I worked at this theater in 1972. Good job for high school student(s). First movies that played when I started work were “Deliverance” and “Maid In Sweden”. Memorable showings of “Mark Of The Devil”, “Shaft” and “Concert For Bangladesh”. They paid us in CASH!
Varsity showed Rocky Horror Picture Show for a couple of years as a weekend late show. For a time, X rated fare was offered as a late show. Police presence was hired for showing of Pacino vehicle “Cruising” when the theater was warned that the gay community would trash the place if it was shown. Turned out there was a much bigger mess from Rocky Horror toast/water/rice throwing crowd. : )
The Dolby system was indeed installed prior to the release of Grease in 1978. As I stated earlier, I was personally involved in the installation, overseen by William Shearer, company engineer from Atlanta. We tested the system – holy cow it was nice and sounded great for Grease. The only proof I have is first hand experience and at least one other guy involved in the installation. No big deal really. I managed this theater for a time – trained there as well during which time the install took place – early 1978 without a doubt.
Foggy memory here. I originally thought it was spring of 1978 – I was actually involved in the install but could not remember the exact date(s). I was pretty sure the installation happened before Grease.
FYI – Dolby Stereo was installed in third auditorium prior to 1978 “Grease” release, rather than “Empire Strikes Back” although the latter used the same auditorium/system a year or so later.
All supplies mentioned by Mr. Malone to theaters in the Carolinas came through the ATS Charlotte NC location.
I worked at this theater in 1972. Good job for high school student(s). First movies that played when I started work were “Deliverance” and “Maid In Sweden”. Memorable showings of “Mark Of The Devil”, “Shaft” and “Concert For Bangladesh”. They paid us in CASH!
Varsity showed Rocky Horror Picture Show for a couple of years as a weekend late show. For a time, X rated fare was offered as a late show. Police presence was hired for showing of Pacino vehicle “Cruising” when the theater was warned that the gay community would trash the place if it was shown. Turned out there was a much bigger mess from Rocky Horror toast/water/rice throwing crowd. : )
The Dolby system was indeed installed prior to the release of Grease in 1978. As I stated earlier, I was personally involved in the installation, overseen by William Shearer, company engineer from Atlanta. We tested the system – holy cow it was nice and sounded great for Grease. The only proof I have is first hand experience and at least one other guy involved in the installation. No big deal really. I managed this theater for a time – trained there as well during which time the install took place – early 1978 without a doubt.
Foggy memory here. I originally thought it was spring of 1978 – I was actually involved in the install but could not remember the exact date(s). I was pretty sure the installation happened before Grease.
That’s right. The system was actually in place in time for the premier of “Alien” in Spring ‘79.
FYI – Dolby Stereo was installed in third auditorium prior to 1978 “Grease” release, rather than “Empire Strikes Back” although the latter used the same auditorium/system a year or so later.
The Plaza was a great place to work and a wonderful group of employees.