Berkley Theatre

graymatters on April 17, 2021 at 10:04 am

The Berkley Theatre was built by my grandfather Albert S. “Al” Johnson’s Johnson Construction Company, which was based in Birmingham.

The two accompanying images were shot by my grandfather in May 1949. The film “Johnny Belinda” was being shown a the time. The art moderne (or art deco) exterior of the theater has the porcelain-like tiles and the red and cream color scheme typical of Johnson theaters of the era. Four pairs of doors with matching geometric glass panes were said to have been patented by my grandfather and were known as “Johnson doors.” These doors were a feature in many of his 1940s-50s theater projects.

CMHurley on April 4, 2016 at 7:29 pm

Closed and a Rite Aid drug store opened in the space, but the marquee and sign were left up and still operate, local events and such are listed on the marquee.

mike0618 on May 12, 2009 at 10:13 am

this is the theatre I started my usher life at. richard komer sold it to rite aid. Komer owned the theatre and the shops that were in front of the theatre. He used to rent them out. there was a resale shop and a baseball card place there at one time. Rite aid opened up out the back of the 851 seat theatre. the box office, concession area and the doors to the theatre were preserved and can been seen along with 2 seats from the theatre when you walk by the front.