth.
This sounds like a one of a kind theater well worth saving.
One thing that intriges me. Posters say that the lighting needs to be rewired and that it needs to be computerized. I’m sure this is true. What I am wondering is what device caused the lights to change colors way back then when there were no computers?
Franklin is the county seat of Williamson Co., a really beautiful place, though recently overrun by ‘upscale’ urban development. Franklin has been used as the site of several movie locations because it’s downtown area is an almost perfectly preserved representation of late 19th Century small town America.
Franklin is the county seat of Williamson Co., a really beautiful place, though recently overrun by ‘upscale’ urban development. Franklin has been used as the site of several movie locations because it’s downtown area is an almost perfectly preserved representation of late 19th Century small town America.
Thanks, Patsy! I am determined now to update Belle Meade, Tennessee and Paramount. You have jogged my memory! Was going to buy The Tennessee sign, but had no place to put it!
There IS the Franklin Cinema in Franklin, 15 miles south of downtown Nashville. Franklin is worth a visit. A well-preserved late 19th Century town, surrounded by McMansions.
Patsy, not familiar with that publication. Where is it avaiable? Am enjoying this dialog. What prompted your huge interest in movie palaces? Is it work or hobby or both?
The Tennesse in Knoxville is glorius. Has a good Website. It’s not a big theater. Think it’s about 1500 seats. But, of course, Knoxville was and is a ‘little’ city. Also, as I recall, down the street from The Tennesse, is The Bijou, also preserved.
Will update The Tennesse and The Belle Meade here as soon as I have time. Also The Paramount, although I can’t find much history on it, which is odd. Will research.
Patsy, so where do you live? What palaces are around you?
Patsy, Nashville is a fine place to be. Although I don’t much like the weather, most other residents don’t seem to mind.
There IS History here. Union Station is well preserved and is now a fine hotel. The Hermitage Hotel downtown has been restored and is worth a visit. [The original Maxwell House Hotel, after which the coffee was named, burned down a long time ago.] The state capitol building, the oldest continuously used capitol in America, is glorious. The Hermitage, home of Andrew Jackson, is here. Belle Meade Plantation house is fine. Belle Meade was the home to great race horse Iroquois sp?], whose lineage is still present in many of the great race horses of today. From my kitchen window I can see Shy’s Hill where in the Battle of Nashville in 1864, the loss of battlements precipitated the loss of Nashville by the Confederates to the Union. Just across the street are the oldest known slave [stone] walls in the state.
Nashville is indeed a rich city, especially on the southern end.
The Belle Meade does retain its exterior, including its glorious 50 foot tall neon sign. All this will be preserved in the redevelopment of the property. Guess I will write about this theater later in the Belle Meade listing for Nashville palaces. Also will do an ‘update’ on the Tennessee.
Patsy, Nashville is a fine place to be. Although I don’t much like the weather, most other residents don’t seem to mind.
There IS History here. Union Station is well preserved and is now a fine hotel. The Hermitage Hotel downtown has been restored and is worth a visit. [The original Maxwell House Hotel, after which the coffee was named, burned down a long time ago.] The state capitol building, the oldest continuously used capitol in America, is glorious. The Hermitage, home of Andrew Jackson, is here. Belle Meade Plantation house is fine. Belle Meade was the home to great race horse Iroquois sp?], whose lineage is still present in many of the great race horses of today. From my kitchen window I can see Shy’s Hill where in the Battle of Nashville in 1864, the loss of battlements precipitated the loss of Nashville by the Confederates to the Union. Just across the street are the oldest known slave [stone] walls in the state.
Nashville is indeed a rich city, especially on the southern end.
The Belle Meade does retain its exterior, including its glorious 50 foot tall neon sign. All this will be preserved in the redevelopment of the property. Guess I will write about this theater later in the Belle Meade listing for Nashville palaces. Also will do an ‘update’ on the Tennessee.
Patsy, Nashville is a fine place to be. Although I don’t much like the weather, most other residents don’t seem to mind.
