Cecil Whitmire, who led the transform- ation of downtown's
Alabama Theatre from a struggling movie palace into a successful
performing arts center, died Sunday after a brief illness. He was 74.
The Alabama Theatre, Birmingham, and all of Alabama, owe a debt of gratitutde to this good man for his tireless efforts on their part.
I will never forget trips to the Alabama as a teenager to see the latest hit movies. And later, my sister and I went frequently to see showings of "Gone With the Wind." Nothing like watching GWTW at the Alabama, unless it would be at Atlanta's Fox, which I've never had the opportunity to do.Always before the movie, the Might Wurlitzer Organ would rise out of the stage floor with Cecil Whitmire sitting on the bench. He'd make that organ talk, entertaining the audience with many classics, and always with "Stars Fell on Alabama."
Mr. Whitmire began a three-decade love affair with the Alabama in 1976, when he moved to Birmingham from Knoxville to manage a hardware company.
In 1986, Mr. Whitmire led a grassroots effort to save the Alabama from bankruptcy and became president of Birmingham Landmarks Inc., which bought the Alabama, renovated it and turned it into a major performing arts venue for movies, concerts, theater, dance and private events.
"He was a legend in the historic theater circles," said George Culver, who now runs Birmingham Children's Theatre but once oversaw the historic Ritz Theatre in Talladega. He and Mr. Whitmire both were on the board of the League of Historic American Theatres.
"He was much beloved," Culver said. "He was such a kind, gentle man, and everyone knows how he almost single-handedly spearheaded saving one of the grand movie palaces in America."
Services have not been set, but there will be a memorial service at the Alabama, Hanks said.
In addition to his sister, Lynda Wright, Mr. Whitmire is survived by his mother, Margarette, who also lives in Corryton, Tennessee.
![IMG_5480_thumb[1]](https://jamesdcage.github.io/img/a-star-has-fallen_files/6a00d8341cbb0053ef0133f34a952e970b-320wi.jpg "IMG_5480_thumb[1]")
We'll miss you, Mr. Whitmire. Thank you for all the memories. Rest in peace.
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On 08/24/2010, Kai said ...
Some of the old theaters are so beautiful, with details the new theaters are sorely lacking! Your Alabama Theater is gorgeous! I grew up with the old Alabama HERE (named for the street where it sat) as well as the Majestic, the Metropolitan, & the River Oaks Theaters. The only one remaining is the River Oaks. It's gorgeous! They rarely show the popular films but instead focus on International & Indie films. I LOVE that theater! Wish we still had our other 3. GOOOOOD memories of all 3. Houston needed a Mr. Whitmire! Blessings on him!
On 08/24/2010, Lesly said ...
Your Alabama reminds me so much of the Tennessee Theater in Knoxville, TN, where I grew up! It also had a Mighty Wurlitzer that rose from the orchestra pit. I saw movies there when I was a child, and then it fell into disrepair. It has been restored and now hosts live events. I am always so pleased wen communities remember their treasures of yesterday. RIP Mr. Whitmire.
On 08/24/2010, Lainee said ...
It reminds me of the Oriental Theater in Milwaukee. It was in walking distance of my condo when I was doing my urban living experiment. Does this organ rise up out of the stage?
On 08/24/2010, mom2fur said ...
Sounds like he was a wonderful human being, and I bet that theater was amazing! Makes me think of Radio City Music Hall.
On 08/24/2010, Brenda Kula said ...
So sorry. But sounds like he did some great things in his life.
Brenda
On 08/24/2010, Donna said ...
I saw this on the news. I have only been to the Alabama Theater once and it was so beautiful.
On 08/25/2010, Sandy said ...
Isn't it wondrful how only a few people can make such a big change. Our local theatre was saved in the same manner and now it's just beautiful..we have palys, children's dance recitals and have had popular singers perform. Have a geat day..
On 08/25/2010, Barbara Anne said ...
Memphis has The Orpheum theater where the Mighty Wurlitzer organ rises out of the floor, too. It is a magestic theater in the style of The Alabama. How wonderful that The Alabama is still a showplace and active theater in many new ways. The pictures are fantastic.
Go in peace, Mr. Whitmire. You made a wonderful difference in the world!
Hugs to you, Susan.
On 08/25/2010, Pat said ...
A great tribute... The Alabama is a grand old theater much like the Orpheum in Memphis, 50 miles from where I live. It's wonderful that people take the initiative to preserve these old buildings and offer people wonderful events to attend.
On 08/26/2010, Gayle said ...
Lovely post, beautiful man, stunning theater. :-)
On 08/27/2010, Scarlett Clay said ...
What a beautiful theater--they just don't make them like that any more, that's for sure! Enjoyed your post! Found you through Kay Ellen--have a great weekend!
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