When the Fox Theatre in Saint Louis opened on January 31, 1929, it was the second largest theatre in the nation, seating 5,060 people. It was built at the then enormous cost of more than $6 million. The ornate interior of the fabulous Fox has been described as "Siamese Byzantine" -- a conglomeration of Moorish, Far Eastern, Egyptian, Babylonian, and Indian themes of various periods. William Fox called the style the "Eve Leo style," a tribute to his wife who decorated and furnished the theatre. Mrs. Fox traveled throughout the world, buying paintings, sculpture and furnishings for the then unheard of cost of $700,000. Many of her artistic treasures were displayed in "Peacock Alley," directly above the main lobby.

Suspended from the dome of the auditorium is a spectacular chandelier -- 13 feet in diameter, weighing 2,000 pounds, and enhanced by 1,244 pieces of jeweled glass and 159 light bulbs. This ornate chandelier is but one of the many extravagant interior features, along with plaster finishes that simulate marble, hand-stenciled walls, marble restroom fixtures, leather-lined elevators, gold leaf, glass "jewels," velvet cushioned chairs, and intricately cast brass ornamentation.

The bejeweled grand lobby of the Fox was designed to recall ancient Indian religious buildings. The 90-foot lobby with rows of flanking columns is reminiscent of the rock-cut Buddhist monastery halls built in India between 200 BC and AD 200. Lions and sea monsters flank the grand staircase, and the terrazzo lobby floor was originally covered with a crimson and gold chenille carpet imported from Czechoslovakia.

The "Crawford Special" Wurlitzer Organ

The organ selected for this magnificent edifice at a cost of $75,000 was a 4/36 Wurlitzer -- one of the four great Crawford Specials built during the final days of theatre pipe organ production. To give some perspective as to the magnitude of this instrument, visualize the fact that the blower and relay rooms and the seven pipe chambers cover a vertical height equal to a five-story building. The chambers, five with expression shutters, are partially served by an automatic elevator. They speak directly into the cavernous auditorium through appropriately placed marble columns around the perimeter of the theatre some 35 feet above the orchestra floor.

There is delay of approximately two seconds from the time a key is depressed on the ornate white and golf leaf console until the sound reaches the organist's ear. This is easily explained when it is known that the projection booth is 300 feet from the organ console in the orchestra pit. A regulation football field could be laid out between the console and the spotlight that plays on the console.

Tom Terry was the official resident organist until the great Wurlitzer was silenced in 1935. Other organists may have presided at the console but there is no record to indicate who they might have been. The organ was not played again for the public until Stan Kann became the resident organist in 1952. He remained the official house organist until 1974.

As the 70th birthday of the fabulous Fox Theatre in Saint Louis approached, Mary Strauss (one of the theatre owners) and Stan Kann decided to present the original silent film Robin Hood, starring Douglas Fairbanks, Sr., and featuring Stan at the organ.

On the day of the program, an air of excitement prevailed. People were lined up around the block and jammed in the outer lobby, anxiously waiting for the inner doors to open to see and hear Stan duplicate the era of the silent motion picture palaces. The theatre looked wonderful, and the movie screen, which ordinarily was out of sight because of stage shows, was in place.

A unique perspective -- The movie screen with Stan Kann at the console

As the organ console rose from the pit, a hush fell over the audience. The organ functioned perfectly throughout the entire film. The 35mm print of the film projected a remarkably clear and precise picture. Stan's score was magnificent and his timing of the music and sound effects was flawless. The audience was enthralled and following the two-hour presentation, there was a five-minute standing ovation.

The future of the Saint Louis Fox Theatre looks bright. A dazzling array of the fine entertainment continues to be offered, from silent film classics with organ accompaniment to grand opera, along with special stage and film presentations.

Copyright © 2000 The American Theatre Organ Society, Inc. All rights reserved.