IDLEWILD  . FRONT STREET THEATRE  . CAPRI  . 1819 Madison

                                        

Opened 1940   .    Closed 1962  .  Seats 800   

Located on the South side of Madison Avenue just West of McLean.  In 1963 it was operating as a live venue known as Front Street Theater, even though it was a long way from Front Street. The bar/lounge upstairs under the balcony was a local talking point. By the early 1970s it had gone to porn - and not very high-class porn,  - and was limping along. It was closed for a while in the 70s.  In 1971 - 1975, the theatre's name was "Capri".  The Idlewild is listed in the 1940 through 1962 Memphis Directories. 

 

                              The Idlewild Theatre building was demolished ... March 20, 2018.

 
 

Collection Vincent Astor

Idlewild

Idlewild - Lobby

Idlewild - Ticket Booth
 

      Idlewild 2011

Demolition 2018

   1953 Ad 

1954 Ad

1955 Ad

Capri 1971
 
 
 

"...Idlewild was owned by Chalmers Cullins and his brother Edward" - Granddaughter Julie Best Erwin - 2011

"...and Nate Evans was a partner in the idlewild..."  - Gail Collins, Chalmers Cullins granddaughter -10/2011
 
 
 
   

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