After the Final Curtain Vol. 2: America's Abandoned Theatres

In the early 20th century, movie palaces in America were opulent and luxurious, but as time passed, they became harder to fill, leading to many closures. Today, these once-grand buildings are illuminated by the flicker of dying lights and echoing with the sound of water dripping from the ceiling. Photographer Matt Lambros has documented these palaces in his book "After the Final Curtain (Volume 2)" to give them a chance to shine again.

Format: Hardback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 22 October 2019
Publisher: Jonglez

In the early 20th century, the streets of small towns and cities across America were abuzz with the lights and sounds of movie theaters. The most opulent of these, known as movie palaces, were designed to make their patrons feel like royalty; people would dress up to visit. However, as time passed, it became increasingly difficult to fill the 2,000+ seat theaters, and many were forced to close their doors. Today, these once-grand structures are illuminated only by the flickering of dying lights, and the sound of water dripping from holes in the ceiling echoes through the auditoriums.

In After the Final Curtain (Volume 2), internationally renowned photographer Matt Lambros continues his travels across the United States, documenting these once elegant buildings. From the supposedly haunted Pacific Warner Theatre in Los Angeles to the Orpheum Theatre in New Bedford, MA (which opened the same day the Titanic sank), Lambros pulls back the curtain to reveal what is left, giving these palaces a chance to shine again.

The Pacific Warner Theatre in Los Angeles, once a grand movie palace, is now a haunting reminder of its former glory. The theater, built in 1929, was designed by renowned architect Raymond Hood and featured a stunning Art Deco interior. However, it closed in 1963 and has since been abandoned and left to decay. Lambros' photographs capture the decaying grandeur of the theater, with its peeling paint, broken seats, and abandoned equipment. The Orpheum Theatre in New Bedford, MA, on the other hand, is a shining example of how these palaces can be revitalized. Opened in 1900, the theater was a hub of entertainment and culture in the community for many years. However, it closed in 1973 and was abandoned for decades. In 2007, a group of dedicated volunteers began restoring the theater, and it has since reopened as a performing arts center. Lambros' photographs show the stunning transformation of the theater, with its newly restored auditorium, ornate decorations, and vibrant performances.

Despite the challenges faced by these theaters, there is hope for their revival. Many communities across the United States are recognizing the value of preserving their historic movie palaces and are working to restore them to their former glory. These efforts include fundraising campaigns, grants, and public-private partnerships. By preserving these structures, we can ensure that they continue to be a valuable part of our cultural heritage and a source of pride for generations to come.

In conclusion, the movie palaces of the early 20th century were once a symbol of American culture and entertainment. While many of these structures have been abandoned and left to decay, there is hope for their revival. By preserving these historic buildings and revitalizing them as performing arts centers, we can ensure that they continue to be a valuable part of our cultural heritage and a source of pride for generations to come.

Weight: 1252g
Dimension: 218 x 305 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9782361953485