The Rialto Theatre shown during the world premiere of famed director Michael Curtiz's film Proud Rebel starring Alan Ladd and Olivia de Havilland. In the movie, the son of Alan Ladd's character becomes mute after seeing his mother killed in the Battle of Atlanta during the Civil War, so perhaps this is why the film had its premiere here in Atlanta. Thanks to reader Jerry C. for this information about the plot of the move.
The (original) Rialto Theatre was built in 1916. That building, shown in this 1958 photo, was torn down in 1962 and a new Rialto Theatre was constructed on the site. The rebuilt Rialto shut its doors in 1989. After being empty for a couple of years, Georgia State University spearheaded a $14 million renovation that resulted in the top notch performing arts center seen in the photo below.
Date: 1958
GSU FILE: LBMPE2-047a
TOP PHOTO COURTESY SPECIAL COLLECTIONS DEPT, PULLEN LIBRARY, GEORGIA STATE UNIVERSITY
Date: 04/16/04