There IS History here. Union Station is well preserved and is now a fine hotel. The Hermitage Hotel downtown has been restored and is worth a visit. [The original Maxwell House Hotel, after which the coffee was named, burned down a long time ago.] The state capitol building, the oldest continuously used capitol in America, is glorious. The Hermitage, home of Andrew Jackson, is here. Belle Meade Plantation house is fine. Belle Meade was the home to great race horse Iroquois sp?], whose lineage is still present in many of the great race horses of today. From my kitchen window I can see Shy’s Hill where in the Battle of Nashville in 1864, the loss of battlements precipitated the loss of Nashville by the Confederates to the Union. Just across the street are the oldest known slave [stone] walls in the state.
Nashville is indeed a rich city, especially on the southern end.
The Belle Meade does retain its exterior, including its glorious 50 foot tall neon sign. All this will be preserved in the redevelopment of the property. Guess I will write about this theater later in the Belle Meade listing for Nashville palaces. Also will do an ‘update’ on the Tennessee.
Patsy, the answer is no. Not one. The Belcourt is a fine example of the ‘neighborhood’ theater, but it is not prine example of American theatre achitecture. It does date from 1925.
Nashville is not a place which respects its past in many ways. It does have two historic hotels. Its state capitol [circa 1850] is the oldest in the country. But just recently it allowed the oldest known home to be torn dowm. Nashville is all about the moeny. If it makes money, fine. If not, to hell with it. I should add that this philosophy had made it one of the richest cities in this country.
Will, I pleaded the fate of the Tennessee with the developer, too. As you already know, what’s on the site now is a very uninspired high rise condo/apartment building.
I never considered the Cresent to be a palace – interesting signage, but small lobby and very plain auditorium. Historically, it was important because it became a Cinerama venue before that concept moved to the Belle Meade. Also, it became a Loew’s after the Vendome burned. I think it was built in the shell of the old Princess Theater but I never found out when that was.
The Cresent was commercially successful, particularly during the Loew’s period. But a palace. Can you remember anything of note about it’s interior. I can’t.
Patsy, the ‘shells’ of the Belle Meade and Melrose remain. The Belle Meade was converted to a very nice bookstore, now closed. The Melrose became a video company soundstage. Both are now in the hands of new developers. Neither one was a true palace, but both were outstanding examples of the ‘suburban’ theaters of the late 1930s and early 40s.
We do have the Belcourt here, which has managed to survive for 80 years. But it is not a palace. It’s very small, perhaps 300 seats, but it does have a twin that was added about 1960. The ‘new’ theater has perhaps 600 seats and is now so old that it is almost historic itself.
Nashville is a money city. It retains very liitle of what doesn’t make money.
Actually, there were only three movie palaces on Church Street – the Paramount, the Tennessee and Loew’s Vendome. The Vendome burned down. The Paramount and Tennessee were razed. I think one of the reasons none of the palaces were saved is the fact that Nsahville is the state capitol. It houses TPAC, a complexz of three state built theaters. As a result of TPAC, the old palaces served no practical use.
The Knickerbocker was a ‘bowling alley’ building. It was narrow and ran from 6th Ave. to Capitol Blvd. It had entrances of both streets. If you came in from the 6th Ave. side, you entered under the screen.
The Super X drug store that moved into the old theater had a false ceiling. Above that ceiling, the top part of the Knickerbocker remained. The bulding was destroyed by fire a few years ago.
Right on, Jeff! Whatever happened to showmanship anyway?
It seems to me these days that, most of the time, the only showmanship is in the marketing department. The problem with this, though, is that our culture is so awash with mass media, that even the most brilliant TV / Internet marketing campaign is quickly dismissed.
Some of my observations about the biz are these:
I know we can not return to the glory days of old Hollywood, but, as I think you migth agree, everything the old studios and exibitors did
should not be dismissed as quaint or old-fashioned. Certain aspects of showmanship are timeless and date to the Romans and the Greeks – and certainly the Ancient Egyptians. It wasn’t for no reason that many movie palaces reflected / cloned / emulated these cultures.
