What the Plaza Theatre Looked Like When The Birds Premiered

The Plaza Classic Film Festival returns to El Paso’s historic Plaza Theatre this summer and so far, their schedule is shaping up to be a great one! Walking into the historic theater, you'd never guess that for a while it was shut down; between the '80's and 2006, the theater was vacant. In 2006 it was restored for $38 million and the movies returned to the Plaza!

When The Birds premiered at El Paso’s Plaza Theatre in 1963, it was nothing short of a spectacle- complete with searchlights, a glamorous crowd, and the thrill of a Hitchcock release. Now, over 60 years later, the film is flying back to where it all began. As part of this year’s Plaza Classic Film Festival, The Birds will once again grace the big screen at the historic downtown venue, giving El Pasoans a rare chance to relive a cinematic moment that once lit up the city.

With the Plaza Classic Film Festival just around the corner, now is a great time to take a glance at what the Plaza looked like in 1963 when Alfred Hitchcock's The Birds premiered, and how the Plaza lit up for it!

I’m completely amazed by this photo. Somehow, the Plaza Theatre looks much like it does today, yet it instantly transports you to a different era. With its glowing marquee proudly announcing The Birds and the vibrant movie posters everywhere, the whole scene feels dazzling and full of life.

Is it just me, or did movie premieres look flashier back then? Going to the movies back then was a whole event and Alfred Hitchcock made sure that moviegoers were treated to a unique experience.

The Birds will be shown on Saturday, July 26 with special guest Veronica Cartwright!  This year's Plaza Classic Film Fest will take place on July 17th through July 27th- in and around the Plaza Theatre in downtown El Paso. You can check out more info here.