Title
Druid Theater, 1963
Subject
Theaters
Motion pictures
Description
This Druid Theater advertising actors Ann Margaret, and Dick Van Dyke starring in the movie "Bye Bye Birdie" was the second Druid Theater, It built in the early '60's and was located on University Blvd across from the new Embassy Suites, now a parking lot. You can see the old ABC Store in the background on the corner of Lurleen North and University.
There was an ugly incident at this Druid Theater on July 9, 1964. Renowned actor Jack Palance was at the theater with his wife and family, when a rumor spread that he was there to support the new policy of integration at the theater. A crowd of between 600-1,000 ensued with a near riot. Bricks were thrown through the windows and fire hoses dispersed the crowd. No one was injured and Palance was given a police escort to his hotel. He denied any involvement with the new theater policy, and said he simply wanted to go to the movies while visiting his wife's aunt in Northport.
There was an ugly incident at this Druid Theater on July 9, 1964. Renowned actor Jack Palance was at the theater with his wife and family, when a rumor spread that he was there to support the new policy of integration at the theater. A crowd of between 600-1,000 ensued with a near riot. Bricks were thrown through the windows and fire hoses dispersed the crowd. No one was injured and Palance was given a police escort to his hotel. He denied any involvement with the new theater policy, and said he simply wanted to go to the movies while visiting his wife's aunt in Northport.
Source
Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama
Date
1963
Contributor
Tuscaloosa Public Library
Type
Photograph
Identifier
648
Coverage
Tuscaloosa (AL)
Original Format
Photograph
Physical Dimensions
3 inches by 2.5 inches