123 E. FRANKLIN ST. / SORRELL BUILDING / CAROLINA THEATRE / VILLAGE THEATER / VARSITY THEATRE
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Last updated
- Mon, 01/10/2022 - 9:50am by SteveR
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In 1960-61, Civil Rights protestors picketed the theater (part of the group was called "Citizens for Open Movies"). In November 1961, the theater allowed black UNC students ("with valid identification") to attend. By February 1962 the theater implemented full desegregation.
The theater was remodeled in early 1966, with a 500-seat capacity. There was a fire in the building on November 16, 1966, which gutted the theater, the other businesses (Jeff's and City Optical), and apartments. Luckily, nobody was killed or injured due to the fire.
1966, after the fire
Exterior of Jeff's, 1967 (via UNC's Yackety Yack)
1973
1986 (photo via cinematreasures.org)
1991
The Varsity Theatre was to close on May 29, 2009, but it was postponed to June 4, 2009. It did, however, reopen in November 2009.
Pre-opening ad, September 1927
First print ad, September 1927
1928 ad
The building's 1967 plaque (photo via the CHHS)
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