Bailey Theatre
18 N. Front Street,
Wilmington,
NC
28401
18 N. Front Street,
Wilmington,
NC
28401
1 person
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Additional Info
Previously operated by: Stewart and Everett
Architects: Erle G. Stillwell
Styles: Art Deco
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News About This Theater
- Jun 18, 2010 — "Jaws"... Happy 35th!
- May 14, 2010 — Please Post Today, May 14 --- "Jaws," Happy 35th
The Bailey Theatre was opened on December 23, 1940 with Judy Garland in “Little Nellie Kelly”. It was closed in 1980. Only the Art Deco style facade of this theatre remains.
Contributed by
Bryan
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Recent comments (view all 13 comments)
Here is a postcard, circa 1940s:
http://tinyurl.com/38ejo7
Owned and operated by Stewart & Everett Theatre chain which also owned and operated Independence Mall Cinemas, Long Leaf Twin, and the Oleander Triple Theatres,not to mention another historical theatre as well,the Manor Theatre in Downtown Wilmington.
Here is a recent photo of the facade. Also, here is a photo of the ruined terrazzo entry.
This theatre opened 23 December 1940 and the architect was Erle G Stillwell.
Steven Spielburg’s 1975 blockbuster JAWS played to capacity crowds at the Bailey Theatre on June 20, 1975.
Also to point out too….but the mid-to-late 1970’s,the venue changed from showing first-run features to a variety of either blaxploitation,kung-fu flicks,and some adult flicks before it closed its doors forever in 1980.
Sad . One of Erle Stillwell designs..Have a picture from Stillwell’s Collection, “POT O'GOLD"on the Marquee,Big Air Condition banner hanging in front.
Book by Bill Mitchell, “BUILDINGS AS HISTORY:THE ARCHITECTURE OF ERLE STILLWELL”.
Such a shame that only a facade exists though the citizens tried to save the theatre.
I understand it is completely gone. I’m a 1958 grad of NHHS—along with Roman Gabriel. It has saddened all of us who love Wilmington so much to see outsiders have come in with greedy hands; torn down so many buildings with beautiful facades as well as gorgeous homes.
Opened with Judy Garland in “Little Nellie Kelly” along with a few unnamed short subjects.