While we were in Franklin, IN we went on a tour of the Historic Artcraft Theatre. When Artcraft opened Nov. 14, 1922 and its first play was "The Importance of Being Earnest" performed by Franklin College theater students. Life magazine even did a story on the Artcraft Theatre back in December 1940. The beloved basketball movie, Hoosiers, premiered here at the historic Artcraft Theatre on its 64th anniversary in Nov. 14, 1986 more than a month before it was released nationally.
Now you can see classic movies here for quite cheap ($3 children, $4 seniors/college students & $5 adults). The selection is great! The movies range from old black and white movie like Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939) or It's a Wonderful Life (1946) to musicals like Easter Parade or The Sound of Music (1965). They also show classic thrillers like The Man Who Knew Too Much (1956) or House on Haunted Hill (1959) to more modern movies like Poltergeist (1982) or Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981). There are even some Disney movies like Pete's Dragon (1977) or amusing films like The Ghost and Mr. Chicken (1966) which is one of our family favorites.
We were given a tour by Sydney who volunteers there when they show movies. She informed us that all the popcorn is grown locally. Just another thing that gives the Artcraft Theatre a real classy side!
When they were doing renovations they discovered underneath the paint or wallpaper these beautiful designs. So they matched the colors and put them back on the newly painted walls.
A little bit of its history is showcased on the walls.
Love this old photo of James Dean.
I especially loved seeing this cutout of Rhett Butler (Clark Gable) and Scarlett O'Hara (Vivien Leigh) from the epic movie Gone With the Wind (1939). My darling mother, Taralynn, was named after Scarlett's beloved home, Tara.
Here's the theater! Check out the photos below that are along the back wall. Wish I could identify them all.
Here's the movie projector and some movie reels.
Before every movie shown the Artcraft Theatre does a comical 60 second skit on the film. Here's some of their costumes.
Sydney climbed outside and took this cool photo of the marquee for me.
The kids relaxed on some original theater seats.
Love the old neon lights!
We were bummed that we missed seeing a movie on this visit. Next time we visit we will plan it around one of the movie showings. Looks like a great place to watch an old movie and enjoy the charm of Franklin, IN.
Thanks to Sydney for taking us on a tour of the Historic Artcraft Theatre!
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