Plaza Theatre (Atlanta)
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| Address | 1049 Ponce De Leon Avenue Atlanta |
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| Construction | |
| Opened | 1939 |
| Architect | George Harwell Bond |
The Plaza Theatre is a movie theatre located in Atlanta, Georgia. Opened in 1939, it is Atlanta's longest continuously operating independent movie theatre and a city landmark.[1]
History
1939 - 2006
Designed by architect
Several "big films" had second runs at the Plaza Theatre after having played their roadshow release downtown. Among them were Around the World in 80 Days (1956) and King of Kings (1961).
In the 1970s, the Plaza became an X-rated adult cinema and live burlesque theatre, screening such risqué fare as Teeny Buns and Swinging Sorority and live shows that on occasion featured Chesty Morgan, until the entire shopping center was renovated by owner at the time, Robert Griffith.[2]
In 1983, movie theatre entrepreneur
2006 - present
In late 2006, Atlanta natives Jonathan and Gayle Rej purchased the theatre, and in early 2010, The Plaza Theatre Foundation became a non-profit organisation. Retaining the original marquee and many of the original furnishings, the Plaza Theatre became the longest continuously operating theatre in Atlanta.[1]
Since 2000, the fan group LDOD has hosted Atlanta's contribution to The Rocky Horror Picture Show cult following, screening the film at midnight every Friday, with pre-show activities and a "shadow cast" live performance and audience participation simultaneous with the movie.[5]
In the 2000s, the Silver Scream Spookshow was hosted at The Plaza by Atlanta horror personality "Professor Morte". The show paired live comic and burlesque performances with screenings of classic science fiction movies, including Creature from the Black Lagoon, Frankenstein, and many films in the Godzilla franchise. Similarly, Splatter Cinema has brought re-creations of grisly movie scenes to the Plaza's lobby, paired with screenings of classic horror films such as Herschell Gordon Lewis's Blood Feast and Two Thousand Maniacs!, as well as movies in the Friday the 13th and A Nightmare on Elm Street series. Also during the 2000s, The Plaza screened many other classic films, including Easy Rider, Back to the Future, Five Easy Pieces, as well as showcases of local independent films.[citation needed]
In 2010, the Plaza celebrated its 70th anniversary with screenings of 1939 films, including
In early 2013, the Plaza Theatre was sold to theatre enthusiast Michael Furlinger, underwent long overdue upgrades including digital projection, new seats, and other treatments as well as began screening mainstream films such as the Angry Birds and The Smurfs movies.[citation needed]
In early 2017, Asana Partners purchased the Briarcliff Plaza (where the Plaza Theatre is located) from the Griffith family for $18 million. The sale came as a surprise to the community as the property was not listed for sale.
In late 2017, the theatre was sold to Christopher Escobar, also the Executive Director of the Atlanta Film Society, and has been returning to its former appearance, showcases, performances, and independent and international films.[citation needed]
See also
References
- ^ a b "The Plaza Theatre". Atlanta Film Festival.
- ^ a b Access Points 22: Plaza Theatre in Poncey-Highland | Inside Access
- ^ Cinema Treasures | Plaza Theatre
- ^ 'The Plaza' profiles - you guessed it - The Plaza Theatre | Atlanta Movies & TV Blog | Movie Reviews, TV Recaps | Screen Grab | Creative Loafing Atlanta
- ^ "Rocky Horror shadow cast continues to find home at Plaza after almost 20 years". ARTS ATL. 13 March 2019. Retrieved 30 December 2020.