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Architect John Eberson, building the theatre for Mellie Esperson, declared that the Majestic Theatre in Houston was the first of a new design of theatres: the atmospheric theatre. The Majestic opened on 29th January 1923 with Larry Semon starring in The Counter Jumper plus vaudeville acts on the stage, and Henry B. Walthall appearing in person on the stage in “The Unknown”.
The theatre was to be the third “Majestic” Theatre in Houston and was Houston’s first theatre with air-conditioning. It was owned by the Interstate Theatres Inc. chain (they also owned the Majestic Theatre in Dallas and the Majestic Theatre in San Antonio). The Majestic Theatre was built in a garden style and the ceiling was blue with stars moving overhead, and was very ornate.
The Majestic was a first-run house from the day it opened until the day it closed. Sadly, this beautiful Italian Renaissance style palace was demolished in 1971.
Information sourced from Cinema Treasures .
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