Saved, Not Lost: The 1928 Alhambra Theatre

 

Sometimes the best finds are the ones you aren’t looking for.

While driving through downtown Hopkinsville, Kentucky, I suddenly spotted a vintage theater marquee and neon sign up ahead. And, naturally, being me, I had to pull over.

There on South Main Street was the Alhambra Theatre, still standing nearly a century after it first opened. I knew absolutely nothing about it beforehand, which somehow made finding it even better. I have such a soft spot for old movie theaters—especially since so many of these beautiful neighborhood palaces have disappeared—so stumbling across one that is not only still standing but still in use felt like finding a little piece of movie history hiding in plain sight.

 

The Alhambra opened on May 28, 1928, with a 650-seat auditorium decorated in a Spanish-Moorish style. 

 

Its opening attraction was John Barrymore in Don Juan, shown with live musical accompaniment, newsreels, and comedy shorts. 

The Alhambra in its early movie-palace days, and John Barrymore in Don Juan, the film shown for its 1928 opening.

 

And the Alhambra didn’t stay silent for long. In 1929, it briefly closed to install sound equipment before presenting its first talkie, His Captive Woman, that September. Just imagine walking through those doors in 1928 and settling in for an evening at the movies!

 

It wasn’t only movies, either. Over the years, the theater hosted touring shows and live performers—including Gene Autry and none other than Roy Rogers and Trigger. 

Roy Rogers and Trigger were among the Western stars who appeared at the Alhambra.

 

Like so many historic theaters, the Alhambra eventually struggled as multiplexes took over, but thankfully this story has a happy ending. The community saved it, and today the Pennyroyal Arts Council operates the theater, hosting concerts, events, and—you know I love this part—classic film screenings!

pennyroyalarts

 

I only stopped long enough to walk around, admire the marquee, read the historical display, and snap a few photos, but I’m so glad I did.

There is something wonderful about coming across one of these old movie houses unexpectedly. So many are gone now that seeing one still glowing on Main Street feels a little like the past waving hello.

pennyroyalarts

 

Definitely one of those roadside discoveries that made me very glad I pulled over.

🛣️Road Trip: Beyond the Marquee—Accessing the Stunning, Renovated Splendor of the 20th Century Theater

 

Back in September of last year, I stumbled upon a massive Classic Hollywood mural — the kind that instantly stops you in your tracks. We pulled over to take photos, and that’s when I realized it wasn’t just any mural — it was part of the 20th Century Theater, a charming historic landmark in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Designed by Fred W. Stritzel and opened in 1941, this theater was originally an opulent movie house, a true Art Deco masterpiece from Hollywood’s golden age. When I first visited, I was heartbroken that I couldn’t go inside — the doors were closed to the public that day.

Since 2008, the venue has hosted private events, concerts, and even weddings, preserving the spirit of the old cinema. But this past summer, I finally got lucky — I had the chance to take a personal tour inside.

And let me tell you — it was everything.
The Art Deco details are absolutely breathtaking: polished geometric lines, rich colors, opulent lights, and movie posters that transport you straight back to 1941. It felt like stepping into another era — sophisticated, cinematic, and completely timeless.

I left with my heart full, so grateful to see a historical treasure like this still standing tall, beautifully preserved, and radiating the same glamour it did when it first opened its doors.

There are wonderful photos of the theater on its official website, but I just had to share my own snapshots — moments that captured how it felt to walk through those gleaming halls of movie magic.

My first visit in 2024

 

 

What a Mural! 

 

 

And now........Let's go inside!

 

🛣️ Road Trip: 20th Century Theater

 

I have a deep appreciation for vintage movie theaters and murals. Growing up in the 1970s and 80s, my local cinema was The Loews Paradise in The Bronx, NYC. This enchanting venue created the ambiance of an outdoor villa courtyard beneath a starlit sky. I cherished the starry ceiling while enjoying some of my favorite films from that era. Now residing in Ohio, I often discover similar classic theaters that occasionally  and not often enough screen timeless films. While trying to burn off some of the delightful ice cream from Aglamesis Bro's in Cincinnati, I stumbled upon a massive classic film mural just a block away. Is that Rosemary Clooney? Indeed it is! To my astonishment, the mural was situated above a theater marquee. The theater? The 20th Century Theater. 

 

The 20th Century Theater stands as a charming historic landmark in Cincinnati, Ohio, designed by Fred W. Stritzel and inaugurated in 1941 as an opulent movie house. The inaugural film was Blood and Sand, featuring Rita Hayworth and Tyrone Power. Today, it serves as a versatile venue for a range of events, catering, and concerts. In 1993, it earned a spot on the National Register of Historic Places. 

Photos Courtesy of www.the20thcenturytheater.com

 

As I approached, I admired the stunning Neoclassical Moderne architecture. Getting closer, I spotted a mural of Sophia Loren right next to the marquee.

 

 

Turning to the left, I found an even more exciting mural in the parking lot, featuring iconic figures like Humphrey Bogart, Marilyn Monroe, Judy Garland, Sidney Poitier, James Dean, and John Wayne. 

If you venture around back, there's another mural of Sylvester Stallone and Harrison Ford, plus a tribute to film critics Siskel and Ebert.

 

During my brief visit, I admired the theater's exterior and caught a glimpse of the lobby through a closed door, which displayed vintage movie posters.

I felt grateful to discover such a beautifully preserved treasure. 

As I strolled away, I pondered the mural and why a local Cincinnati figure wasn't represented. But as the legendary Doris Day once sang, Que Sera, Que Sera! I might need more ice cream! 😄

Aglamesis Bro's