Inca Theatre
112 W. 7th Street,
Okmulgee,
OK
74447
112 W. 7th Street,
Okmulgee,
OK
74447
1 person
favorited this theater
Additional Info
Previously operated by: Griffith Amusement Company, Paramount-Publix
Architects: John Adolph Emil Eberson
Functions: Retail
Styles: Mission Revival
Nearby Theaters
Paramount Theatres built their Inca Theatre on a choice site on W. 7th Street, across from the town square, to be a move-over house for their 2,200-seat Hippodrome Theatre which was located one block away on E. 7th Street.
Exterior of the Inca Theatre was Mission Revival style, while the lobby and auditorium were Southwestern themed with earth toned hues, rough stucco walls, and terra cotta detailing. This theatre had a “reverse” auditorium arrangement; seats faced entrance doors and the silver screen was situated against a lobby wall.
In a ‘David vs Goliath’ battle, Griffith Bros. Theatres was determined to wrestle control of both the tiny Inca Theatre and giant Hippodrome Theatre away from the powerful Paramount Publix chain. Paramount Publix scoffed at such an upstart attempt, but after a 1930 Holloween night fire destroyed the plush Hippodrome Theatre, Paramount Publix lost interest in the Inca Theatre and quickly sold out to Griffith.
For the past fifty years retail space has occupied this former theatre building, but the rusting remains of a corrugated sheet metal projection booth can still be seen jutting out over the rear alley.
Contributed by
Ben Miller
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Recent comments (view all 51 comments)
Our OKC Tuesday Night Cinema Discussion Group, which usuallay meet on Wednesday at Cattlemen’s Cafe, were exchanging theatre thoughts over thick steaks, fat baked potatos, and cocktails. We debated how the few movie palaces that were included in the Griffith Circuit were acquired, not built, by Griffith. When Griffith Bros. did build, the Inca Theatre was the typical end result, small and cheaply built inside existing retail space . To get an idea of what we meant look at these Inca photos on the Oklahoma Historical Society link. In search field type word “inca”, then enter,
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At the lunch discussion group today it was brought out that the Inca auditorium decor closely matched that of the Bristow Princess. Both were Paramount operations.
“OKC Tuesday Night Cinema Discussion Group” sounds like something out of Blazing Saddles — think food fight scene the studio commissary.
“BLAZING SADDLES” is one of my favorite comedy movies. Originally the group was called the Steak & Cinema Gang.
Of interest to you former Video dawgs, to see vintage photos of a great many Griffith Bros cinemas go to 08/07/07 post above web site and type in word “theatre”,
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Of special note is the Grand Opera House, San Marcos, TX. This was Griffith Bros very first theatre acquisition.
I need to get in touch with Symco ASAP if at all possible. This thread is my tendril of hope toward filling in a lot of history.
I am researching the old Film Row area in downtown Oklahoma City, along Sheridan Ave (Formerly Grand) between Walker and Classen. I REALLY NEED PHOTOS of the area and interiors and histories.
SYMCO, If you are out there, please email me. If anyone else has info and photos or can start pointing me toward those who might I would be forever in your debt!
My email is
Thanks!
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Vintage interior/exterior images of the Inca Theatre can be seen on this nice web site,
http://www.roadsideoklahoma.com/node/582
Address for the Inca Theatre would be approx 112 W. Seventh St. The arched top Spanish style building is still standing near the middle of the block.
This is what the old Inca Theatre looks like now days, Spanish arched top, white building (photo right).
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Cosmic Ray,
Do you have a way I can get hold of Symco?
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