National Theatre
311 S. Elm Street,
Greensboro,
NC
27401
311 S. Elm Street,
Greensboro,
NC
27401
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As I remember it when growing up, there were no permanent seats in the boxes; you had to take your own cane-back chair with you! Just visible on the upper left is where the rear-most box joined the mezzanine. Above that was the balcony, which in those days was for “colored” patrons. The projection booth was at the rear of the mezzanine, and situated so low that frequently patrons would cross in front of the projection beam.
I don’t know if the National was ever air-conditioned, but if so, it wasn’t working when I attended during the summer. They had huge fans blowing on the audience, and after a movie you felt like you had “wind burn”.
The organ was a Robert Morton 2/6, upgraded to Robert Morton 2/8 just before the Carolina Theatre opened in 1927 (probably to retain bragging rights to a larger organ).
Elvis Presley’s live show at Greensboro’s National Theatre was a major event on February 6,1956 with 2 matinee performances and 2 evening performances that were basically sold out within minutes of the beginning date.
My grandfather, Lawrence B Richardson aka Buddy was the projectionist here at the National Theatre from late 1920’s to 1940. My grandmother Mildred would also help to run this theater.
This opened on November 28th, 1921. I uploaded its grand opening ad here.
Rayson, The Cinema was on Tate St. near (really right at) UNC-G, NOT donwtown. Here’s a pic: http://www.uncg.edu/ure/alumni_magazineT2/2010_spring/feature_tatestreet.htm
Elvis Presley played a live show at the National on Feb. 6, 1956.
This was a beautiful old place. Greensboro went on an urban renewal destruction rampage in the Sixties. The National was torn down for a parking lot, but for years you could see steps leading to nowhere at the sites of fine old houses. We can be thankful they saved the Carolina, another movie palace.
I’m a Three Stooges Fan Club member, trying to confirm a personal appearance by the “3” Stooges (Moe Larry and Shemp), on a bill with Wee Bonnie Baker, the Barretts and Don Hooton, after an appearance by the A.B. Marcus Revue. The movie “Queen of Burlesque” was also shown. I have a display ad, but no dates (or town shown). Believe it was the Summer of 1946, and may have been Shemp’s first appearance after Curly’s strokes. The National was advertised as air cooled and showed a phone number of JA-7863.
Any help will be appreciated.
Thanks Frank Reighter
The Robert Morton organ is now installed in the Carolina Civic Center. See http://piedmont-theatre-organ-soc.org/ For stories on the theatre and pictures of the Center Theatre.
ANOTHER PARKING LOT!
I USED TO SPEND MY SATURDAYS AT THE NATIONAL THEATRE WACTHING TRIPLE FEATURES. IN 1959, I SAW THE HORROR OF DRACULA, WHAT A SCARY MOVIE.
IN 1967, THEY RAZED THE THEATRE AND BUILT A PARKING LOT.
I can’t believe that Greensboro chose to demolish this theatre for whatever reason(s).
Go to this Cinema Tour site and you can view 2 vintage National Theatre photos. http://www.cinematour.com/tour/us/18735.html
Thanks,Chuck.This is certainly one of the ones I know I saw as a tender youth.