This past week, Cindy asked if we would like to go out to eat and go to see a movie in a restored theatre in Franklin, Indiana called The Historic Artcraft Theatre. They were showing Ghostbusters this weekend. I have to tell you it was a delight.
The theatre was built in 1922 and of course has changed ownership a few times over the years. In the year 2000, the owner put it up for sale so he could run a new cinema complex. Within a week the Artcraft theatre was bought and soon The Franklin Heritage Inc. began running a Classic Film series to support the theatre. Franklin Heritage Inc bought the theatre in 2004.
Franklin Heritage was established to preserve the heritage of the town of Franklin and they have done a tremendous job with the Artcraft theatre.
Jim said it best, "It's like we've been transported back to 1958." Obviously some restoration has taken place but the atmosphere truly does take you back to yesteryear. The theatre is run by volunteers. Sponsers for the movies also defray the costs. The prices are more than reasonable, $5 for adult admission. (on a side note, I received my first senior discount. I got in for $4. At 55 you're considered a senior.)
It is wise to arrive early to see the show before the show. The curtain draws back and reveals the stage in front of the Big Screen. During this 20 minute warm-up. You are introduced to the volunteers and given a brief on the theatre itself. For Ghostbusters a group of guys dressed in Ghostbuster garb came out on the stage and did a short routine. Evidently people come to this theatre from all over the world and the historical society brings out a large map of the U.S and the world and try to discover who in the audience has traveled farthest. Last night a couple from San Francisco were rewarded with a prize. We were told the night before someone from Serbia had attended. Also they have a drawing for prizes using ticket numbers. Small gifts are donated by the town businesses. Then the lights dim and we were treated to a Warner Brother's cartoon before the movie.
I cannot recommend this theatre enough. It is only open on Friday and Saturdays. Last night the theatre was pretty full. I don't know if the festival being conducted in the square last night helped or hurt business but the capacity for the theatre is huge and it was probably at least 3/4 full if not more. Next weekend is Ma & Pa Kettle and on October 15 and 16 the theatre will be presenting Psycho. Christmas movies are on the agenda in December and future movies I'm interested in seeing on the big screen in this wonderful atmosphere are The Maltese Falcon and The Wizard of OZ.
For more information about the theatre visit their website at:http://www.historicartcrafttheatre.org/home.html
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