Little Rock, Arkansas, once boasted a vibrant downtown cinema scene, a far cry from today’s suburban cineplexes. Imagine a time when multiple movie theaters thrived within a single city block! This article delves into the rich history of Little Rock’s movie theaters, highlighting their locations and eventual decline. Discover the stories behind these forgotten entertainment hubs.
A Golden Age for Movie Theaters Little Rock
The early 20th century marked a golden age for movie theaters in Little Rock. Many began as vaudeville or opera houses, transitioning to showcase the burgeoning world of motion pictures. Little Rock residents enjoyed Hollywood’s finest films in grand downtown theaters. Sadly, the westward migration of the population and the subsequent decline of downtown businesses led to the closure of these iconic venues. Today, the CALS Ron Robinson Theater stands as the lone downtown cinema, a modern multi-use facility.
Mapping Little Rock’s Cinematic Past
The CALS Butler Center’s “Little Rock’s Historical Downtown Movie Theaters” mapping project provides a fascinating glimpse into the past, pinpointing the exact locations of these bygone theaters. Let’s explore some notable examples:
The Capital Theater (1883-1913)
Opening in 1883 with a comedic play, the Capital Theater later embraced motion pictures. Sadly, a fire in 1913 brought its era to an end.
The Capital Theater in Little Rock
The Gem Theatre (1910-1928)
The Gem Theatre debuted in 1910 with “Muggsy Becomes a Hero,” offering affordable entertainment at 10¢ for adults and 5¢ for children. Fire claimed this theater as well in 1928.
The Gem Theatre in Little Rock
The Center Theater (1910-1973)
Originally the Royal Theater, this venue underwent multiple renovations and name changes before closing in 1973 and ultimately being demolished in 2009. A parking lot now occupies the site.
The Center Theater in Little Rock
The Palace/Pulaski/Capitol Theater (1914-1975)
The Palace Theater, with its grand opening featuring “Love Everlasting,” experienced name changes and remodeling before its demolition in 1975.
The Palace Theater in Little Rock
The Majestic Theater (1906-1931)
Initially a vaudeville house, the Majestic Theater transitioned to film in 1914 before closing around 1931.
The Majestic Theater in Little Rock
The Arkansas Theater (1910-1977)
Originally the Kempner Theater, designed as an opera house, this venue became the Arkansas Theater after renovations. It was the last downtown movie theater, closing its doors in 1977.
The Arkansas Theater in Little Rock
Other Notable Movie Theaters Little Rock
The New Theater (1922-early 1960s), specializing in B movies, and the short-lived Rialto (1924-1927) also contributed to Little Rock’s cinema history. The Gem on Ninth Street (1937-1968) served the city’s Black community during segregation. The Best Theater (1910-1912) catered exclusively to white patrons, reflecting the era’s discriminatory practices.
The Gem Theater on Ninth Street in Little Rock
Remembering Little Rock’s Lost Cinemas
Little Rock’s once-thriving movie theater scene serves as a reminder of evolving entertainment landscapes. While these grand theaters may be gone, their stories remain, preserved through historical records and mapping projects.
Explore the interactive map and discover more about Little Rock’s lost movie palaces at the CALS Butler Center’s website.
