Fain Theater
113 E. Polk Street,
Livingston,
TX
77351
113 E. Polk Street,
Livingston,
TX
77351
3 people
favorited this theater
The Fain Theater is one of those theaters that really makes you feel good when you discover it. It is a classic, built prior to 1941. In 1943, it was listed as (Closed), but had re-opened by 1950.
It stands on a corner in a tan brick building. The rounded box office stands on the corner of the building and is covered in burgundy ceramic tile. There is a green trimmed marquee and over-hang that wraps around the front and corner. Last but not least is a tall vertical green “Fain” sign with lots of neon.
This one has one of my favorite things about theater signs and that is the familiar ornamental topper. This one is five discs stacked on a pole complete with neon.
Contributed by
Don Lewis
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Recent comments (view all 16 comments)
In 1970, the Fain was part of the Pam-Fain Theaters chain. Owner was Lloyd Stone. The other theater in the chain was the Pam in Madisonville, TX, hence the name.
Here is a 2005 photo:
http://tinyurl.com/6jlkdp
Here is a 2006 photo by Sam Starkey:
http://tinyurl.com/66jq9v
Went there last night. They way over sold the tickets and left lots of people standing not only in the theater, but outside the theater not even being able to get in. It was horrible. To make matters worse the people running the theater accepted no fault of their own and treat us as if it were our fault that they sold more tickets than they had seats. The lady working the door was incredibly rude and unprofessional. We were very disappointed and will not be going back.
I lived in Livingston briefly in the early ‘50s and remember walking the five blocks to see “Callaway Went Thataway”. Visited briefly Oct. 3 after sixty years. Charming town, much better than I remember.
The sports and recreation generated by Lake Livingston has given it new life and well worth visiting if you’re in the area of east Texas.
No excuse for over selling a theatre,It was a stupid thing to do and then blame the moviegoer,Do not blame you LUVSMOVIES.You were most likely dealing with rookies.
I really enjoy visiting this theater. The staff is super friendly, and are quick to address concerns. Ticket prices are low for the area, as are the concessions. The “cry room” in the back of the facility is perfect for parents with small children. It’s an extra 30 miles for me to drive to(I live near Lufkin), and only has a single screen, but the Fain is worth visiting.
For everyone that does not know, the fain is a terrible business. It may be an icon of movie history, but the way it is currently managed is a disgrace to american business in general. As a previous employee i can personally tell you that the people who own it are terrible. Nothing is made fresh, everything in the back room is caked in dirt, and they only hire 16-17 year olds that have not worked before so that they can underpay and over work them. i was making a measly $4.50 an hour after i did all the math.
and mind you, this was only 4 months ago.
The Fain is much older than the current building would suggest. It was owned by my great grandfather Clem Fain, Sr. (1874–1944). The family lore is that my grandmother, Mary Willson Fain Gerlach, played piano during silent films.