Saenger Theatre
6 S. Joachim Street,
Mobile,
AL
36602
6 S. Joachim Street,
Mobile,
AL
36602
7 people
favorited this theater
Related Websites
Mobile Saenger Theatre (Official)
Additional Info
Previously operated by: Plitt Southern, Saenger Amusement Company
Architects: Emile Weil
Functions: Movies (Classic), Performing Arts
Styles: Italian Renaissance
Phone Numbers:
Manager:
251.208.7261
Nearby Theaters
No theaters found within 30 miles
News About This Theater
- Oct 26, 2010 — Willing to do free tech work in Denver
- Mar 22, 2005 — Upcoming 'Back To The Blueprint' Episode Features Two Cinema Treasures
The Saenger Theatre was opened in 1927 by the Saenger Amusement Company. It was equipped with a 10 ranks Robert Morton organ. It was closed by ABC Mid-South Theaters as a movie theatre on August 5, 1970 with “Woodstock”.
It converted into a performing Arts Centre, wish occasional screenings of classic movies.
Contributed by
Ross Melnick
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Recent comments (view all 20 comments)
I don’t believe the Saenger in Mobile has run real movies since about 2002. From what I heard, they were using video projection casting images on the screen slightly better than shadows. When I ran films in the late 1990’s the presentation was wonderful including cartoons and shorts in front of features.
Sometime around 2002 I had gotten an email from the Saneger asking if I could run films again but I had moved to Kansas City. I’m guessing they couldn’t find anyone that knew how to run and maintain the projector.
Does the theatre still have the Robert Morton organ?
Mr. Bill Hooper was in the process of restoring the organ when the University sold the theater to the city. From what I can gather, the city hired a couple of guys to maintain the place that we lets say less than qualified to do so. Bill got frustrated and stopped his work. I had done quite a bit of wiring in the organ chambers and soldering some pipes. At this point there is no telling what happen to the organ. But the last I saw the blower worked, all new air pipe and we were tooting pipes by hand.
Very Nice Photos.
Ken this is a pic of the billboard at Joachim and Conti the colored entrance was just west of this intersection and partially visible.
Currently also showing classic films according to the website.
This theater has an annual summer movie series of selected older films. “The Godfather,” “Breakfast at Tiffany’s,” and “Easy Rider” are a few examples. The movies are or were preceded by old cartoons and ads for concessions. It is simply a nostalgic experience. The sound echos, so had I not been familiar with the movies I saw there, I would have not been able to understand exactly what was being said.
Sounds like a great old theater. I walked by it once a year ago when we were down from New York State. Would like to catch an old movie sometime.
http://www.mobilesaenger.com/ http://www.saengeramusements.com/theatres/mobile/saenger/mobile.htm
A couple of sites about The Saengar.
Closed as a movie theater on August 5, 1970 with “Woodstock”. ABC Mid-South Theaters was its last operator.