Martin Theatre
719 Thompson Lane,
Nashville,
TN
37204
719 Thompson Lane,
Nashville,
TN
37204
No one has favorited this theater yet
Opened December 25, 1966 with Fred MacMurray in “Follow Me Boys”. The Martin Theatre’s claim to fame was that it hosted the world premiere of Robert Altman’s “Nashville” in 1975. The theatre was built as a single screen venue and in 1978 converted into a twin cinema. Regal currently operates a mammoth 27 screen, neon encased, multiplex just a few yards away from the site of the former Martin.
Contributed by
Jack Coursey
Want to be emailed when a new comment is posted about this theater?
Just login to your account and subscribe to this theater.
Recent comments (view all 11 comments)
I remember riding past this theater when I was very young on the way to and from the MegaMart (what the grocery store was named when I was around.) I always wanted to go in but apparently it had closed by then (Late 80’s or early 90’s.) What a shame. I seem to remember a nice chandelier in the lobby.
Bauhaus…you brought back some memories. I didn’t recall the rocking chairs in the Martin until you mentioned them. They were very comfortable. I went to a number of movies there.
I’ve never seen movies in the mega theatre; have bought gift certificates for a niece there. The building is quite a sight to see from I-65 at night with all its neon.
Wow… those rocking chairs were a bane to anyone who worked there, especially since they fell apart all the time! I spent about six months in this theatre as manager – was glad to move on.
Does anyone happen to have any old pictures of the Martin Theatre? I use to go all the time when I was kid along with the next door Mega Market. I watched many movies on those screens but the one that sticks out the most was seeing Child’s Play 2. My parents would let me see rated R movies with violence as long as there were no sex scenes. (I know kind of weird right? lol) I really do remember the rocking seats and I believe it was 99 cents to see a movie. I just thought I’d post here since I haven’t found any other kind of information anywhere else…..just would like to see an old picture to bring back some of the memories.
Hey DM3891, I went to the Martin too as a High School teen. Now and then you can find a picture postcard for sale on eBay so I would watch there as I have seen a pic of it there.
This theatre was the closest competion to the LOEWS MELROSE it took a lot of our business as it was newer and in the then new 100 Oaks Mall.stated above the Regal 27 is at that site now.
Went to many movies here..remember the place well!
December 25th, 1966 grand opening ad in photo section with picture. Loew’s also reopened the Melrose theatre on the same day.
December 8th, 1978 ad for 2 screens in photo section.
August 8, 1975 “Nashville” premiere article with photos and links.
https://www.tennessean.com/story/insider/extras/2015/08/17/nashville-then-premiere-nashville-movie-1975/31069003/