That Majestic Park Facebook page is disturbing. People praising the massive destruction of architecture. The soul of a city is its history – not park after park. JC is notorious for doing this. People are so enthralled with the former U-Haul sign, while they allowed numerous structures to be demolished. East TN is JUST starting to realize the value of historic downtowns, but far too late. “Urban Renewal” gutted East TN cities in the 70s.
Was the Aquamarine on the left, as you entered? I am fairly sure that “Chitty” was in that theater (or both?). I can actually remember two specific moments from that showing in ‘68…walking into the lobby, and the Intermission. Well, and the chairs.
David, you seem to know the area. Odd question. I’m trying to find the location of a Coral Gables restaurant that would have existed around 83/84. I KNOW that it was west of Ponce, east of Le Jeune, north of Miracle Mile, and pretty sure south of Alhambra. I could have sworn that it faced east, but the streets aren’t structured that way, with facades.
I was a UM student living in the Gables, and I’d walk by it. Very trendy, with a big open wooden door. Maybe Cuban or jazz music. Very upscale. It seemed to be next to a parking lot. VINTAGE building – Spanish Colonial, perhaps – somewhat narrow. I even remember maybe a blue light at the entrance.
It may have been where that Gable Plaza monstrosity is now. But, The Bank of America, old theater spot kinda reminds me of it. I dunno.
It just made a huge impression on me. I SO much wanted to go inside every time.
I used to go to the children’s matinee on Saturdays, approximately 1970 – 73. Is there one site that would list the films each summer? I am trying to avoid combing through the Miami Herald files online (if they exist).
Yes, the current Google Streetviews are dated May 2015, and show the women’s store in what was the lobby, as David mentioned above.
David, I was in the San Remo Apartments a few blocks behind the theater, from ‘83 – '85. Make sure that you read ALL of the comments – some are hidden.
To my knowledge, the neighboring Seven Oaks Resort was never scheduled to be “restored.” It was in quite horrible condition, and would have been beyond saving. I loved the commercial Mid-Century architecture, though. Apartments now reside on the spot. Austin Highway is seeing a resurgence, with apartments and box stores popping up. A Target took over the old Terrell Plaza, which had been severely altered since its days as a Sears. When they tore down the old Plaza, they briefly exposed an old, early 60s HEB Grocery facade (hidden behind an early 80s make-over)– wonderful, with tiles. Of course, they then hacked it away, for a Ross’s…
Actually, it was most likely The Park where I saw “Empire.” They had the exclusive 70mm showing there, and I saw it on opening day, first morning show, with FIVE people!! (Guess not a huge “Star Wars” base in Memphis…)
The newspaper today, states that the company renting the theater, has bought it. Meaning more of the same performance/shows. Some acts are obscure. Apparently, it is doing well, or the renters wouldn’t have “gone for it.”
Frankly, they need to turn this back into a film theater. With the increasing number of locals moving downtown, I think there would be an audience. Catering to the tourists just won’t work. There is already an IMAX downtown, although I think that this theater is equipped to show large films.
There was a theater at the NE corner of Main & Market – it was leveled at some point prior to 1974, when my family moved to Dyersburg. There is a one-story building there now, obviously not matching the surrounding structures.
I have no memory of this theater when I was a kid. I just Google mapped it, and see a strip center. I wonder if the shell is part of any of the buildings?
Well, seeing that one of the opening films was “Jenny” with Marlo Thomas, I looked it up, and watched it on YouTube. Not terribly significant, but very much of its time period. It was produced by ABC, and “That Girl” was on the network at the time. Not a coincidence, I’m sure.
No, it is Scandesign. The restaurant is to the side.
So, as mentioned, Aquamarine was on the left.
That Majestic Park Facebook page is disturbing. People praising the massive destruction of architecture. The soul of a city is its history – not park after park. JC is notorious for doing this. People are so enthralled with the former U-Haul sign, while they allowed numerous structures to be demolished. East TN is JUST starting to realize the value of historic downtowns, but far too late. “Urban Renewal” gutted East TN cities in the 70s.
So, Linda Gray actually did the poster?
