Bell Theatre
536 S. Fairground Street SE,
Marietta,
GA
30060
536 S. Fairground Street SE,
Marietta,
GA
30060
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“Jimmy Zimmerman” in an above post was a friend’s dad and was a long time Martin, later Carmike man. Managed the Strand in Marietta at one point and was high ranking exec w/Carmike when he passed away. He was a really great guy to have known.
According to the caption on the photo posted by ken mc on February 10, 2008 the auditorium burned down in the mid 60s.
This theater still existed in the early 1960s. I recall seeing it many times. It was closed and had what I seem to remember was equipment, possibly from the concession stand, sitting in front of the lobby entrance.
I don’t remember when it was finally demolished.
Here is a March 1958 item from the same source:
MARIETTA, GA.-The Bell Theatre here, operated by Martin Theatres, has been closed, ending what Jimmy Zimmerman, city manager for the circuit, called “operation in-the-red”.
The Bell, completed by Martin in 1945, was a second-run neighborhood house. The house was built of concrete, brick and steel and seated 800 persons. All of the property, including the theatre, a radio shop, a dry cleaning establishment and a restaurant, is for sale.
Here is an item from Boxoffice magazine, May 1950:
Don Scott, manager of the Bell Theater, Marietta GA, attracted three times his average business with a special campaign for “Dumbo” and “Saludos Amigos”. Scott posted a six-sheet on the floor of the lobby, displayed a 30-foot banner out front, bought selected radio spot time for announcements, and used heralds and tack cards to exploit the playdates. Scene mats from both pictures were planted in local newspapers.
Here is a 1956 photo:
http://tinyurl.com/yv2bxu
I remember going to it 1952-4.
Talked to one of my sisters & she says it was owned by the Martin chain of theaters.
No, it does not still exist. It was torn down in the 50’s.
It was located on the corner of Clay St. & Fairground St. in Marietta. Two of my older sisters worked there in the early 50’s.
It is not listed in Film Daily Yearbooks that I have; 1941 and 1943 editions, but is listed in the 1950 edition of F.D.Y. with a seating capacity of 790.