Booth Theatre

1836 W. Cumberland Avenue,
Knoxville, TN 36916

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tntim
tntim on May 17, 2023 at 12:59 am

The final movie was “Joe Butterfly” on August 29, 1957. Last ad is posted in the photo section.

rivest266
rivest266 on September 3, 2018 at 5:15 pm

This opened on September 27th, 1928. Grand opening ad posted.

tntim
tntim on April 10, 2014 at 2:59 am

Yes Will, this was owned by a gentleman named Booth. He owned several theatres in Middle and East Tennessee. I have found some articles in the “Motion Picture News” archives about him filing for bankruptcy in late 1929. I will see if I can find them and post.

Will Dunklin
Will Dunklin on March 29, 2014 at 4:39 pm

Tim – do you know who operated the Booth originally? I’ve found references to Booth Theatres in both Sweetwater TN and Greeneville TN. I was wondering if there was a local chain using that name in the 1920’s.

Will Dunklin
Will Dunklin on December 9, 2013 at 3:35 pm

Notice on the photo above, the feature film is “Stool Pigeon.” According to imdb.com that feature was released October 25, 1928: we can assume this photo was taken sometime around shortly after that date. Stool Pigeon was a silent. Wonder what sort of accompaniment was provided. I have not found a record of an organ installed here.

Mike Rogers
Mike Rogers on August 4, 2010 at 2:00 am

It was a Wilby-Kincey Theatre in 1956.Along with the Bijou,Park, and Tennessee Theatres.

TLSLOEWS
TLSLOEWS on August 3, 2010 at 6:33 pm

Nice vintage photo tntim.

tntim
tntim on July 31, 2010 at 6:45 pm

Exterior picture taken in October of 1928:
View link

tntim
tntim on March 29, 2010 at 12:49 am

The Booth opened in September 1928, just two weeks before the opening of the Tennessee Theatre.

Will Dunklin
Will Dunklin on February 1, 2006 at 5:09 pm

The Booth is still standing, currently a university-neighborhood bar. The space has been divided vertically: a 2nd floor has been inserted into the auditorium space. Reports are that the ornate proscenium is intact and visible in an upper level store-room. The marquee is gone, the original facade is covered with E.I.F.S. The exterior side and back walls are visible and unremarkable. The architectural firm that designed the Booth was Bowman and Bowman. The architect’s son is an active local historian and philanthropist.