Was the Aquamarine on the left, as you entered? I am fairly sure that “Chitty” was in that theater (or both?). I can actually remember two specific moments from that showing in ‘68…walking into the lobby, and the Intermission. Well, and the chairs.
David, you seem to know the area. Odd question. I’m trying to find the location of a Coral Gables restaurant that would have existed around 83/84. I KNOW that it was west of Ponce, east of Le Jeune, north of Miracle Mile, and pretty sure south of Alhambra. I could have sworn that it faced east, but the streets aren’t structured that way, with facades.
I was a UM student living in the Gables, and I’d walk by it. Very trendy, with a big open wooden door. Maybe Cuban or jazz music. Very upscale. It seemed to be next to a parking lot. VINTAGE building – Spanish Colonial, perhaps – somewhat narrow. I even remember maybe a blue light at the entrance.
It may have been where that Gable Plaza monstrosity is now. But, The Bank of America, old theater spot kinda reminds me of it. I dunno.
It just made a huge impression on me. I SO much wanted to go inside every time.
Definitely saw “Jungle Book” here. Also, remember watching them tear it down in the 80s.
I used to go to the children’s matinee on Saturdays, approximately 1970 – 73. Is there one site that would list the films each summer? I am trying to avoid combing through the Miami Herald files online (if they exist).
I was saying that I had the wrong theater, in regards to the “Empire” release. I realize that they are two different theaters.
That sadly looks like a cheap warehouse. The original must have been totally demolished. Granted, it was no beauty, either.
Yes, the current Google Streetviews are dated May 2015, and show the women’s store in what was the lobby, as David mentioned above.
David, I was in the San Remo Apartments a few blocks behind the theater, from ‘83 – '85. Make sure that you read ALL of the comments – some are hidden.
To my knowledge, the neighboring Seven Oaks Resort was never scheduled to be “restored.” It was in quite horrible condition, and would have been beyond saving. I loved the commercial Mid-Century architecture, though. Apartments now reside on the spot. Austin Highway is seeing a resurgence, with apartments and box stores popping up. A Target took over the old Terrell Plaza, which had been severely altered since its days as a Sears. When they tore down the old Plaza, they briefly exposed an old, early 60s HEB Grocery facade (hidden behind an early 80s make-over)– wonderful, with tiles. Of course, they then hacked it away, for a Ross’s…
Actually, it was most likely The Park where I saw “Empire.” They had the exclusive 70mm showing there, and I saw it on opening day, first morning show, with FIVE people!! (Guess not a huge “Star Wars” base in Memphis…)
How, starting in 1965, did a 79 week reserved-seat run work? How were seats reserved?
If you look at the current site, there is a photo of a large statue – more like an Aztec god, I think.
The newspaper today, states that the company renting the theater, has bought it. Meaning more of the same performance/shows. Some acts are obscure. Apparently, it is doing well, or the renters wouldn’t have “gone for it.”
Alamo Drafthouse could make it one of their flagships.
Frankly, they need to turn this back into a film theater. With the increasing number of locals moving downtown, I think there would be an audience. Catering to the tourists just won’t work. There is already an IMAX downtown, although I think that this theater is equipped to show large films.
There was a theater at the NE corner of Main & Market – it was leveled at some point prior to 1974, when my family moved to Dyersburg. There is a one-story building there now, obviously not matching the surrounding structures.
To correct a person today, the rating system began in 1968. There were technically no “R-rated” films in the 50s.
New lessor will attempt to turn it into a House of Blues-style venue.
I have no memory of this theater when I was a kid. I just Google mapped it, and see a strip center. I wonder if the shell is part of any of the buildings?
Well, seeing that one of the opening films was “Jenny” with Marlo Thomas, I looked it up, and watched it on YouTube. Not terribly significant, but very much of its time period. It was produced by ABC, and “That Girl” was on the network at the time. Not a coincidence, I’m sure.
OK, I was off by several blocks. I would have sworn that Sears was next door, but I’m obviously wrong.
OK, please explain. How long has this place actually been around? I’m sure that I saw films there in the early 80s.