#WOODLAWN PLAAYING CLOSE MOVIE#

The theater operated as a movie house until 1974, when it closed. “Everybody still went to the movie.” The last picture show “San Antonio flooded that night,” recalled Richard Rosen, who grew up in the neighborhood and often went to movies at the Woodlawn. On : SA theater artist Richard Rosen’s busy career continues into retirement Express-News file photoĪs Paula Allen recounted in a 2017 San Antonio history column in the Express-News, the premiere was a four-day to-do that included a performance of Dmitri Tiomkin’s score by the San Antonio Symphony, conducted by the composer himself, at Municipal Auditorium a trail ride lots of gala meals and the first screening of the film itself, which took place on a rainy evening at the Woodlawn. “The reason why it premiered here is because the owners at the time were the only ones willing to purchase a fancy new projector so they could show the movie,” Rodriguez said.Ĭameramen lined the area in front of the stage set up at the Woodlawn Theatre before the premiere of “The Alamo” on Oct. The Woodlawn’s biggest claim to fame as a movie theater is hosting the world premiere of John Wayne’s 1960 epic “The Alamo.” The theater had to be modified to accommodate the movie, which was shot in a way that required a curved screen. The Woodlawn was one of several art deco spaces he designed. Both were designed by architect John Eberson, who was known for his atmospheric theaters, intended to transport audiences into a different reality. It is a cousin, of sorts, to the Majestic Theatre. The first piece of cinema magic to light up its single screen was the Elizabeth Taylor movie “National Velvet,” according to. The Woodlawn opened in August 1945 as a movie house. The theater, which was designated a historic structure by the city in 2013, has a wide-ranging history. This was the entertainment hub of this area of town.”

It was like La Cantera or the Quarry now. It was close to them, and there was shopping around here, too. “Some are people who grew up around this neighborhood, back when it was a movie theater. “People would stop by and talk about their memories of being at the Woodlawn, seeing movies. “It’s one of my favorite things about working here,” said Christopher Rodriguez, executive and artistic director of the Woodlawn, who has been at the 76-year-old theater in the Deco District for nearly a decade. Umbrellas were necessary for the crowd watching the stars and guests arrive at the Woodlawn Theatre for the 1960 premiere of the John Wayne film “The Alamo.” /EXPRESS-NEWS FILE PHOTO Show More Show Lessīefore the pandemic, passers-by often just walked into the Woodlawn Theatre during the day, hoping to take a look around. Robin Jerstad /Contributor Show More Show Less 8 of8 Robin Jerstad /Contribugor Show More Show Less 7 of8Ī “W” is inlaid in the lobby floor of the Woodlawn Theatre, which opened in 1945 as a cinema. It was designed by architect John Eberson, who also designed San Antonio’s Majestic Theatre.

Courtesy photo Show More Show Less 6 of8Īrt-deco features are found throughout the Woodlawn Theatre. Margaret Stringer worked as a candy girl at the Woodlawn Theatre in 1952. Robin Jerstad /Contributor Show More Show Less 5 of8 The theater opened in 1945 as a movie theater. Signs made for previous productions are stacked on a landing of the Woodlawn Theater. Robin Jerstad /Contributor Show More Show Less 4 of8

Theater-goers wait for a production of “Cinderella” at the Woodlawn Theater. COURTESY UNITED ARTISTS Show More Show Less 3 of8 The Woodlawn Theatre on Fredericksburg Road was the site for the world premiere of the John Wayne film “The Alamo” on October 24, 1960. Robin Jerstad / Robin Jerstad Show More Show Less 2 of8 The Woodlawn Theatre, which opened in 1945 as a movie theater, is on Fredericksburg Road in the Deco District.

Woodlawn plaaying close