Dickey Theatre

The first place Murphy residents would have seen films was the Bates' Opera House built in 1898. Filmed entertainment proved more profitable by the 1910’s and the theatre was converted to a full-time movie house, the Bonita Theatre. Under Fred O. Bates' management, the Bonita Theatre vanquished the upstart Majestic Theatre lasting with that name into the sound era.

On July 25, 1930, the Bonita Theatre converted to Vitaphone to play sound on disc talking pictures. The relaunch featured “Sally” - a Technicolor film that was the fourth Vitaphone sound feature - starring Marilyn Miller.

In June of 1933, T.J. Henn and Frank C. Owenby took over the venue and gave it a Streamline Moderne style makeover and new, sound on film technology. It relaunched as the Murphy Theatre on June 13, 1933 with “American Madness”. On June 10, 1936, Henn opted to open his new Henn Theatre next door to the Bates/Bonita/Murphy.

C.D. Sherrill took on the Bates Building theater renaming it the Strand Theatre. The Strand launched December 2, 1936 with Buck Jones in “Sunset of Power” and cartoons. It runs to October 8, 1938. Burgin Brothers Circuit of Waynesville takes on the Strand briefly reopening beginning on March 11, 1939 with “Honor of the West” starring Bob Baker. The theatre then goes dark for more than two years.

Lumber professionals Mr. and Mrs. Fred O. Dickey shook up Murphy by opening the Hotel Dickey and decide to also open a theatre in 1942. T.J. Henn countered that move on February 3, 1942 when he opened the Chic Theatre which opened with the film, “Cadet”. The Dickey Theatre opens with “Code of the Fearless” on May 21, 1942 supported by a “Mystery Squadron” serial and a cartoon.

Three theaters prove challenging to operate and Henn closes the Chic Theatre moving the equipment to Andrews for his new Henn Theatre there for its February 15, 1944 opening with “Crazy House”. The Dickey and the Henn operate against each other until Henn buys out the Dickey from Mrs. Dickey. He operates it until June 12, 1956 when the theatre closes with “The Kid from Left Field” and “Timberjack”. In 1963, the building is completely overhauled for retail purposes.

Get Movie Tickets & Showtimes

Want to be emailed when a new comment is posted about this theater?
Just login to your account and subscribe to this theater.