Hilan Theatre
800 N. Highland Avenue NE,
Atlanta,
GA
30306
800 N. Highland Avenue NE,
Atlanta,
GA
30306
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During a recent excursion to Atlanta to get information and photos of the area’s theatres I was a bit disheartened to discover that the Hilan’s distinctive marquee as well as its entire North Highland Avenue facade had vanished. According to folks in the area, this former Story Theatre is still there but none could account for its current condition or future.
A few years after the theatre closed in 1969, it became the home of the Metropolitan Community Church. Currently a bank, ice cream parlor and coffee shop reside in the space once occupied by the Hilan’s entrance and lobby.
You can sorta get a peak of the Hilan by going to
http://home.flash.net/~ral1/starbucks/bigimages/DSCN0950.htm.
The Hilan is the two-story white brick edifice in the center.
Contributed by
Jack Coursey
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Recent comments (view all 20 comments)
Here is a vintage movie ad
View link
A December 4, 1937, Boxoffice magazine obituary of Atlanta showman Louis Bach says that he built the Hilan Theatre in 1933.
I worked concession at the Hilan in 1964-5 while a senior at Bass High School in Little Five Points.
Previously I had worked at the Emory, and on occasion, I picked up shifts at the Rhodes. I remember
changing the marquee at the Hilan with my friend and fellow Bass student, Steve. We’d spread the letters out on the sidewalk, I’d hand them up to Steve who manned the ladder. It was always a challenge to find enough letters to do the job. Those things were duct taped and chipped, but didn’t look too bad up on the marquee. Pay for concession was .60 an hour.
I too remember the projectionist, Horace Biggers (couldn’t remember his first name until I read these
posts, but then I don’t think I ever knew his first name – everyone just called him “Biggers.”) Yes, he
was a character – always had some little construction project going. A big tall man and a nice guy.
Enjoyed the posts – great Atlanta Baby Boomer nostalgia. All you Storey alumnae, be sure to
check out the Emory and Rhodes on Cinema Treasures, too. Thanks all.
thanks Ralph, Most all of us had a “Biggers”. LOl.
I worked there in the concession stand in 64. Remember popping popcorn in the bathtub upstairs and bring it downstairs. I also remember the candy was out in the open and had to watch people like hawks to keep them from stealing. Remember when Hard Days night played and sat up in the projection booth and watched the girls screaming. Also learned how to change reels and watch for the dots to appear. I Also worked a couple shifts at the Emory
Been trying to find a photo from the early 60’s any idea where I might find one
check the top floor of the main branch of the fulton county library. you will have to look around a bit but there is a wealth of material there literally rotting away.
Thanks… Next time I am in Atlanta I will check. I live in Virginia now. Was trying to try something online
During my 16 month stay in Atlanta (1964 and 65) I was able to attend this theatre only once. I saw a black and white film, “The Hill”, a good one, directed by Lumet and starring Sean Connery just after “Dr. No”, and Harry Andrews. It was not one of the movie palaces but it was a nice neighborhood theatre, just around the corner from the Plaza theatre.
I worked there during that time… memories