Guided Tour Booking Required
Alabama Theatre History Tour
Tours of the 1927 movie palace are offered periodically by Birmingham Landmarks; check their schedule for backstage and Mighty Wurlitzer organ access.
- Duration:
- 1.3 hr
Photo coming soon
Theater / Performance Venue
The Alabama Theatre
1927 Paramount movie palace and home of the Mighty Wurlitzer organ — staff still credit former house organist Stanleigh Malotte for footsteps and a 1986 stage apparition.
1817 3rd Avenue North, Birmingham, AL 35203
Wheelchair Accessible
Research-Backed · 5sources
Age
All Ages
Cost
$$
Public access via ticketed shows, organ concerts, and occasional tours. Ticket prices vary by event.
Access
Wheelchair OK
Restored 1927 movie palace; mainline-floor seating accessible, balcony requires stairs.
Equipment
No Photos
Est. 1927 · National Register of Historic Places · 1927 Paramount-Publix movie palace · Original Mighty Wurlitzer organ in place
The Alabama Theatre opened on December 26, 1927, as the flagship of Paramount-Publix's Southeast circuit. Designed by Chicago architects Graven & Mayger in an opulent Spanish-Moorish vocabulary, it seated approximately 2,500 patrons (now closer to 2,200 after renovations) and served as the region's premier first-run movie house through the mid-20th century.
At its construction the theatre was outfitted with a four-manual Wurlitzer pipe organ, marketed at the time as the 'Mighty Wurlitzer,' to accompany silent films and stage shows. Stanleigh Malotte served as the theatre's house organist from 1936 to 1955, and his programs were broadcast on local radio.
As movie attendance declined, the Alabama survived through the late 20th century by hosting concerts, special screenings, and Mighty Wurlitzer organ programs. In 1987 Birmingham Landmarks acquired the building and undertook a multi-decade restoration that returned the lobby chandeliers, plasterwork, and seating to their 1927 condition. Cecil Whitmire served as the theatre's organist and operations manager during much of this restoration period.
Today the Alabama Theatre is the centerpiece of Birmingham's downtown theater district and operates as a live-performance and special-event venue. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Mighty Wurlitzer continues to be played at silent-film accompaniments and dedicated organ concerts.
Sources
- https://www.bhamwiki.com/w/Alabama_Theatre
- https://alabamatheatre.com/about-the-alabama-theatre/
- https://www.hmdb.org/m.asp?m=27337
- http://www.alabamatheatreorgan.com/history.html
- https://www.bhamwiki.com/w/Stanleigh_Malotte
ApparitionsPhantom footstepsDoors locking/unlockingWindows closing on their own
The Alabama Theatre's resident haunting is attributed to Stanleigh Malotte, the theatre's house organist from 1936 to 1955. According to US Ghost Adventures and the Bhamwiki entry on Malotte, the central incident occurred in 1986, when Cecil Whitmire (the theatre's organist and operations manager during its 1980s restoration) was rehearsing with a singer for an upcoming performance. As they practiced, both reportedly observed a full-body male apparition cross the empty stage from one wing to the other before vanishing. Whitmire identified the figure as Malotte.
Subsequent reports recorded by staff and visitors include windows that close and lock by themselves, doors that unlock without anyone present, and phantom footsteps in the empty auditorium during late-night cleaning and maintenance hours. The Patch.com article on Birmingham hauntings and the Great American Ghost Tour site both treat the theatre as one of the city's principal music-anchored hauntings — a residual or intelligent presence linked to a specific performer rather than a tragic event.
No death is documented as having occurred inside the building; Malotte left the theatre in 1955 and died years later. The haunting framework is therefore one of attachment rather than violent anchor — a former organist whose music was his life returning to the stage where he played.
Notable Entities
Stanleigh Malotte (former house organist, 1936-1955)
Plan Your Visit
2 ways to experience Drive-By
Exterior Marquee View
View the original 1927 marquee and Spanish-Moorish facade from 3rd Avenue North in the heart of Birmingham's theater district.
- Duration:
- 15 min
Sources & Further Reading
Every HauntBound history is researched from documented sources. We clearly separate verified historical fact from paranormal folklore.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Alabama Theatre family-friendly?
An active performing arts venue with a gentle, music-anchored ghost story. Suitable for all ages. Overall family fit: High.
How much does it cost to visit The Alabama Theatre?
Public access via ticketed shows, organ concerts, and occasional tours. Ticket prices vary by event.
Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, reservations are required.
Is The Alabama Theatre wheelchair accessible?
Yes, The Alabama Theatre is wheelchair accessible. Terrain: Restored 1927 movie palace; mainline-floor seating accessible, balcony requires stairs..