Panama City, Fla. -
Residents could soon be able to take a step back in time to the 1940s as the Martin Theatre in Downtown Panama City wants to air classic films again. The Theatre is raising money for a projector in order to do so.
The projector costs about $2,000 dollars and Theatre reps are hoping to raise that through kickstarter.com, an online forum set up for people to donate to small unfunded projects.
The Martin Theatre originally opened up as a movie house back in 1936 and showed flicks through the h1970s. After it was renovated in the 90s, they tried showing classic films again but that didn't work out because other places around town were dong the same thing, but theatre spokesperson Barbara McMinis says no one in town is showing classics now and believes this time, it will be a hit.
"We are really interested in trying to renew the vigor that downtown used to have and in doing that, why not try some movies and maybe having a movie house just like it was in the 30s and the 40s, maybe that is what we need," McMinis said.
They will mostly be showing cult classics and horror films, but hope to also show some classic family films, plus independent and foreign flicks. They want the theatre to be a main attraction for downtown visitors and will eventually have theme night events, like dressing up in poodle skirts for the showing of Grease.
One couple, shopping in downtown Wednesday afternoon said they were just thinking about how Downtown Panama City needed a little more to do.
"I think it would be really cool. It gives us something to do on a rainy day when it's not so pretty out, it's just something different," said resident Kelli Jenkins.
Also, when it's time to grab your ticket, you don't have to pay, that's because the theatre can not charge admission for competitive reasons. They will be accepting donations and hope to generate revenue through their restaurant and full bar that will be available during showings.
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