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HomeMovie TheatersState Theatre

State Theatre - Benton Harbor MI

Address: 148 W Main St
City: Benton Harbor
State: MI
Zip: 49022
County: Berrien
Open:
Capacity:
Owner History: Butterfield Theatres
Theater Type: Downtown Movie Palace
Number of visits to this page: 7956
General Information:

The Art Moderne-style State Theatre, located on Main Street near Colfax Avenue opened May 14, 1942 with Gene Tierney in “Sundown”. It was operated by the Butterfield chain until the 1960’s. In February 1967 it was taken over by Fox Eastern Theatres Corp.

During the 1950’s and 1960’s, it was one of four theatres open in Benton Harbor, along with the Liberty Theatre, City Theatre, and Lake Theatre. But today, only the State Theatre remains standing, although the theatre is currently closed.

Click the following links for locations of interest nearby:
Cinema Treasures Link
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Info Updates:
1/28/2007 - Larry Heyns
The Herald-Palladium published a letter from a Benton Harbor gentleman, today. In his opinion, the managers of the State Theater probably were marketing the wrong type of movies for the younger generation that now exists in Benton Harbor. He would not pay to see "Breakfast at Tiffany's" or "A Bridge Too Far" or "Batman". These are all movies that can be seen on cable TV or DVD. Someone should try to find an idea of what will be profitable at this site, and pay the electic and gas bills that go to heating and powering such a large venue.
3/2/2006 - Treg Tyler
UPDATE: The State Theater is under new management and will be open this spring. Footlight Productions, LLC took over management of the 64 year old theater in December of 2005. Since December, the theater has been under rennovations to restore the lobby, marquee and theater to its former glory. The target soft opening date is April 27th with a gala grand opening this summer. The State Theater is just part of the unique offerings in Benton Harbor today. Definatley a place to visit this spring.
3/2/2006 - Treg Tyler
Theater opened in 1942 - Closed in 1974 Seating capacity was approx 700 and is now 470 Boasts one of the larger screens in Michigan (34 x 17) Showing great films that need to be seen on the big screen, Private independant film club every third thursday of the month.
3/31/2005 - Chuck Sutton
I was downtown Benton Harbor the last two days. The State was open showing second run movies.
12/18/2003 - Box Office Magazine
May 1960 - The Butterfield Circuit is closing the State Theatre at Benton Harbor.
 Photos:4
State Theatre - THE STATE AT NIGHT
THE STATE AT NIGHT
State Theatre - OLD COLOR SHOT
OLD COLOR SHOT
State Theatre - 2018 STREET VIEW
2018 STREET VIEW
State Theatre - THE STATE IN 2002
THE STATE IN 2002
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