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#015

THE FABULOUS FOX THEATRE

December 20, 2011

Featuring:
Beauchamp Carr, Matthew Bernstein, Leo Alvarez, Molly Fortune

OVERVIEW

In 1929, William Fox was a movie mogul and The Fox Theatre was Atlanta’s crown jewel of movie palaces.  This Christmas Day, “The Fox” celebrates its 82nd birthday.  Over the years it has hosted many award-winning performances. Comedies, tragedies, & dramas – in the form of movies, plays & dance – have all played on the big screen and the stage, creating more than a few memories along the way.

The Nutcracker is a long-standing holiday tradition at The Fox Theatre.
The Nutcracker is a long-standing holiday tradition at The Fox Theatre.

However, The Fox’s history is not all glitz and glamour.  The curtain nearly closed in 1974, and would have for good if not for the efforts of concerned citizens, community oriented corporations and the foresight of Atlanta Landmarks, Inc. and their “Save the Fox” campaign.  This month we celebrate with The Fox and take a look back at the history, the preservation, the restoration, and the theatre’s place in Atlanta’s cultural landscape.

Walt Disney’s “Song of the South” grand world premiere at the Fox Theatre, October 1946.
Walt Disney’s “Song of the South” grand world premiere at the Fox Theatre, October 1946.

Beauchamp Carr is EVP at The Woodruff Arts Center and was an integral player with Atlanta Landmarks, Inc.’s effort to prevent The Fox from becoming a Bellsouth parking deck.  Beauchamp joins Gene in the studio to remind us about the incredible preservation effort, and to share some personal thoughts about the theatre he helped rescue.

“Save the Fox” poster circa 1976
“Save the Fox” poster circa 1976

Chairperson of Emory’s Film & Media Studies, Matthew Bernstein also swings by Sidewalk Radio to talk about The Fox, the golden age of cinema, and the magic of movie palaces.  Bernstein’s passion for film and his knowledge about cinematic history paint a nice picture of how The Fox used to be, what it used to be, and why it is important today.

The Fox is a anchor both on Peachtree Street and in our cultural heritage.
The Fox is a anchor both on Peachtree Street and in our cultural heritage.

Leo Alvarez is nothing if not real.  As Atlanta’s Urban Design Leader at Perkins+Will, Alvarez is consumed with culture.  In this episode, Alvarez discusses how to protect, plan, design and deliver culture within our community while keeping it genuine and appreciating the authenticity that already exists.  And, in Atlanta, “The Fox” is synonymous with authenticity.

The 1922 finding of King Tut’s Tomb set off a craze in Egyptian architecture & design.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br>
The 1922 finding of King Tut’s Tomb set off a craze in Egyptian architecture & design.<br />
The 1922 finding of King Tut’s Tomb set off a craze in Egyptian architecture & design.<br />
The 1922 finding of King Tut’s Tomb set off a craze in Egyptian architecture & design.
The 1922 finding of King Tut’s Tomb set off a craze in Egyptian architecture & design.

Molly Fortune is Atlanta’s good fortune in that she leads a team that keeps The Fox alive, refreshed and restored so that memories can be made and so that this cultural monument can be enjoyed for generations to come.  As Director of Restoration at The Fox Theatre, Fortune has a magnifying glass on every detail from furniture to fixtures, wallpaper to windows.  In our interview, we examine these important design and architectural details with her down to the smallest twinkling star.

So, as we move into a New Year, let’s reflect on the icon we almost lost, and remember the importance of keeping it real!  Here’s to a fantastic 2012, and a sincere appreciation for The Fabulous Fox Theatre over the past 82 years.  Happy Birthday Fox Theatre & Happy Holidays, y’all!

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