Earle Theatre

Went to see the box office dud ‘Cloud Atlas’ here a couple of weekends ago. Missed it first run, this was the only theater playing it in the area. The service was great, but $5.00 is too much to pay for a second run movie, especially when the theater is in dire need of repair. The theater has been transformed into a bluegrass music museum during the day. The seats are uncomfortable (unbearable almost for the three hour movie I watched). The sound was barely audible. The movie itself was grainy and scratchy. At the two hour mark, the movie cut off and the screen went dark. I soon realized that the 2nd reel had to be put on and the movie came back on about 20 seconds later. I love supporting the old theaters, but am quite disappointed in this one and won’t be returning unless something I desperately want to see comes around.

The theatre that has been known as the Downtown Cinema for the past fifteen years or more, is now listed as the ‘Early Theatre’ in newspaper listings and on their phone message. Price has gone up to $5.00 per person, most movies shown are already out on DVD. Beginning of the end if you ask me :–/

Element 02 you might have caught “BALLAD OF CABLE HOGUE” there on June 2 1970 with “PUFNSTUF” coming next.

Love going to this theatre on Sunday afternoons if I didn’t make it to a movie at the first run theatres. Small screen, but comfortable, quiet, and it’s fun to sit in the balcony! Very nice staff. Theatre and employees offer a very ‘hometown’ feel.

This is a December 2008 photo.

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The above article deals with this theatre which was in Andy Griffith’s hometown which was the inspiration for Mayberry.

Here is another photo.

This theater was previously known as the Earle Theater. Here is a postcard view of the Earle Theater with a photo of the Downtown Cinema for comparison.

This is a recent photo.