Recently have discovered that the Newman Theatre, which pre-dates the Normal name, was at the same address. Anyone have any insight whether it was the same building? It now houses a concert venue attached to Newby’s, the bar next door. The most recent photo posted here shows that it’s pretty messy looking these days. It also had its share of name changes: Normal, Studio, Highland Cinema, The Movie House and finally Newby’s.
From Paul Coppock’s book “Memphis Memoirs.” Paraphrased.
As the Jefferson (opened September 1908) it was primarily drama, opera and music. It was named after theatrical personage Joseph Jefferson, not Thomas Jefferson. As the Lyric (from 1911) it had a period of vaudeville in the teens and competed with the Lyceum and the Orpheum.
The Lyric did show movies in the 20s. Two titles referenced are “The Big Parade”(1925) and “The Covered Wagon” (1923). The most famous incident happened in 1929 when “King of Kings” (released 1927) ran into trouble with Lloyd T. Binford because of scenes not included in the Gospels. The censors won in a court battle and the movie was banned in Memphis.
After the big palaces were all open in 1921 the Lyric fell on hard times partly because of its location far from Main St. It was much plainer and far less luxurious than the new, cooler, movie palaces. It however was the site of the first opera broadcasts in Memphis from WMC in January of 1923.
The Mazda name is from the Mazda Grotto, a fraternal organization. Its aim was to organize a recreational center, which failed, and the Junior Order of Mechanics took over in 1932. The city owned the building when it burned January 23, 1941 probably the victim of a lightning bolt. The city hadn’t even insured the building and it had been virtually abandoned.
Went by there the other day, it is newly painted and remodeled. The main feature I could see through the doors were the twin sweeping staircases from the lobby to the balcony. They are still beautiful.
The Rocky Horror troupe rents the theatre once a month. It is available for rental. This is the only regular film that I know of but it does take place monthly, according to the banner on the side of the building. The shadow cast is named “Absent Friends.”
The Hollywood ended its career as a church. It was very plain on the outside and probably a typical plain neighborhood theatre inside. The neighborhood at Hollywood St and Chelsea Ave (where the theatre stood) was once a thriving middle class neighborhood. It has since become very low income and somewhat depressed.
I have been in contact with American Classic Images about use of their photos in a new project of mine. I purchased the photo of the Suzore #1 to post. The links to their site are very appropriate and welcome and I have been allowed to leave this posting with their credit. www.americanclassicimages.com
The present remodeling of the auditoria, one by one, is very up-to-date, stadium-style and with some nice light fixtures. It is more decorative than the upholstered shoeboxes with which it began. It is a hallmark of Malco’s continued fine presentation. The lobby, I believe, is next.
This message refers to the photo with the curved marquee and the “Bijou” sign to its left.
The film on the Loew’s State marquee is “The Price of Redemption” released in September of 1920. It was a drama set in India, released by Metro Pictures (not Metro Goldwyn Mayer, too old), six reels.
Above the film title is “Twenty Movie Stars.” It is possible that this film did not play in Memphis when released; the State opened October 7, 1920, so it could have played in 1921 when the Bijou was open. No Christmas decorations so this wasn’t a Christmas Parade.
Cast
Cecil, Edward as [Govind Singh, the Rajah]
Higby, Wilbur as [Colonel Dering]
Lytell, Bert as [Leigh Dering]
Moore, Michael D. (I) as (as Mickey Moore) [Billy]
Morrison, Arthur (I) as [Colonel Desmond]
Stevens, Landers as [Richard Willoughby]
de Courelle, Rose Marie as [Ayah]
Madison, Cleo (I) as [Anne Steel]
Owen, Seena as [Jean Dering]
Memphis and Shelby County Room Memphis Public Library and Information Center
Looking further down the right hand side is a Majestic sign discernible in gray. This is the Majestic #2 which later became the Strand.
The photographer was a man named Mr. Tuttle who inscribed the negatives as you see here.
I received this post card from a friend many years ago. When I find the original I will attribute it.
Recently have discovered that the Newman Theatre, which pre-dates the Normal name, was at the same address. Anyone have any insight whether it was the same building? It now houses a concert venue attached to Newby’s, the bar next door. The most recent photo posted here shows that it’s pretty messy looking these days. It also had its share of name changes: Normal, Studio, Highland Cinema, The Movie House and finally Newby’s.
