Comments about Franklin Theatre in Franklin, TN

Joe Vogel on August 31, 2022 at 2:42 am

An article in the April 7, 2010 issue of the Williamson Herald said that the Franklin Theatre was built in 1937. The original seating capacity was 725. Plans for the LEED-certified renovation and expansion in 2010-2011 were by the Nashville firm Hastings Architecture Associates, with the lead architect on the project being Chuck Gannaway.

Trolleyguy on January 19, 2019 at 10:40 pm

The theatre shows up again in the news show “48 Hours.” A tracking shot follows one of the show’s participants as he walk past the front with the marquee lighted up.

Trolleyguy on January 30, 2014 at 10:13 pm

This theater appears in a TV commercial for Liberty Mutual Insurance promoting volunteerism. There are two shots of the exterior at night and an auditorium scene as well.

mpotts on December 16, 2012 at 3:03 pm

I remember this theater well. Both sets of my grandparents lived in Franklin(father was raised there). My paternal grandparents lived only 2-½ blocks from the theatre, so my sister & I attended lots of movies when visiting them. For many years the concession stand had a window which opened onto Main St. Passersby could get popcorn, Cokes, etc. without actually attending the movie. My father is part of a group which graduated Franklin High in the 40s. Every year they have a reunion..they had it at this theatre in 2011.

I got a private tour(courtesy of friend) of the theatre just before its reopening. Good to see that it’s been restored and in use again.

TLSLOEWS on May 7, 2012 at 8:27 am

From an ad in this weeks Nashville Scene.J.D.Souther in concert Saturday May 5 at 8:00 P.M.Marc Cohn Friday May 11 at 8 P.M.Friday May 18th.Blind Boys of Alabama,Madeleine Peyroux May 19th.Glenn Miller Orchestra May 26 at 3 P.M. and 8:P.M.

TLSLOEWS on August 14, 2011 at 6:32 pm

Thanks for posting these nice photos Roburtone,I am going to drive down soon to check it out.

roburtone on August 14, 2011 at 1:32 pm

Recent pictures:

2009

Photo 1

2011

Photo 2

Photo 3

TLSLOEWS on August 5, 2011 at 2:44 pm

From this weeks Nashville Scene.Darrel Scott with String Quintet Sat.Aug 13 8.P.M.August 18-28 Studio Tenn Presents:Guys and Dolls. Nanci Griffith Sat. Sept.3 at 8 P.M.Happy Birthday,Patsy Cline with Mandy Barnett Thursday,Sept.8 at 8 P.M.Loudon Wainwright 111 Sat. Sept.10 at 8 P.M.Nitty Gritty Dirt Band Friday,Sep. 23 at 8.P.M.

TLSLOEWS on July 17, 2011 at 7:34 pm

O.K. Chuck I knew they were still showing movies,looks like they are not advertising movies in print ads now.Just the live stuff.

TLSLOEWS on July 16, 2011 at 5:08 pm

I know Chuck this info came from an ad in the Nashville Scene.Maybe I should have listed were my info came from.

TLSLOEWS on July 15, 2011 at 10:09 am

Saturday July 16th. Tony Joe White is performing at 8:00 P.M.Jeffrey Steele Saturday July 23rd.8.P.M.Ray Price July 30th 8.P.M. Darrell Scott & String Quintet August 13th.8.P.M.No movie advertised at this time.

RickB on June 26, 2011 at 8:47 pm

Story on the Franklin’s restoration in the July/August issue of Preservation magazine. Online version here: http://www.preservationnation.org/magazine/2011/july-august/franklins-star-attraction.html

TLSLOEWS on June 14, 2011 at 4:56 pm

Anyone attend the reopening?

KAS on June 4, 2011 at 4:28 pm

This theatre reopened yesterday as the Franklin Theatre,needs to be updated to open ,Movies and Live Shows.

joelmoses on June 3, 2011 at 4:35 pm

Now THIS is how you do a marquee replacement on one of these old theaters! Freaking gorgeous! http://www.flickr.com/photos/tomfrundle/5760701216/

As you can see, they’re also going to be hosting stage performances as well (Keb Mo!).

Mike Rogers on May 26, 2011 at 10:38 pm

Thanks Tis.WOW,“KING KONG” the real one.not the silly remakes,one which i played.

TLSLOEWS on May 26, 2011 at 7:55 pm

Grand Reopening: Friday June 3rd at 6p.m. See King Kong,The Wizard of Oz and Swing time in historic Main Street. The Franklin Theatre as is is called again will have live shows also.Tuesday,June 7 at 8.p.m. Green Nights:Vince Gill,Amy Grant and Friends.Sat.June 11th at 8 p.m. Keb'Mo'Saturday June 18th at 8 p.m. Jon Cleary.Saturday June 25th at 8 p.m. The Memphis Boys.“Get Funky for the 4th.Dance party with the Wooten Brothers Saturday July 2 at 8 p.m.The phone number for the Franklin Theatre is 615-538-2075.More info to come soon.Thanks to the Nashville Scene for this info.Also the opening night is FREE and Open to the public.Good luck to them.

Mike Rogers on April 26, 2011 at 8:03 pm

thanks Will,A lot of times I will try and see what is on the one-sheets while I guess most look just at the Theatre.

Will Dunklin on April 25, 2011 at 8:05 am

Mike: I think it says “Ford.” I know it sounds odd that cars might be on display at a movie theatre, but I know for sure that cars were occassionally displayed on the stage of Knoxville’s Bijou. It’s a thought anyway.

Mike Rogers on April 24, 2011 at 9:10 pm

Driving me crazy to figure out what"new 49" banner was plugging.Great picture,tis and Nick.

TLSLOEWS on April 24, 2011 at 1:45 pm

Thanks Nick,their new marquee looks like the one in the above photo.

Nunzienick on April 23, 2011 at 6:35 pm

Thanks tlsloews for providing this photo. Here’s a nice shot dated 1949 showing entrance and marquee. Judging by the number of kids in line this looks like a Saturday matinee!
View link

TLSLOEWS on April 15, 2011 at 8:12 am

Heard on the news last night that this theatre is to reopen June 3rd.Running “Gone With The Wind.They also called it the Franklin Theatre instead of Cinema.Looks like its going back to its former name.

tmeeker on March 30, 2011 at 7:11 pm

Can you purchase tickets in advance for the “An American Adventure” that will played their on June 6th?

TLSLOEWS on February 9, 2011 at 6:07 pm

The new marquee was lit last Saturday night,and they are to reopen June 3rd.2011 according to the Tennessean newspaper.

Franklin Theatre

419 Main Street, Franklin, TN 37064

419 Main Street,
Franklin, TN 37064