Lyric Theater: Escolta’s magnificent landmark

In days gone by, Lyric Theater was a magnificent landmark along classy Escolta in Manila. Along with Capitol Theater, Lyric was the favorite of many a moviegoer. Sadly, Lyric with its art deco façade, is no more, just like the fate of Capitol.

In 1937, Lyric was reconstructed with future National Artist Pablo S. Antonio as architect.

Lyric survived the bombing of Manila during World War II and from 1945 to 1970 it was the home of Warner Bros. Production.

With the decline of Escolta as Manila’s shopping and banking street, Lyric lost much of its patronage, just like other stand-alone theaters along Avenida Rizal. They gave way to cinema complex in malls all over Metro Manila and, eventually, the provinces.

Let’s look back at some of the films shown at Lyric Theater. — RKC