National Theater

8th Street and Depot Street,
Cincinnati, OH 45204

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dallasmovietheaters
dallasmovietheaters on April 4, 2020 at 6:37 pm

The National Theatre was started by Waldorf Amusement, a fledgling company which was converting horse-centric operations inexpensively into movie theaters. The National Theatre was their first such effort as they converted a carriage factory to the plans of Stewart and Stewart. It launched June 26, 1912 at 2116-8 Eighth Street. The company would also launch its Freeman Theatre in a converted livery on September 12, 1912. Both theaters converted to Movietone sound in 1929 and again to Western Electric sound in 1930 to play talkies. The National was the longest lasting for Waldorf and operator Joseph G. Shakespeare who passed away June 4, 1952. The theatre closed not long after his passing and was demolished.

hanksykes
hanksykes on July 25, 2011 at 11:33 am

The National Th. was managed and owned by Mr&Mrs.Shakespeare(no joke). The site picture shows a parking lot on the right hand side of the screen ,that’s the former site.

Bill Eichelberger
Bill Eichelberger on January 31, 2009 at 2:26 am

Just an empty lot now.

hanksykes
hanksykes on November 15, 2006 at 11:56 am

I found a West-end Family Theater at West 8th.&State Street built in 1913 perhaps it changed names later in its film runs.