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Art-Deco/Drive-Ins

A Theater Near You

Washington Theater Memorabilia from the Collection of Robert Headley

WASHINGTON MOVIE THEATER HISTORY: THEATER STYLES

ART-DECO (1928-1950) - Theaters become smaller and more streamlined in design; increased use of glass and polished metal. Examples: Bethesda, exterior of MacArthur.

DRIVE-INS (1938-1958) - Most built between 1950 and 1960; could hold up to 2,000 cars; disappeared during the 1980's when real estate became more valuable. Examples: none extant in Washington area.



Caption: Program from the opening of the Hyattsville Theater in 1938.













Caption: The lobby of Warner Bros. beautiful art deco
Calvert Theater (John Eberson, 1937) gleams with polished metal.



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Last Revised: April 9, 2001