New Book Showcases the Movie Theatres in Memphis

Nov. 11, 2013 - PRLog -- The newest addition to Arcadia Publishing’s Images of America series is Memphis Movie Theatres from local author Vincent Astor. The book boasts more than 200 images and is set to release on November 18, 2013.

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 the city, both for distribution and exhibition. Thousands of people who have lived here or just passed through, especially during and after World War II, 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 houses 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. Images of America: Memphis Movie Theatres chronicles the change in the movie theatre industry in Memphis by showing vintage and modern images.

Highlights of Memphis Movie Theaters include:

•Begins with the earliest nickelodeon in 1905 and ends with the most important contemporary cinema in 2003.
•Rarely seen images from the archives of Malco Theatres, the Memphis Fire Department, the Memphis Police Department and Shelby County.
•Emphasizes the remaining restored and operating theatre that preserve the local history.

Available at area bookstores, independent retailers, and online retailers, or through Arcadia Publishing at (888)-313-2665 or online.

Arcadia Publishing is the leading publisher of local and regional history in the United States.  Our mission is to make history accessible and meaningful through the publication of books on the heritage of America’s people and places.  Have we done a book on your town?  Visit www.arcadiapublishing.com/.