In October of 1912, Owensboro witnessed the grand opening of the Empress Theatre, which was celebrated as one of the finest photoplay houses in the region. The theater was designed to meet the highest standards of modern motion picture venues at the time, boasting features such as perfect ventilation, comfortable seating, and state-of-the-art picture projection. With a seating capacity of around 700, the Empress became a cornerstone of local entertainment, drawing crowds with its innovative design and the promise of a superior viewing experience.
The opening event on Tuesday, October 29, 1912, was met with tremendous anticipation and enthusiasm. The theater’s grand appearance was accentuated by an array of electric globes that illuminated the exterior, providing a welcoming and vibrant entrance for guests. Inside, patrons were greeted by handsomely decorated interiors, including marble wainscoting, terrazzo floors, and cast-glass doors that made the building a sight to behold.
Managed by George A. Bleich, the Empress was a testament to his vision of bringing a world-class theater experience to Owensboro, and it did not disappoint. During its opening evening, hundreds of people packed the theater to capacity, expressing unanimous praise for both the building and the picture quality. The use of cutting-edge projectors ensured a steady and clear motion picture experience, far superior to other theaters of the time, as it eliminated flicker and prevented visual fatigue.
The Empress Theatre was not just about the aesthetic and technical aspects, however. It also served as a cultural hub, with an eight-piece orchestra providing musical accompaniment to the silent films, further enhancing the audience’s experience. The theater operated six shows daily, offering a range of films, and changed its program frequently to keep the offerings fresh.
Owensboro took great pride in the Empress, which was unrivaled in towns of similar size and even compared favorably to theaters in larger cities. The success of the Empress marked a significant step in the evolution of local entertainment, establishing Owensboro as a city with top-tier cultural offerings.
Mr. Bleich’s efforts were widely lauded, and the investment into the Empress, reported to exceed $25,000, was seen as a major contribution to the city’s cultural development. In the years following its opening, the theater became a beloved institution in Owensboro, continuing to entertain residents with its state-of-the-art features and commitment to quality.
Ownership changed over the years and the name changed around 1941 to The Malco Theater. It was remodeled and on November 17, 1949 became The Center Theater until 1967.
After another major remodel, the building opened as The Malco again on January 25, 1968 and the owners moved the Malco marquee from their Third Street building to this location. It remained The Malco until January 19, 1989, when it was closed as a movie theater.
At the time of its closing, it was the 2nd oldest movie theater in the US. In 1992, new owners turned it into Goldie’s Opryhouse, and in 2011, Theatre Workshop of Owensboro purchased the building. It is once again known as The Empress Theatre.
Posted by John Laswell in the History of Owensboro FB group
posted by Casey Owens in the History of Owensboro FB group
This slideshow gallery is from 2015, prior to renovations:
