Recently Malco announced the conversion of the Majestic to a multi-purpose venue. There will still be some screens operating but it will not be solely a cinema.
Playing “Shepherd of the Hills” released 1941. John Wayne’s first Technicolor picture along with many other character stars. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0034182/?ref_=tt_sims_tti
This theater was demolished on March 20th, 2018, for redevelopment. Only the restrooms from the theater’s heyday still existed, the rest had been remodeled many times. This building sported more names than any other theatre building in Shelby County.
Presently (April 2016) the auditorium has been gutted to its original state but very little decor remains. A group is involved in trying to restore and open it. Much of the lobby and foyer is intact along with the staircase and the “colored” entrance and separated balcony are also intact. It has a very shallow stage and at least two samples of vintage carpeting. Any other photos of the auditorium are being eagerly sought by this group. If they can be posted here, they have the link to this page.
Newby’s, the bar occupying the old theatre building, just closed. The Loeb family is poised to acquire the building for renovation. There isn’t anything left, really, except one display case saved from Loew’s State.
The primary reason Playhouse on the Square is on Cinema Treasures is that it moved from the Memphian where it was previously listed. Playhouse also hosts part of the Indie Memphis Film Festival so films are shown there, though not as its primary function. The Indie Memphis Film Festival office is also housed there.
The photo shows the American Theatre during the short period when it was the Sunday home of East End Christian Church (now Central Christian Church)from January of 1923 to March 29, 1924. This is the only known photo. This image has a mark the original does not have so any theft can be recognized. Courtesy of Central Christian Church.
That would be correct. The indoor Rex did not become the Royal until converted to sound. The original name was the Shamrock. One source says it had an interim name of Savoy for a time.
Commericial buildings began to disappear from this block in the 1930s. An aerial from 1963 shows the block bounded by Poplar, Manassas, Washington and Orleans cleared to become Morris Park. No trace of any structure remains in the present day park.
The address was in the row of smaller buildings. Whatever building it may have occupied was demolished before the large Memphis Light Gas and Water headquarters was built in the 1960s.
From the Memphis Public Library and Information Center, Memphis and Shelby County Room. Used with permission. An older photo from 1930 was located in 2013.
From the Memphis Public Library collection, Memphis Room.
The building has been demolished (2019) and George Miller died in 2014.
Recently Malco announced the conversion of the Majestic to a multi-purpose venue. There will still be some screens operating but it will not be solely a cinema.
Playing “Shepherd of the Hills” released 1941. John Wayne’s first Technicolor picture along with many other character stars. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0034182/?ref_=tt_sims_tti
Concession just through the Art Moderne archway painted lavender in another photo.
During its time as the Ritz, it was a concert venue rather than a movie theatre.
This theater was demolished on March 20th, 2018, for redevelopment. Only the restrooms from the theater’s heyday still existed, the rest had been remodeled many times. This building sported more names than any other theatre building in Shelby County.
There is community interest from several avenues in preserving it.
2017 photos of exterior and organ console just uploaded.
Presently (April 2016) the auditorium has been gutted to its original state but very little decor remains. A group is involved in trying to restore and open it. Much of the lobby and foyer is intact along with the staircase and the “colored” entrance and separated balcony are also intact. It has a very shallow stage and at least two samples of vintage carpeting. Any other photos of the auditorium are being eagerly sought by this group. If they can be posted here, they have the link to this page.
Commercial Appeal photo.
Newby’s, the bar occupying the old theatre building, just closed. The Loeb family is poised to acquire the building for renovation. There isn’t anything left, really, except one display case saved from Loew’s State.
New Photo: Architects rendering of the proposed Fare Four Cinema which has become, after several alterations, the Palace Cinema.
The primary reason Playhouse on the Square is on Cinema Treasures is that it moved from the Memphian where it was previously listed. Playhouse also hosts part of the Indie Memphis Film Festival so films are shown there, though not as its primary function. The Indie Memphis Film Festival office is also housed there.
A 1934 newspaper ad shows a Hanover Theatre at this address. That’s all I know right now.
61 DRIVE-IN 1961-65, SOUTHWEST TWIN 1968-2000
Marquee photo taken during Fire Prevention Week 1961, courtesy of the Memphis Fire Museum, used with permission.
The photo shows the American Theatre during the short period when it was the Sunday home of East End Christian Church (now Central Christian Church)from January of 1923 to March 29, 1924. This is the only known photo. This image has a mark the original does not have so any theft can be recognized. Courtesy of Central Christian Church.
That would be correct. The indoor Rex did not become the Royal until converted to sound. The original name was the Shamrock. One source says it had an interim name of Savoy for a time.
According to the Royal Studios (Royal Theatre) website, the Rex was an airdome which moved into the building later renamed the Royal.
The posted aerial is from 1938. The theatre was long gone and the lot developed.
Commericial buildings began to disappear from this block in the 1930s. An aerial from 1963 shows the block bounded by Poplar, Manassas, Washington and Orleans cleared to become Morris Park. No trace of any structure remains in the present day park.
2014 photos of the lobby staircases have been posted.
The address was in the row of smaller buildings. Whatever building it may have occupied was demolished before the large Memphis Light Gas and Water headquarters was built in the 1960s.
From the Memphis Public Library and Information Center, Memphis and Shelby County Room. Used with permission. An older photo from 1930 was located in 2013.