Understandably, auditoriums in modern multiplexes can not duplicate the granduer of the old palaces, except, perhaps, in their larger auditoriums. But what of the lobbies? We have three huge multiplexes here in the Nashville area – the Hollywood, the Green Hills and the Thoroughbred. All of their lobbies are boring – two are just garish. [i should note that the exterior of the Hollywood, built about 1996, is awash in neon and is very theatrical.]
The entrance to the Green Hills [the best in terms of programming in town] is so lackluster as to be laughable. Absolutely nothing about the entrance says you are going into anything magical. The lobby might be described as High Mall Circa 1990. The only thing the least bit interesting is the 30 foot escalator taking you down to the 14 screens downstairs. But once downstairs, all you see is a concession stand that apparently is never open. To the right is a long, dark corridor which leads to the 14 auditoriums. It’s do dark and grim, you wonder if you might be mugged. I don’t know how much Regal paid the architect, but, what ever it was, they got ripped off. I think Regal would find that a complete upgrade of the facade and lobby areas would be well worth the investment.
Yhe great profits from video and DVD, plus the exhorbitant cost of opening weekend promotion, seem to have destroyed most attempts to build a picture through anticipation. What if certain pictures ignored this pressure? What if, for example, we brought back the idea of the roadshow movie? [Gasp!]
Ironically, roadshows would be easier today than they were 40-50 years ago. Back then, in order to get tickets, you had to go by the box office or MAIL in a form. Today, you could simply go to Fandango on line.
Take any special movie you like in 2005. I’ll use King King just as an example. Instead of booking it on 11,000,000 screens on a grind policy, you open it on one or more screens in a city, depending on the city’s size. It is a long movie. You have two screenings daily, one at 2 PM, one at 7:30 ot 8 PM. Not only are all seats reserved, but [i like this one from the old days], better seats cost a little more.
Naturally, the key has to be that the movie is good. After X weeks, King Kong moves to general release, and the movie you couldn’t get into is now available. And you think, I’ve got to see this, it was sold out for a month.
Aside: One day recently I went to the movies with my cantankerous cousin. She complained that the film as out of focus and asked me to get the problem fixed. I did as she asked, although I asked myself in the process if the manager on duty was still in high school.
Hollywood 27 actually stands on the site of an old supermarket. The old Martin, where “Nashville” premired, is now part of the Hollywood parking lot.
I think it is the old Donelson. I am intrigued how buildings learn, how often times they do not resemble what that were built as. One personal favorite is The Mall at Green Hills, which looks very modern, but is, in fact, built around a fifty year old structure.
Anyway, the Donelson, Inglewood and Green Hills [now Garce’s Plaza] were fine examples of Cresent Amusement’s adroit move into the suburbs. Only the Green Hills did really well. [See separate entry.]
Cinema South was a sparse complex, very 1970s. It was the antithesis of a movie palace. The exterior was white stucco with a lackluster marquee. The interior was about as exciting as a Holiday Inn of the same period. The walls were so thin that you could sometimes here the movie playing in the next auditorium.
If it was still standing today, it would be grim reminder of how far movie theaters had fallen at that time.
Jack, the Capri was not the same as Harding Mall 6. The Capri was located on the south side of the mall. It was very successful for a time, even though it was a dump, far removed from the movie palace.
Harding Mall 6 opened in the early 90s as part of the mall’s upgrade. It was located on the north side.
Mall 6 was a cozy little venue. It failed for several reasons:
It’s operator, Carmike Cinemes, either did not know of and/or did not appreciate the impact of the stadium multiplex. The venue was dated the day it opened.
The area continued its change from a middle class one to a lower class area.
The mall’s renovation did not save it.
In 2005 wrecking balls destroyed the entire mall. The property is now being built as a WalMart.
Unlike some other old theaters in Nashville, neither the old nor the new venues at the old Harding Mall are likely to be fondly rmemebered.
Chuck are you sure it was Crescent that took over operations? I ask because this was the Sudekum Brothers' company, and they built the place. Was it Martin who took over the venue? It was Martin who bought Cresent Amusement.
