Then and Now - The Imperial Theatre in Pawtucket, Rhode Island

The Imperial Theatre in Pawtucket, Rhode Island first opened its doors on February 21, 1916, with Lilian Gish starring in “The Birth of a Nation”, one of the most controversial films of the 20th century due to it’s heroic portrayal of the Klu Klux Klan, and it’s racist depiction of African Americans.  On December 31, 1918, a fire broke out in the furnace room at 11:30 PM, shortly after the theatre had closed for the night. The blaze caused considerable damage, resulting in the theatre’s closure for several weeks to allow for repairs.

In 1921, a Hutchings Organ was installed, enhancing the theatre’s offerings and providing audiences with an improved cinematic experience. The Hutchings organ had a console with two manuals and was considered too elaborate for the theatre. It was soon replaced with a traditional piano. The acoustics were said to optimize the atmosphere for silent films, and the marquee enjoyed hosting the best pictures Hollywood had to offer at that time.

The theatre underwent another significant change on January 12, 1935, when it reopened after being closed for a few years. Despite this effort, the Imperial Theatre could not sustain its operations indefinitely. It closed its doors in 1938 and was subsequently demolished. Today, the site where the theatre once stood is occupied by an optometrist’s office.