Rex Theatre

The original Rex Theatre opened October 4, 1913 in the St. John Hotel likely on a 10-year lease. The theatre was a hit and operator Jake Wells decided to create a much expanded Rex Theatre at this address in downtown Hendersonville.

The new 867-seat Rex Theater launched on August 4, 1924. The theater was also a hit and was purchased by Paramount subsidiary Publix-H.F. Kinsey in 1927 and operated by Captain E.A. Smith. The circuit would take on the theater converting it to sound film. But the Rex #2 would burn down on June 14, 1932.

Smith would find temporary digs for a third Rex Theatre location in downtown Hendersonville while local architect Earle Stilwell developed plans for a new Italian Renaissance/Atmospheric style theater. Though in early planning this was to be the New Rex Theater, the project would later transform to the Carolina Theater (which has its own page on Cinema Treasures). The Carolina Theater launched March 6, 1933 and temporary Rex Theater #3 was discontinued with the nameplate retired in the city.

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