There is a story that the Sudekum brothers designed the Belcourt on the sand in Florida while on vacation. As the theater wennt up, they realized that they had forgotten the projection booth. Surely this isn’t true, but, for whatever reason, way up on the back wall of the theater there was a room that projected out from the otherwise blank facade. This was the projection booth.
This sounds like a one of a kind theater well worth saving.
One thing that intriges me. Posters say that the lighting needs to be rewired and that it needs to be computerized. I’m sure this is true. What I am wondering is what device caused the lights to change colors way back then when there were no computers?
Franklin is the county seat of Williamson Co., a really beautiful place, though recently overrun by ‘upscale’ urban development. Franklin has been used as the site of several movie locations because it’s downtown area is an almost perfectly preserved representation of late 19th Century small town America.
Franklin is the county seat of Williamson Co., a really beautiful place, though recently overrun by ‘upscale’ urban development. Franklin has been used as the site of several movie locations because it’s downtown area is an almost perfectly preserved representation of late 19th Century small town America.
Patsy, I think that memorabilia was posted by Lost Memory?
Thanks, Patsy! I am determined now to update Belle Meade, Tennessee and Paramount. You have jogged my memory! Was going to buy The Tennessee sign, but had no place to put it!
There IS the Franklin Cinema in Franklin, 15 miles south of downtown Nashville. Franklin is worth a visit. A well-preserved late 19th Century town, surrounded by McMansions.
Patsy, not familiar with that publication. Where is it avaiable? Am enjoying this dialog. What prompted your huge interest in movie palaces? Is it work or hobby or both?
Sorry about the triple post! The site wa having a meltdown. Was referring to the amazing The Tennesse in Nashville.
The Tennesse in Knoxville is glorius. Has a good Website. It’s not a big theater. Think it’s about 1500 seats. But, of course, Knoxville was and is a ‘little’ city. Also, as I recall, down the street from The Tennesse, is The Bijou, also preserved.
Will update The Tennesse and The Belle Meade here as soon as I have time. Also The Paramount, although I can’t find much history on it, which is odd. Will research.
Patsy, so where do you live? What palaces are around you?
Patsy, Nashville is a fine place to be. Although I don’t much like the weather, most other residents don’t seem to mind.
There IS History here. Union Station is well preserved and is now a fine hotel. The Hermitage Hotel downtown has been restored and is worth a visit. [The original Maxwell House Hotel, after which the coffee was named, burned down a long time ago.] The state capitol building, the oldest continuously used capitol in America, is glorious. The Hermitage, home of Andrew Jackson, is here. Belle Meade Plantation house is fine. Belle Meade was the home to great race horse Iroquois sp?], whose lineage is still present in many of the great race horses of today. From my kitchen window I can see Shy’s Hill where in the Battle of Nashville in 1864, the loss of battlements precipitated the loss of Nashville by the Confederates to the Union. Just across the street are the oldest known slave [stone] walls in the state.
Nashville is indeed a rich city, especially on the southern end.
The Belle Meade does retain its exterior, including its glorious 50 foot tall neon sign. All this will be preserved in the redevelopment of the property. Guess I will write about this theater later in the Belle Meade listing for Nashville palaces. Also will do an ‘update’ on the Tennessee.
Patsy, Nashville is a fine place to be. Although I don’t much like the weather, most other residents don’t seem to mind.
There IS History here. Union Station is well preserved and is now a fine hotel. The Hermitage Hotel downtown has been restored and is worth a visit. [The original Maxwell House Hotel, after which the coffee was named, burned down a long time ago.] The state capitol building, the oldest continuously used capitol in America, is glorious. The Hermitage, home of Andrew Jackson, is here. Belle Meade Plantation house is fine. Belle Meade was the home to great race horse Iroquois sp?], whose lineage is still present in many of the great race horses of today. From my kitchen window I can see Shy’s Hill where in the Battle of Nashville in 1864, the loss of battlements precipitated the loss of Nashville by the Confederates to the Union. Just across the street are the oldest known slave [stone] walls in the state.
