Rhodes Theatre
62 S. Rhodes Center NW,
Atlanta,
GA
30309
62 S. Rhodes Center NW,
Atlanta,
GA
30309
1 person
favorited this theater
The Rhodes Theatre was the Atlanta flagship of the Storey Theatre chain. A beautiful and luxurious showplace, the Rhodes Theatre was the only place in town to see the latest release from either Bergman or Fellini. It also seasoned its fare with an occasional classic like “Coconuts” or “Citizen Kane”.
When Storey didn’t renew its lease, attempts were made to preserve the theatre, but all to no avail. The theatre was gutted and it’s exterior was mangled beyond repair by a developer who fell short on cash and left the property in ruins.
Contributed by
Jack Coursey
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Recent comments (view all 31 comments)
I worked at the Rhodes in the 60’s while in grade school back in the day when such things were allowed; I also had a paper route and lived very near by. Herman Dyke was the manager then who hired me and the other kid who worked there was named Butch. Speegie was always at her post at the front desk. I think the projectionist was named Jack but cannot be sure. Starting pay was $0.55 an hour. I took tickets, made/sold popcorn and worked the concessions. I remember we had a reserved seat engagement of “My Fair Lady”, “Lion in Winter” and also premiered “Cactus Flower” there with Mayor Ivan Allen III and other local dignitaries in attendance. Ah, memories. ColColumbus"
Something happened with my last post, I was going to also add “Goodbye Columbus” plus a gillion other films that passed through the Rhodes. Reading everyone’s comments about “Speegie”, I remember her just the same, both she and her younger sister and I all got along very well. She was a living legend and she knew it too and lived/played the part and was gracious swell as tireless to the end. They do not make them like her any more. Agree?
Great to read these stories,it takes me back the my theatre days,Daryl-Atlanta.
I can see why a grade school kid would be excited with “GOODBYE,COLUMBUS” an R rated movie,right Daryl.
I worked concession at Storey Theaters in ‘64-65, first at the Emory, then at the Hilan. Occasionally,
I would pick up shifts at the Rhodes. I always considered the Rhodes “Uptown” – it wasn’t uncommon
for men to wear a jacket and tie to an evening performance. By the time I was there, Daryl, the wage
for concession workers had increased to $.60 an hour. I cannot remember wearing any type of uniform to work. Do any of the alumnae remember concession wearing a uniform or tie?
Yes, I too remember Speegee. And yes, she was the last of a classy breed.
I’ve enjoyed the posts – lots of nostalgia for us Atlanta Baby Boomers here.
Thanks everyone.
Jack: The photo you submitted was obviously taken some time in the 40s, but remove the cars and change the marque and it could have been from the 60s. I remember that there was a liquor store in the complex in the 60s.
FYI: If I recall correctly and having worked at the Rhodes in the 60’s…The Rhodes Theatre was owned by “Storey” and NOT “Story”…the spelling of the owner’s name and his company name was always a topic of conversation.
Daryl: You are correct – it was Fred Storey, not Story. Small errors are easily forgiven.
I saw a lot of movies there in the few years before they closed. Mostly revival double bills. One I’ll always remember was the night they played Blade Runner and A Clockwork Orange as a double feature. I was also there the last night they were open. They showed The Last Picture Show. Such a beautiful theater. I get a little sad every time I drive by. The building is still standing there, unoccupied, and starting to look a bit decrepit.
This was one of the more exciting and exclusive theaters in Atlanta. Big films would play here and often be held over for months and months. It was an “event” theater and the marquee was always lit up and exciting to drive by. Whatever film was booked you know it was important. The musical HALF A SIXPENCE played there for quite a while.