Charlotte had a bad habit of tearing down all her downtown theatres during the 80’s building boom.At least,Atlanta had enough sense to save a couple of downtown theatres. Charlotte was a film bookers city .You would have thought someone there would have saved the old theatres.
The moviegoing experience really ended in the early to mid 70’s. I could see by the late seventies and automation took trained men out of the booth,replaced them with kids.When I was finally getting out in 1983 GCC was already thinking “lets have the managers close up the booth once the last show is started and send those high priced Projectionists[making about $10.00 an hour by the early 80’s home}.I signed on to run a theatre not thread up features.
Larry it never will get out of your blood if you loved it as much as i did and a few other guys I have met on CT.We had problems every once in awhile with stealing,be it a concessionstand girl or a doorman and B.O. reselling tickets.Only knew of one manager in our Circuit PLITT that was reselling cups,but you are going to get caught.I guess the most i ever did was damage a drink cup when i wanted a coke or pepsi at GCC.Use the cup and mark it damaged for inventory.I think most all of us have done that.Biggest thing was before plastic wrapping the girls would eat one or two Jordan Almonds out of the box.That seem to go on no matter where i was at; before you knew it you had nine almonds LEFT!I hope Mr.McKintire was able to get on somewhere else and surprized GCC never pulled the Polygraph test on us. Come to think of it I would have been Nailed for the Drink cup incident.
Yes, I can see it coming.as far as I am concerned the real theatre business of showmanship and presentation by professionals on the floor and in the booth,sadly ended about 1980.When I got out in 1983,even then I could see it coming to an end.The only way to save it is stop these monster 20 plexes and more and go back to nice large theatres and maybe a large twin theatre.But that will never happen.
I don’t blame him for telling them to screw off.I was only managing for about 10 years,but had they pulled that out on me i would have walked.I hear Regal checks your credit report now.Glad I got out in 1983.My hat off to Mr.Mckentire!
The article mentioned high rent.couldn’t something have been done with the landlord to keep this theatre open.Money loser? People in the article seem upset it is closing.Must be other reasons,Bad side of Town? Lousy service at the theatre?poor projection?I bet a big ugly 20 plex opened up down the road.The article was more of a tease,no real facts presented to the reader.
Seems like a lot of silent movie houses had a short life span way before sound.Be it the Big Apple or my city of Augusta,Ga.Either Fire got them {film stock} or just closed up.
Charlotte had a bad habit of tearing down all her downtown theatres during the 80’s building boom.At least,Atlanta had enough sense to save a couple of downtown theatres. Charlotte was a film bookers city .You would have thought someone there would have saved the old theatres.
In 1956 it was part of the MARTIN THEATRE CHAIN of Columbus,Georgia.
Nice pictures guys thanks for getting them on.
All great stories.List of movies was alao nice to read,Forgot I played a few of them.
August 9 1974 it was still a triple guys.
August 9 1974 NOW PLAYING at the NORTHGATE CINEMAS.
“THE STING” last 4 days.
“HERBIE RIDES AGAIN” last 5 days.
“FOR PETE’S SAKE” Matinees daily.
Not much of a theatre.Where is the MARQUEE.Might as well be a paint store.
TisLoews,I don’t remember you telling me you guys lost that many screens.That is a lot.
Thanks Bob.
The moviegoing experience really ended in the early to mid 70’s. I could see by the late seventies and automation took trained men out of the booth,replaced them with kids.When I was finally getting out in 1983 GCC was already thinking “lets have the managers close up the booth once the last show is started and send those high priced Projectionists[making about $10.00 an hour by the early 80’s home}.I signed on to run a theatre not thread up features.
If CARMIKE has it it will soon be closing.that is what they do from what i see; a Third rate theatre operation.
Larry it never will get out of your blood if you loved it as much as i did and a few other guys I have met on CT.We had problems every once in awhile with stealing,be it a concessionstand girl or a doorman and B.O. reselling tickets.Only knew of one manager in our Circuit PLITT that was reselling cups,but you are going to get caught.I guess the most i ever did was damage a drink cup when i wanted a coke or pepsi at GCC.Use the cup and mark it damaged for inventory.I think most all of us have done that.Biggest thing was before plastic wrapping the girls would eat one or two Jordan Almonds out of the box.That seem to go on no matter where i was at; before you knew it you had nine almonds LEFT!I hope Mr.McKintire was able to get on somewhere else and surprized GCC never pulled the Polygraph test on us. Come to think of it I would have been Nailed for the Drink cup incident.
Yes, I can see it coming.as far as I am concerned the real theatre business of showmanship and presentation by professionals on the floor and in the booth,sadly ended about 1980.When I got out in 1983,even then I could see it coming to an end.The only way to save it is stop these monster 20 plexes and more and go back to nice large theatres and maybe a large twin theatre.But that will never happen.
Thanks again,Ken.
Great pictures Kevin.I looked up in my 1956 MOTION PICTURE ALMANAC for the Kanopolis Drive-in and it was not listed.
I don’t blame him for telling them to screw off.I was only managing for about 10 years,but had they pulled that out on me i would have walked.I hear Regal checks your credit report now.Glad I got out in 1983.My hat off to Mr.Mckentire!
Thanks Ron.
The article mentioned high rent.couldn’t something have been done with the landlord to keep this theatre open.Money loser? People in the article seem upset it is closing.Must be other reasons,Bad side of Town? Lousy service at the theatre?poor projection?I bet a big ugly 20 plex opened up down the road.The article was more of a tease,no real facts presented to the reader.
thanks Bob.It was great being in the theatre business.
It was showing these films under the CINEPLEX ODEON THEATRES/PLITT-SEPTUM.
“ELVIRA”
“ROGER RABBIT”
“DIE HARD”
“YOUNG GUNS”
and “MEMORIES OF ME” This on October 15 1988.
Thanks MajorMajor.
Love the ending,“i got to change it back to the Kung-fu movie that we were showing that week."How the mighty have fallen.LOL.
Seems like a lot of silent movie houses had a short life span way before sound.Be it the Big Apple or my city of Augusta,Ga.Either Fire got them {film stock} or just closed up.
Avagara,you ain’t kidding.what sorry looking marquee.Seen better marquees on Dollar Theatres.Sad.
Great Stories to read.Especially about “PLAY MISTY FOR ME” thanks for the stories.