Rodgers Theatre

The Rodgers Theatre is a great example of late-Art Moderne architecture.

It was built for I.W. Rodgers, who opened his first theatre in Poplar Bluff in 1914, eventually acquiring almost all of the theatres in town.

The Rodgers Theatre had 1,160 ‘Bodyform’ seats in its auditorium, a balcony, and a crying room, which had a soundproof glass window which allowed mothers to still view the movie.

Early advertisements for the Rodgers Theatre made much of the fact that it was air-conditioned and heated. It was hailed as the most modern theatre between Saint Louis and Memphis when it opened.

Its front doors were made of solid walnut, and the circular shaped main lobby contained leather benches and a concession stand. Staircases led up to the balcony and down to the restrooms.

Also as part of the Rodgers Building, there was a dime store on the main floor and offices above the theatre.

The Rodgers Theatre marquee was illuminated by neon lighting, and contained a tower with the name of the theatre in large red letters, as well as multicolored panels behind the tower.

The first film shown at the Rodgers Theatre when it opened in 1949 was “Red Canyon” with George Brent and Ann Blyth. Close to 2,000 people attended the opening day festivities, including the mayor of Pine Bluff, who cut the ribbon and purchased the first ticket.

In the ensuing years, the ticket booth was closed, and the theatre was divided into two screens on January 27, 1981. It had 712-seats in twin 1 (former orchestra) and 345-seats in twin 2 (former balcony).

The theatre was sold by the Rodgers family to the Kerasotes chain in 1966, which continued to operate the theatre until it was closed on May 14, 1998, due to the chain’s opening a new multiplex theatre nearby. On July 19, 2001 the Rogers Theatre was added to the National Register of Historic Places.

After closing the Rodgers Theatre, Kerasotes donated the theatre to Butler County. Since 2007, the Rodgers Theatre has hosted occasional live concerts with proceeds going to the theatre’s ongoing restoration. County offices are now located in the former theatre office space on the second floor.

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