International Theatre

The Galveston City Times reported on August 8, 1914, that the Princess Theatre, catering to African-American people, would open on or about August 15.

In November 1920, an advertisement appeared in the Colored American reading “Dixie Theatre No 3, formerly the old Princess Theatre, A Martini Manager”. Film Daily Year Book 1926 lists Dixie No. 3 with 400 seats.

On August 18, 1931, the Galveston Daily News reported “Foreign made pictures to be seen here”. The International Theatre at 2621 Market Street would show all foreign movies, the first being a German production. Their advertisement had the words “For White Only”. Film Daily Year Book 1932 lists the International Theatre with 300 seats and was unlisted in FDYB 1933. On May 1, 1937, a store opened at the theater’s former location.

On December 14, 1925, a profile of A Martini, who was being honored at a banquet, was published in the Galveston Daily News. It was said his first venture in the theater business was his purchase of the Dixie No 1.

In 1970 the Daily News reported Mr. Martini opened the first Dixie Theatre in 1910, followed by the Dixie No 2 in 1915 and then the Crystal Theatre and Key Theater. In 1924 he purchased the Grand Opera House. In 1935 he became associated with the Interstate Theatres Circuit and in 1937 he built the Martini Theatre.

Attilleo Martini passed away March 29, 1942.

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