Plaza Theatre
1049-51 Ponce de Leon Avenue NE,
Atlanta,
GA
30306
1049-51 Ponce de Leon Avenue NE,
Atlanta,
GA
30306
10 people
favorited this theater
The Plaza Theatre opened in 1939 with 1,000 seats in orchestra and balcony levels. In 1983 the theatre was sub-divided and the balcony became a second screen.
Contributed by
Dennis Whitefield
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Recent comments (view all 85 comments)
Aother 20090 photo of the Plaza fromn the same photographer.
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Description of one persons experience while attending the 70th Anniversary series.
Recent article featuring an interview with the owners:
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2010 photo of the Plaza Theatre.
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Very nice vintage and modern photos.
Here some more photo.
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Designed by architect George Harwell Bond, this theatre opened its doors in 1939 as a 1000 seat art deco cinema and live theatre. In the 1970s, the cinema operated as an X-rated adult cinema and live burlesque theatre until the entire shopping center was renovated by current owner Robert Griffith. In 1983, the theatre was purchased by George Lefont who was the first to bring independent cinema to Atlanta. The theatre underwent renovations again when purchased by longtime Atlanta residents Jonathan & Gayle Rej in August of 2006. The Plaza Theatre is the last cinema of its kind in Atlanta, as well as the oldest continously operating cinema in the city. Now with 501c3 non profit status, The Plaza Theatre Foundation hopes to save this theatre, continue to promote independent film, and support the local film comunity.
Saving Atlanta’s oldest cinema, Supporting independent film, Serving the Community
Restoring The Plaza Theatre is a rare chance to do something special for this community and gifts of all sizes will make a big difference! The Plaza Foundation is a 501©(3) organization and all gifts are tax deductible. All funds generated will be used toward restoration, furnishings, equipment, operations and community initiatives for The Plaza Theatre.
Now showing on Sept.13 2001.
“THE MAN WHO CRIED” and “HEDWIG AND THE ANGRY INCH” both rated R.
I first started watching movies at the Plaza when I was a kid living in Little FIve Points in the 50s.
The Euclid was my usual haunt, but sometimes I’d feel adventurous and make the walk to the Plaza -
the movies for the kiddie matinee there were usually a bit more recent than the Euclid’s fare.
Saturday morning, there was always a line of Baby Boomers waiting to get in. Plaza Drugs (“We Never
Close”) anchored the north end of the little strip mall, the Plaza theater (and a grocery store) were at
the center, a bank anchored the south end. On rare occasions I’d enjoy a grilled burger with my dad
at the Majestic Diner just across the street, before taking in a movie at the Plaza.
At night the theater’s neon facade would be lit up – the accordion neon behind the brightly
lit “PLAZA” would be flashing in sequence – it was quite a sight to see. Riding in my dad’s car down
Ponce de Leon at night, I couldn’t take my eyes off those lights.
Years later the Plaza suffered the fate of many a struggling neighborhood theater – the grand old
lady became a porn house. I went to one such performance – I couldn’t stay for more than a few
minutes. It was like watching porn in church.
Happily, as we know from CT posts, the Plaza cleaned up and went back to the mission she was
made for – showing “regular” movies. The last one I saw there was “The Crying Game.” (A girl with a
silver ring in her nose sold me my ticket.) What a thrill to see the house lights go down and to hear the pulleys working to draw that beautiful curtain back! If I ever get back to Atlanta (from exile in Arizona) I hope to be able to once again see another movie at the Plaza.
another movie at the Plaza.