Fox Theatre

The Fox Theatre was opened on January 31, 1929 with Janet Gaynor in “Street Angel”. The St Louis Fox Theatre and its twin in Detroit were intended to be the Fox studio’s flagship Midwest theatres. Built in an exotic Siamese-Byzantine style, the St. Louis Fox Theatre alone cost nearly $5 million, at that time an outrageously huge sum for a movie theatre.

In the lobby, a pair of huge golden griffons flanked the grand staircase, and deep red faux marble columns ringed the mezzanine level. From every corner statuary peeked out—including a group of large gilt maharajahs. The cavernous auditorium was spectacular in scope, dramatic in its lighting and swirling décor, and when the Governor of Missouri appeared on its stage on opening night to dedicate it, he was nearly at a loss for words. It was equipped with a Wurlitzer 4 manual, 36 rank theatre organ which was opened by organist Betty Gould.

From the 1930’s through the 1950’s, not only did the Fox Theatre host gala movie openings, like 1957’s “The Spirit of St Louis” starring James Stewart, but was host to elaborate stage shows, and big-name entertainers, like Nat King Cole. But by the 1970’s, the theatre was reduced to screening kung fu epics to half-empty houses.

In 1981, the Fabulous Fox, not so fabulous after years of decline, was renovated in a year-long, $2 million renovation. Improvements were made to the sound and lighting systems, dressing rooms, and stage.

The St. Louis Fox Theatre is now host to concerts and Broadway shows and is more successful today than at any other time in its history.

Recent comments (view all 158 comments)

gxceb0t on February 24, 2017 at 10:19 pm

Only movie I saw here was ‘Hail Hail Rock n Roll’ which was interesting as it was filmed there as well. Kind of an odd experience.

JAlex on June 21, 2017 at 11:45 am

A full-blown afternoon of Wurlitzer organ is scheduled for Sunday August 13th, 2017 at 2PM. As two years ago the program features Jack Moelmann, this time with Dave Wickerham and Justin LaVoie also at the console. A rare opportunity to hear the instrument in something besides the 15-minute snapshot included in some of the tours.

BobbyS on June 22, 2017 at 1:46 pm

This will be a great show!!! I am bringing 6 people from Chicago. 2 years ago was so good. And don’t forget a Stan & Oliver film too !!

BobbyS on September 5, 2017 at 11:21 pm

The best show ever….Col. Jack was outstanding as well as Dave Wickerham & Justin Lavole…..All terrific artists!!! A show never to be forgotten…A very good attendance too. A beautiful afternoon in a beautiful movie palace!

DavidZornig on January 25, 2018 at 10:26 pm

March 14, 1930 photo added. Premiere of “The Golden Calf” at the Fox Theatre.

DavidZornig on October 24, 2019 at 11:18 am

Postcard added advertising 6000 seats originally.

eengbers on February 22, 2020 at 3:44 am

There is one inaccuracy in the description of the history of this still flourishing theater. During the 1960’s the Fox was still a top notch first run house playing movies like “Planet of the Apes”, “The Birds”, and “True Grit”, etc.. It wasn’t until the awful 1970’s that they resorted to kung-fu movies and so-called “blacksploitation” films. The theater closed after the theater operator, Arthur Enterprises, declared bankruptcy. It was rescued from certain oblivion by Mary Strauss and restored as a Broadway touring and concert venue in the 1980’s. The Fox is a major destination for touring shows and it’s powerful Wurlitzer is still operable. A rare survivor from the Golden Age of movie palaces.

Patsy on February 22, 2020 at 10:22 am

Pleased to read that its Wurlitzer is still there and operational. They were built in North Tonawanda NY with the demonstration organ in the Riviera Theatre in NT for prospective buyers. There is a Wurlitzer in most surviving theatres in the Buffalo NY area.

rivest266 on September 23, 2020 at 12:25 pm

The Fox theatre opened on January 31st, 1929. Grand opening ad posted.

MovieMark on October 26, 2023 at 4:35 am

The Fox Theatre appeared in the 1990 film “White Palace.”