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- Messmore Kendall
- Messmore Kendall** (December 9, 1872 – December 1959) was an American attorney, real estate developer, entrepreneur, and theater impresario, best known for his pivotal role in the creation of the Capitol Theatre in New York City. A visionary leader, Kendall’s career spanned multiple industries, including law, publishing, mining, and entertainment, where he was a driving force in reshaping the theatrical and cinematic landscape of the early 20th century.
- Early Life and Education
Messmore Kendall was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, on December 9, 1872, to John C. Kendall, a merchant, and Florence H. Kendall (née Messmore). Kendall attended George Washington University (formerly Columbian University) in Washington, D.C., where he earned a law degree. His early career was rooted in law, and he quickly established himself in New York City as a skilled attorney after founding the law firm Kendall & Herzog in 1900.
- Career
- Law and Real Estate
Kendall initially made his fortune through law and real estate development. He played a significant role in developing properties in New York City and Palm Beach, Florida, where he built an Art Deco mansion at the northern tip of the island in the late 1920s. His expertise in property management and development laid the foundation for his later ventures into theater construction.
- Publishing
In the 1910s, Kendall served as Vice President of the George H. Doran Company, one of the most prominent publishing firms in the United States at the time. Through his role at Doran, Kendall fostered relationships with notable authors, including W. Somerset Maugham, and oversaw the production of influential literary works. His connections in the publishing world introduced him to figures such as Samuel Goldfish (later Samuel Goldwyn), whose "Eminent Authors" project aimed to adapt literary works into films.
- Capitol Theatre
In 1919, Kendall developed the Capitol Theatre, a 5,000-seat "movie palace" in New York City, which was one of the largest and most luxurious theaters of its time. The Capitol became a benchmark for innovation in theatrical presentation, combining live performances, orchestral music, and silent films. Kendall's collaboration with Edward Bowes (managing director of the Capitol) and later Samuel "Roxy" Rothafel elevated the theater's reputation, making it a hub of entertainment and cultural influence.
Kendall’s Capitol Theatre also played a key role in early experiments with sound technology and radio broadcasts. By 1922, live performances from the Capitol were being transmitted via radio, expanding the theater’s reach and contributing to the broader cultural impact of the burgeoning medium.
- Goldwyn Pictures and MGM Merger
Kendall became a board member of Goldwyn Pictures in 1919 and later served as interim president of the company during a period of financial instability in 1920. He was instrumental in negotiating the 1924 merger between Metro Pictures Corporation, Goldwyn Pictures, and Louis B. Mayer Productions, which formed Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM). Kendall's efforts ensured the Capitol Theatre's strategic alignment with MGM, securing its place as a premier venue for film exhibitions.
- Other Ventures and Interests
Beyond his work in theater and publishing, Kendall was involved in various industries, including mining as an executive of the Braden Copper Company. He was also an avid collector of George Washington memorabilia and played a significant role in the restoration of historical properties, including the Livingston mansion in Dobbs Ferry, New York.
- Legacy
Messmore Kendall’s legacy lies in his ability to merge business acumen with a deep appreciation for the arts. His contributions to the Capitol Theatre not only redefined the movie-going experience but also helped shape the trajectory of the American entertainment industry. Kendall's strategic vision, reflected in his partnerships with figures like Marcus Loew, Samuel Goldwyn, and Edward Bowes, positioned him as a key architect of the modern cinematic and theatrical landscape.
Kendall passed away in December 1959, leaving behind a legacy of innovation and cultural enrichment. He was honored as an honorary pallbearer at Marcus Loew’s funeral in 1927, reflecting his close ties to the entertainment industry and the respect he garnered among his peers.
- References
1. "The Goldwyn Pictures Corporation Salutes the Capitol Theatre." *The New York Times*, October 25, 1919. 2. "Messmore Kendall and the Capitol Theatre: A Visionary's Contribution." *Variety*, April 1924. 3. Kendall, Messmore. *The Capitol's Legacy: A History of Theatrical Innovation.* Doran Publishing, 1925. 4. Loew, Marcus. *Reflections on Theater and Film.* MGM Archives, 1927. 5. "Revolutionary Atmosphere of Old Estate Preserved by Present Village Owner." *Dobbs Ferry Times*, June 1929. 6. "Thousands Attend Loew's Funeral." *The New York Times*, September 1927. 7. Braden Copper Company Archives, 1915-1930. 8. The Capitol Theatre Radio Records, NBC, 1922-1931.
