Memphis Movie Theatres (Images of America)

Memphis has always been a theatrical town--a crossroads in the center of America for entertainment as well as commerce.  Movies are among the many things that travel through Memphis, both for distribution and exhibition.  Thousands of people who have lived there or just passed through, especially during and after the Second World War, found their way to the movie theatres.   From the vaudeville palaces on Main Street to the nickelodeons on Beale Street these theatres helped shape the culture of the city.  Kemmons Wilson operated movie theatres before he built the first Holiday Inn.  Several movie theatres played roles in the life of Elvis Presley.  W. C. Handy attended the opening of a theatre named for him.  Local censorship practices influenced decisions in Hollywood and the first multiplex in the region was built in Memphis.  History and nostalgia are combined into a book for all ages and all Memphians, present and former.