Nashville is indeed a rich city, especially on the southern end.
The Belle Meade does retain its exterior, including its glorious 50 foot tall neon sign. All this will be preserved in the redevelopment of the property. Guess I will write about this theater later in the Belle Meade listing for Nashville palaces. Also will do an ‘update’ on the Tennessee.
Patsy, Nashville is a fine place to be. Although I don’t much like the weather, most other residents don’t seem to mind.
There IS History here. Union Station is well preserved and is now a fine hotel. The Hermitage Hotel downtown has been restored and is worth a visit. [The original Maxwell House Hotel, after which the coffee was named, burned down a long time ago.] The state capitol building, the oldest continuously used capitol in America, is glorious. The Hermitage, home of Andrew Jackson, is here. Belle Meade Plantation house is fine. Belle Meade was the home to great race horse Iroquois sp?], whose lineage is still present in many of the great race horses of today. From my kitchen window I can see Shy’s Hill where in the Battle of Nashville in 1864, the loss of battlements precipitated the loss of Nashville by the Confederates to the Union. Just across the street are the oldest known slave [stone] walls in the state.
Nashville is indeed a rich city, especially on the southern end.
The Belle Meade does retain its exterior, including its glorious 50 foot tall neon sign. All this will be preserved in the redevelopment of the property. Guess I will write about this theater later in the Belle Meade listing for Nashville palaces. Also will do an ‘update’ on the Tennessee.
Patsy, the answer is no. Not one. The Belcourt is a fine example of the ‘neighborhood’ theater, but it is not prine example of American theatre achitecture. It does date from 1925.
Nashville is not a place which respects its past in many ways. It does have two historic hotels. Its state capitol [circa 1850] is the oldest in the country. But just recently it allowed the oldest known home to be torn dowm. Nashville is all about the moeny. If it makes money, fine. If not, to hell with it. I should add that this philosophy had made it one of the richest cities in this country.
Will, I pleaded the fate of the Tennessee with the developer, too. As you already know, what’s on the site now is a very uninspired high rise condo/apartment building.
I never considered the Cresent to be a palace – interesting signage, but small lobby and very plain auditorium. Historically, it was important because it became a Cinerama venue before that concept moved to the Belle Meade. Also, it became a Loew’s after the Vendome burned. I think it was built in the shell of the old Princess Theater but I never found out when that was.
The Cresent was commercially successful, particularly during the Loew’s period. But a palace. Can you remember anything of note about it’s interior. I can’t.
Patsy, the ‘shells’ of the Belle Meade and Melrose remain. The Belle Meade was converted to a very nice bookstore, now closed. The Melrose became a video company soundstage. Both are now in the hands of new developers. Neither one was a true palace, but both were outstanding examples of the ‘suburban’ theaters of the late 1930s and early 40s.
We do have the Belcourt here, which has managed to survive for 80 years. But it is not a palace. It’s very small, perhaps 300 seats, but it does have a twin that was added about 1960. The ‘new’ theater has perhaps 600 seats and is now so old that it is almost historic itself.
Thanks for the comments! They mean a lot to me
Nashville is a money city. It retains very liitle of what doesn’t make money.
Actually, there were only three movie palaces on Church Street – the Paramount, the Tennessee and Loew’s Vendome. The Vendome burned down. The Paramount and Tennessee were razed. I think one of the reasons none of the palaces were saved is the fact that Nsahville is the state capitol. It houses TPAC, a complexz of three state built theaters. As a result of TPAC, the old palaces served no practical use.
The Knickerbocker was a ‘bowling alley’ building. It was narrow and ran from 6th Ave. to Capitol Blvd. It had entrances of both streets. If you came in from the 6th Ave. side, you entered under the screen.
The Super X drug store that moved into the old theater had a false ceiling. Above that ceiling, the top part of the Knickerbocker remained. The bulding was destroyed by fire a few years ago.
Actually, the Green Hills Theater sat where Grace’s Plaza now is. Wild Oats Market is where the old Green Hills Market once was.