Earl Smith Strand Theatre

The Strand has now been opened 2 and ½ years. We have had over 300 events each in 2009 and 2010. This includes our event space and the auditorium. Eve Grey, a local decorator has completely redone our lobby in Tuscan plaster, to include new door finishes, new counter fronts, and a copper paint on the main lobby ceiling. She is a gem and has really brought back a 30s look from the industrial grade work done by the contractor we hired. We now have a wonderful George Wright four manual theatre organ that was a gift to the Atlanta Chapter of ATOS from Tom Hamilton of Columbus, Ohio. This digital theatre organ replica has 24, 90 lb speaker cabinets placed strategically in the four pipe organ chambers that were constructed during our adaptive restortation. Our efforts to restore the pipe organ have fallen aside but this Allen sounds like a million dollars and the console sits on its own scissors lift that rises from the bottom of the orchesta pit 10ft to concert level. We will have had four silent feature length films and a silent comedy complilation (on July 17)plus the organ is used for private events and parties, weddings and for pre-shows of 17 films for our classic film series in 2011. We attempt to screen all of our films like a delux movie theatre would have done with an organ preshow to include sing-a-long, film introduction, raising the grand curtain as the film begins etc. etc. We are struggling to make ends meet during this economy and still owe 1.5 on our construction loan. Earl Reece the Executive Director is a tremendous person and works tirelessly for the theatre. Rentals are down so he is directing and producing several shows himself. Thanks-Ron Carter-Secretary to the Strand Board, Chairman of the Facilities Committee and House Organist.

What does a Loew’s Hotel have to do with this page. Send the info on a personal email.

Speaking of Atlanta I saw that there is a new LOEWS HOTEL there open or about to open have you heard of it.Now back on topic send those articals to Nick to post if he has time,or if you have a scanner you could do them,my scanner does not work any more.

Very nice rehab job.

It’s The All Night Strut…sorry.

Chuck: Absolutely awesome photos!

April 2009 photo of the Strand Theatre courtesy lumierefl.

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After viewing the July 24, 2009 posted photo it looks like the building was pressure cleaned in the renovation process and it looks like the building next door needs it next!

If you check the Smyrna Drive-In page on Cinema Treasures, someone posted a comment stating that the Smyrna Drive-In was also called the Fair Oaks.

The 1975 IMPA lists four drive-ins for Marietta. The Fair Oaks, Georgia, Marbro and Marietta. Car capacity for the Fair Oaks Drive-In was 300 that year. In 1980 three drive-ins are listed for Marietta. The Georgia, Marbro and the Smyrna.

YES, There was a FAIR OAKS DRIVE IN in Marietta it parked 300 cars not making it real big BANKHEAD DRIVE IN in Atlanta still a nice drive in. The FAIR OAKS was operated by Martin theatres . Marietta also had the MARIETTA DRIVE IN which was larger with room for 425 cars. It was owned by R.E. MARTIN CIR. no info on a Smyrna Drive in. Maybe someone might know about it.

I attended a showing of “The Creature From the Black Lagoon” in 3-D last night(10/22). It was my first time inside the Strand since about 1974. I think the last movie I saw there was “Chinatown”. The theater at this time was definitely showing its age.

The lobby is very different, reminding me of an upscale hotel lobby(very nice). Entering the auditorium, it was as though I had traveled back in time. Although updated, it was essentially the same as I remembered it as a kid going to all those Saturday matinees back in the 1960s.

One of my first impressions, after getting used to big multiplexes with stadium seating, was how small the Strand seemed to be, especially the screen. It didn’t take away from an enjoyable experience at all, and this won’t be the last time I see a movie here.