From Paul Coppock’s book “Memphis Memoirs.” Paraphrased.
As the Jefferson (opened September 1908) it was primarily drama, opera and music. It was named after theatrical personage Joseph Jefferson, not Thomas Jefferson. As the Lyric (from 1911) it had a period of vaudeville in the teens and competed with the Lyceum and the Orpheum. The Lyric did show movies in the 20s. Two titles referenced are “The Big Parade”(1925) and “The Covered Wagon” (1923). The most famous incident happened in 1929 when “King of Kings” (released 1927) ran into trouble with Lloyd T. Binford because of scenes not included in the Gospels. The censors won in a court battle and the movie was banned in Memphis. After the big palaces were all open in 1921 the Lyric fell on hard times partly because of its location far from Main St. It was much plainer and far less luxurious than the new, cooler, movie palaces. It however was the site of the first opera broadcasts in Memphis from WMC in January of 1923. The Mazda name is from the Mazda Grotto, a fraternal organization. Its aim was to organize a recreational center, which failed, and the Junior Order of Mechanics took over in 1932. The city owned the building when it burned January 23, 1941 probably the victim of a lightning bolt. The city hadn’t even insured the building and it had been virtually abandoned.
From the Shelby County Archives, used with permission.
Library image, used with permission.
Went by there the other day, it is newly painted and remodeled. The main feature I could see through the doors were the twin sweeping staircases from the lobby to the balcony. They are still beautiful.
The Rocky Horror troupe rents the theatre once a month. It is available for rental. This is the only regular film that I know of but it does take place monthly, according to the banner on the side of the building. The shadow cast is named “Absent Friends.”
Originally from Memphis Greets You—1916, Library of Congress, used with permission.
Photo has been posted on this page as well.
From Wikimedia Commons.
The Hollywood ended its career as a church. It was very plain on the outside and probably a typical plain neighborhood theatre inside. The neighborhood at Hollywood St and Chelsea Ave (where the theatre stood) was once a thriving middle class neighborhood. It has since become very low income and somewhat depressed.
Library of Congress photo. From Memphis Greets You 1916.
There is a local Rocky Horror troupe that has one night a month at the Evergreen. So, movies are regular there again.
I have been in contact with American Classic Images about use of their photos in a new project of mine. I purchased the photo of the Suzore #1 to post. The links to their site are very appropriate and welcome and I have been allowed to leave this posting with their credit. www.americanclassicimages.com
Used with permission from www.americanclassicimages.com.
The present remodeling of the auditoria, one by one, is very up-to-date, stadium-style and with some nice light fixtures. It is more decorative than the upholstered shoeboxes with which it began. It is a hallmark of Malco’s continued fine presentation. The lobby, I believe, is next.
Library records date this photo 1900.
The interior photo has a date of 1900 (library record).
The rest of the 1943 photos have been posted. Two more views of the auditorium from Memphis Room of the Memphis Public Library. Used with permission.
This message refers to the photo with the curved marquee and the “Bijou” sign to its left.
The film on the Loew’s State marquee is “The Price of Redemption” released in September of 1920. It was a drama set in India, released by Metro Pictures (not Metro Goldwyn Mayer, too old), six reels. Above the film title is “Twenty Movie Stars.” It is possible that this film did not play in Memphis when released; the State opened October 7, 1920, so it could have played in 1921 when the Bijou was open. No Christmas decorations so this wasn’t a Christmas Parade.
Cast Cecil, Edward as [Govind Singh, the Rajah] Higby, Wilbur as [Colonel Dering] Lytell, Bert as [Leigh Dering] Moore, Michael D. (I) as (as Mickey Moore) [Billy] Morrison, Arthur (I) as [Colonel Desmond] Stevens, Landers as [Richard Willoughby] de Courelle, Rose Marie as [Ayah] Madison, Cleo (I) as [Anne Steel] Owen, Seena as [Jean Dering]
Vincent
Southbrook Mall still exists but I wasn’t able to go inside the day I was nearby. I took a photo of the exterior which hasn’t changed much.
The architect’s rendering has been posted to this page.