John Bell Oral History Interview

Interviewee

John Bell

Files

Interviewer

Laura Landry, Andy Huse

Publication Date

2024

Date

2023-11-11

Abstract

In this oral history, Laura Landry is joined by John Bell, President and CEO of Tampa Theatre, who shares the maturation of the establishment during his time. Bell describes the changes over the years to previewing films, live shows, and ongoing renovations to preserve the historical authenticity of the building. John Bell spotlights the profound relationship between the local community and Tampa Theatre. He fondly describes moments when the community rallied to save the theater in the sixties and their unwavering support of the theater during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Keywords

Tampa Theatre, Arts council, Film, Theatre management, Silent film music, Movie studios, Paramount Film Company, Motion picture distribution, Architecture, Gargoyles, Birds, Atmospheric theaters, Historic building conservation, Historic building, Theater programming, Ghosts, Rosa Rio (1902-2010), John Eberson (1875-1954), Art Keeble (1944-2023)

Extent

01:30:33; 27-page transcript

Subject: geographic

Florida; Tampa, (Fla)

Language

English

Media Type

Oral history

Format

Digital only

Identifier

tampa-theatre-ohp-john-bell

Recommended Citation

Bell, John, "John Bell Oral History Interview" (2024). Tampa Theatre Oral History Collection. 2.
https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/tampa_theatre_ohp/2