When Was a Movie Theater Installed in the White House?

Movie Theater|Theater

The first movie theater inside the White House was installed in 1942. President Franklin D. Roosevelt, along with the help of Hollywood director Frank Capra, had the theater installed in order to provide entertainment for his family and staff. The theater was located in a room on the third floor of the White House and was equipped with a projection booth, projection machine, and seating for approximately 50 people.

The White House theater featured films from both Hollywood studios and independent producers. President Roosevelt screened movies that were both serious dramas and light-hearted comedies.

He also made sure to showcase films that highlighted his own political agenda. During his presidency, he used the theater to promote messages about democracy, international relations, and labor issues.

The use of the White House movie theater continued after President Roosevelt’s death in 1945 under Harry Truman’s administration. Truman even held a special screening of “The Red Badge of Courage” to commemorate Memorial Day in 1950. The theater was also used by subsequent presidents until it was closed down in 1977 due to safety concerns.

In 2010, President Obama had the theater reopened as part of a restoration project within the White House. He hosted a special screening of “The Wizard of Oz” for thousands of children from across America who were invited as guests for the event. Since then, he has used it to screen films such as “Lincoln” and “Selma” as well as other classics like “Casablanca” and “Gone with the Wind”.

Today, the White House movie theater remains an important part of American history and is used for both private screenings and state occasions alike. It serves as a reminder of our nation’s rich cultural heritage and is a testament to how far we have come since its installation over seventy-five years ago in 1942.

Conclusion: When Was a Movie Theater Installed in the White House? The first movie theater inside the White House was installed in 1942 by President Franklin D Roosevelt at his request with help from Hollywood director Frank Capra. The theater has been used by various presidents since then, including President Obama who reopened it 2010 after it had been closed down due to safety concerns earlier on in 1977.