A Plethora of options

Local Movie Theaters

Story by Gail Mihalik  |  Photography by Scott Douglas

Movie theaters have certainly changed over the years. Our friend, Gail Mahalik, shares her insights on the cinematic experience. Immerse yourself in the history of cinema, from the Kinetoscope to the marvels of IMAX and 3-D complexes, and how movie theaters have continually adapted through innovations to entertain audiences and sustain the allure of the silver screen, impacting cultural experiences.

Movie Evolution

The concept of movies was not the brainchild of one person. Instead, it was introduced by the Edison Co. as the Kinetoscope, a machine that allowed an individual to view moving pictures. This invention first came to fruition in 1893 and became a worldwide concept by 1894. For a penny, viewers could insert a coin, turn a crank, and watch a short flick. While many others experimented with the idea, the Nickelodeon became the standard, and the silver screen was born.

In 1905, strolling down Smithfield Street in Pittsburgh, Pa., would have brought you to the Nickelodeon. This historical gem marked the beginning of the motion picture industry. Unlike today’s multiplexes or streaming services, the Nickelodeon, derived from the Greek word Odeon for “theater,” was a unique five-cent venue where a mere nickel granted access to a 15-20 minute film. The silver screen—a muslin sheet—was illuminated by silent images, accompanied by the enchanting tunes of a piano, offering moviegoers an immersive and captivating experience.

Looking back, you would have seen movie houses named “The Gem” or “The Palace,” with marquees giving the impression of the ornate interiors within. Thanks to the visionary efforts of John P. Davis and John Harris, this stand-up venue was transformed into a cinema that seated nearly 96 people, showcasing films from early morning until midnight daily. The success and popularity of silent films spurred the rapid expansion of theaters and the birth of the film industry.

As time progressed, the Roaring Twenties brought forth remarkable advancements, including the introduction of color and sound films, forever altering the cinematic landscape. Subsequent eras saw the innovation of drive-in theaters, the creation of 3D movies, and the rise of expansive multiplexes. Additionally, theaters began providing amenities such as concessions, air conditioning, and distinctive interior designs—and don’t forget the popcorn. Thanks to Charles Manley, the first electric popcorn machine was perfected in 1925. All these colorful additions to theater life helped captivate and delight movie enthusiasts.

There are many options for moviegoers in our area. Here are just a few:

The Mars Theatre, Springfield

Opening in 1945, this theater offered multiple genres of entertainment. From westerns featuring Roy Rogers to classics like Gone With the Wind, the theater itself was so lively that the townspeople couldn’t wait to see what was coming next. Daily shows, state-of-the-art presentations, and all the assorted accompaniments kept attendance high. However, the creation of television brought the Mars to its knees in 1957, as people preferred to stay home and watch what was on TV.

It wasn’t until the 1970s that the Mars reopened as office space. The theater was dismantled, and most of the decor was discarded. The building underwent multiple facelifts until the mid-1990s, when the Springfield Revitalization Corporation (SRC) stepped in and initiated a new project. Working with the city of Springfield, construction began in 2007. By 2013, the Fox Theatre Institute granted the theater funds to complete the project, focusing on restoring some of the original details of the Mars while reviving the look of the era. Updated sound, lighting, and projection technology helped bring the project to completion.

Today, the theater is a forum for entertainment and artistic gatherings, offering live music from bands of all genres, movies for families and film lovers, cultural events, and community activities. Check out The Mars Theatre for family fun specials, concerts, and shows.

Royal Cinemas 14 & World’s Tallest IMAX, Pooler

Imagine reclining in a comfy chair with your favorite beverage and food from the upgraded concession stand while being immersed in the sound and sight of a thrilling movie.

This locally-owned theater opened in 2011 and quickly added the first IMAX in 2012. Due to consistent audience interest, the company has been able to continuously expand, offering upgraded concessions complete with a bar and grill. By 2022, the theater added two more screens, including the tallest IMAX in the world, standing at 76 feet 2 inches high and 101 feet wide. Also considered the largest venue of its kind in Georgia, the “IMAX experience” at Royal Cinemas 14 & World’s Tallest IMAX is truly unparalleled. The screen, much larger than standard ones, allows you to see the entire picture without any cuts. The sound quality is incomparable, with speakers strategically placed so that each seat in the auditorium receives every sound signal simultaneously. This is achieved using lasers that continuously measure the seats’ proximity to the screen, ensuring a fully immersive experience.

Royal Cinemas offers weekly changes to the movie lineup, keeping audience interest alive.

The Savannah Theater, Savannah

This theater boasts being the longest-running theater in its original location in the United States. The doors opened in December 1818 with a comedy production of A General Daughter.

This venue has undergone multiple facelifts due to fires, the last of which occurred in 1948. The theater is now adorned with an ornate art-deco style, curved coffered ceilings with gold leaf paint, a winding staircase to the balcony, and even the tail end of a car repurposed as a settee where you can sit and enjoy a glass of wine before the show. The lobby is a mini-museum, with scrolls noting the information of many famous actors and actresses who have graced the stage.

The stage is alive year-round with multiple shows: musicals, comedy, drama, children’s shows, and musical revivals. A talented ensemble can be seen in almost every show, including one of the owners, Matt Meece, who followed in his father’s footsteps by co-owning a theater.

Tos Theatre, Pembroke

What do fruitcakes and movie theaters have in common? The answer: Salvino Tos.

Before Salvino Tos ventured into movie entertainment, he followed the family business as a baker. Originally from Italy, Tos arrived in New York at age 17 with forty dollars in his pocket and the world at his feet. He held multiple jobs before eventually settling in Claxton, Ga., as a baker. He opened Claxton’s very first bakery, specializing in sweet rolls, but people preferred his biscuits. He would travel by horse and carriage trying to sell his sweet rolls, only to be disappointed. One day, he decided to try one of the family’s old recipes for “Fruit Cake,” and the rest is history.

After selling the bakery, which still exists today, he moved to Pembroke to pursue his real dream: a movie theater that also hosted live performances. He wanted this to be the centerpiece for all the townspeople to enjoy. While the theater was under construction, beginning in 1937, he showed movies on Saturday nights in the Masonic Hall. The theater finally opened its doors in 1939, offering extended movie times, including Saturday matinees. Salvador’s passion continued for more than forty years. The nonprofit group “Friends of the Tos Theater” and a committed board of directors are the champions of the newly renovated theater. The organization continues to accept donations while offering outdoor movies (weather permitting).

Our area has many historic and state-of-the-art theaters to enjoy. Whether you prefer live performances or movies on the big screen, there is something for everyone in the Greater Savannah area.