Tampa Theatre

Thanks for posting this article Tinseltoes! I had almost forgotten about this film and the local premiere (matter of fact I’m probably standing somewhere in that crowd.) I remember seeing Terry Moore being escorted from the limo onto the red carpet and into the theatre amid flashbulbs popping. As for “The Daredevil” well, I can’t say I remember much at all other than it being a low budget production made for the drive-in market. The fact that the film was booked at the Tampa Theatre was a miracle in itself—probably the high point of it’s exhibition history. Interestingly I just checked the IMDB and there are only 4 reviews of “The Daredevil” with all reviewers giving the film surprisingly high marks.

The orchestra pit no longer exists. Sometime after the grand reopening in 1977 the stage that sat over the pit was completely torn out. It was replaced with the current stage which was constructed a little higher than the original one had been. It was also built outward at the center very slightly extending just a little more towards the audience.

I had a chance to see the orchestra pit after the stage had been torn out and the new one was being built. The floor of the pit had been excavated and enlarged somewhat. The huge beams that support the stage now sit in the foundation of what was once the orchestra pit.

You can see both stages under the photos tab. The first two photos show the screen that sat on the old stage. Compare these photo with the more recent one showing the current stage without the screen. Notice how the stage is slighlty higher and extends a little more outward at the center.

The early photo’s show a orchestra pit, but now it appears it has been covered over with a stage thrust. When was that done and I wonder if there are any plans to uncover it? Georgious theatre…

Chaz,I loved my visit.Grabbed a few T-shirts,the movie you guys were playing was a sing along to “Mary Poppins',I couldn’t handle that but it was a great tour,thanks for all you do for the folks in Tampa.

April 7 1963.The Tampa Theatre is finishing a long run on"COME FLY WITH ME".Coming next was “THE BIRDS”.

I visisted the Polk several years ago and was lucky enough to have been given the grand tour by the projectionist himself. The main seating level is slightly larger than the Tampa although the theatre itself is not quite as elegant but comes very close. The booth had just been cleaned and repainted and still had the old set-up with two projectors that had recently been refurbished and cleaned. The top and lower magazines where still in place and both machines were massive looking. Last I heard the Polk continues to run classic films every so often. Trivia: Elvis performed onstage at the Polk in the late 1950s. Mike, If you ever make it back down a visit to the Polk is in store for you!

The Polk Theatre in Lakeland FL is a must-see as is the restored Athens Theatre in Deland FL.

Burt Reynolds attends showing of “SMOKEY AND THE BANDIT” on Wednesday evening, March 23rd.
Here’s a link to the article:
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The Tamapa is a stunning looking theatre. I am so glad this movie palace was spared. The organ sounds wonderful. To attend The Tampa theatre is a wonderful experience for all ages.

I believe he also said “The show begins at the sidewalk”

I’ve never seen this one before…very nice! Thanks Chuck.

Down here from NYC, visiting,and went to the Tampa last night—absolutely exquisite. Thank heaven this polace was saved, a true model of a real palace, with lights in the heavens. Other cities should learn from this. Saw a great film-“Farewell” This is what Marcus Loew meant by his famous quote!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ithink I might have a picture of you,If you have long hair and a beard.Nick snapped a picture of a booth and I thought he said it was the Tampa.The guy in the picture had a headset on as if they were waiting on cues.