I was assistant manager of Louisville’s Rialto Theatre from January 1968 until it closed on July 31, 1968. I was the last person to leave the theatre the night it closed. It was a sad day for Louisville and me.
The Rialto’s architecture style was French Renaissance. It was very similar to the Palace Theatre in Columbus, Ohio. The Rialto was Louisville’s first Cinerama theatre, converted in the early 1960’s. It continued to play roadshow engagements until its demise.
I was assistant manager of the Louisville United Artist Theatre (now the Louisville Palace) from 1958 to 1967. The theatre’s 13 rank Wurlitzer Organ was not removed from the theatre until 1978. A local coal operator had purchased the theatre “to restore it†sold the organ to a pizza parlor in Atlanta. The organ was removed in the middle of the night to avoid criticism. He also auctioned the original furnishings and accessories of the theatre’s lobby and mezzanine. I was fortunate enough to purchase a bench and chair which I still own.
The theatre was originally named the Lowe’s and United Artists’ State Theatre when it opened on September 1, 1928. I have an original of the full-page newspaper ad for the opening that lists the contractors and suppliers for the theatre.
I was also assistant manager of Louisville Rialto Theatre during its last year, 1968.
Johnny D. You can contact me at I’d be glad to answer any questions I can.
I was assistant manager of Louisville’s Rialto Theatre from January 1968 until it closed on July 31, 1968. I was the last person to leave the theatre the night it closed. It was a sad day for Louisville and me.
The Rialto’s architecture style was French Renaissance. It was very similar to the Palace Theatre in Columbus, Ohio. The Rialto was Louisville’s first Cinerama theatre, converted in the early 1960’s. It continued to play roadshow engagements until its demise.
I was assistant manager of the Louisville United Artist Theatre (now the Louisville Palace) from 1958 to 1967. The theatre’s 13 rank Wurlitzer Organ was not removed from the theatre until 1978. A local coal operator had purchased the theatre “to restore it†sold the organ to a pizza parlor in Atlanta. The organ was removed in the middle of the night to avoid criticism. He also auctioned the original furnishings and accessories of the theatre’s lobby and mezzanine. I was fortunate enough to purchase a bench and chair which I still own.
The theatre was originally named the Lowe’s and United Artists’ State Theatre when it opened on September 1, 1928. I have an original of the full-page newspaper ad for the opening that lists the contractors and suppliers for the theatre.
I was also assistant manager of Louisville Rialto Theatre during its last year, 1968.