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 94 comments)
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.
This theater for sale ?? Been trying to find contact ??
The theatre has been sold.
I have purchase the plaza theater .. look for updates soon.
For immediate release.
The Plaza Theatre set to change owners December 27th.
Plaza Theatre – 1049 Ponce de Leon Ave Atlanta GA 30306
After six years as owners and operators of the Plaza Theatre, Jonathan and Gayle Rej have decided to pass the torch of operating Atlanta’s oldest cinema to Michael Furlinger. He has 30 years experience in the cinema business and has worked as an owner/operator as well as film booker. He took his last theatre, the Terrace Theatre in Charleston, South Carolina from a struggling enterprise to a huge success with deep ties to the community. Furlinger’s plan for the Plaza Theatre is to use his expertise in film booking and close relationships with the studios to strengthen the feature programming while continuing the current popular special events such as The Rocky Horror Picture Show, The Silver Scream Spookshow, Splatter Cinema, Taboo La-La, The Room, and Wonderroot’s Local Film Night. The Plaza Theatre will also remain home to the revered Atlanta Film Festival, continuing their programming and workshops throughout the year. Furlinger has big plans for substantial renovations including new state of the art DCP digital projectors, brand new seats, and gourmet concessions.
The Rejs look forward to see this new chapter in the story of The Plaza Theatre unfold. They’re excited Furlinger is able to invest in the future of the theatre and ensure it’s longevity continues. The community and patrons have been very encouraging towards the theatre and the Rejs hope that support will continue for Furlinger.
1049 Ponce De Leon Ave., Atlanta GA 30306 | plazaatlanta.com 20th November 2012
Greetings!
Starting December 27th the Plaza Theatre will be operating under new ownership. Michael Furlinger has had his eye on the Plaza for many years in the hopes of one day owning and operating it. Having spoken with him a few times over the last 6 years we have decided it will be best for the Plaza’s survival to pass the torch to him. He has 30 years experience in the cinema business and has worked as an owner/operator as well as a film booker. He took his last theatre, the Terrace Theatre in Charleston, South Carolina from a struggling enterprise to a huge success with deep ties to the community. Furlinger’s plan for the Plaza Theatre is to use his expertise in film booking and close relationships with the studios to strengthen the feature programming while continuing the current popular special events such as The Rocky Horror Picture Show, The Silver Scream Spookshow, Splatter Cinema, Taboo La-La, The Room, and Wonderroot’s Local Film Night. The Plaza Theatre will also remain home to the revered Atlanta Film Festival, continuing their programming and workshops throughout the year. Furlinger has big plans for substantial renovations including new state of the art DCP digital projectors, brand new seats, and gourmet concessions. 35mm film is quickly being phased out and very soon the only way to show a movie in the theatre will be DCP so we are excited he is willing to make these investments to help the Plaza Theatre secure a place in the future of Atlanta.
As far as the Plaza Theatre Foundation is concerned, we are currently working with the Atlanta FIlm Festival and Michael about how that will still be able to contribute, but for now your memberships and passes will continue to be honored under the new ownership. Those of you who purchased stars for our Star Wall, I will be taking those stars and mounting them to plaques to give to each of you. The few of you who made donations to our buy a seat campaign, I can return your donation.
Thank you all so much for your support! It has been our honor to be a part of the Plaza’s history and we hope you feel the same way. We’ve accomplished what we originally set out to do which was to save the Plaza from becoming a drug store or something else and we couldn’t have done it with out you all. We wish Michael the best of luck and we hope you all will continue to be supporters of the Plaza. We can’t wait to see Atlanta’s oldest cinema not just survive, but thrive!
Jonathan & Gayle
Congradulations Longislandmovies on purchasing the theater.
July 1st to 25 th — We are presenting 25 days of Bond—– all Bond films will be played with the first film starting on the first of the month and so on.
tHEATRE HAS JUST ABOUT FINISHED A MAJOR RESTORATION , AS OF MARCH 2013!
lomgislandmovies, you need to take some photos after the renovation and post them to CT.