Majestic Theatre

Saenger Amusement teamed with the operator of the Parkview Theatre, Charles Sidney August “Sid” Fuhrmann, to build the modern Majestic Theatre. The Majestic Theatre replaced the Parkview Theatre (it has its own page on Cinema Treasures) at its May 5, 1926 launch. The building by architect Herbert Betzer of New Orleans, had an immediate impact as multiple businesses modernized with electric signs to try and match the Majestic’s bright attractor. The opening film was Coleen Moore as “Irene”. The Majestic Theatre was cooled by a giant Typhoon fan.

On July 14, 1929, the Majestic Theatre transitioned to sound with Eddie Dowling in “The Rainbow Man”. The World War II years brought competition. In 1942, Warren J. Salles announced the opening of the Star Theatre in April so Fuhrmann countered with the hastily-created Deluxe Theatre that beat Salles' opening by nearly a month on March 27, 1942 at 407 N. New Hampshire.

Salles bought out the competition closing the Deluxe Theatre and adding air conditioner to both Downton venues in 1949. He and his two sons added a Drive-In Theatre in July of 1952 with the Majestic Theatre getting the summer off. The Majestic Theatre reopened but later would be converted into a banking facility.

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