Nostalgia: A sentimental longing or wistful affection for the past, typically for a period or place with happy personal associations.
If that doesn't describe Reel Theatres: Movies on the Parkway, I’m not sure what can.
My heart is heavy today in learning the news about the demolition of an old theater from my hometown. It always felt like much more than just a movie theater. To several people…
For me, this was a refuge when I was younger and needed to ‘get away’ from it all. This was where I built friendships that have lasted 10 years (and counting). This was where I spent countless hours passing time with said friends in the parking lot. This was a place where I could see Sandra Bullock (though sadly not in person)!
Reel Theaters was, for nearly two decades, the only movie theater in town. Which was a feat given the popularity of the area that drew in millions of tourists each year.
If you were to Google the theater now, and/or read more recent customer reviews, the chances of you finding negativity surrounding the place would probably be a certainty, as it was on the decline for a number of years. But you ask anyone that grew up with this theater, that truly saw it for what it once was, whether living in the area or having worked there, you’ll be hard pressed to find anyone that has a bad thing to say.
If that doesn't describe Reel Theatres: Movies on the Parkway, I’m not sure what can.
My heart is heavy today in learning the news about the demolition of an old theater from my hometown. It always felt like much more than just a movie theater. To several people…
For me, this was a refuge when I was younger and needed to ‘get away’ from it all. This was where I built friendships that have lasted 10 years (and counting). This was where I spent countless hours passing time with said friends in the parking lot. This was a place where I could see Sandra Bullock (though sadly not in person)!
Reel Theaters was, for nearly two decades, the only movie theater in town. Which was a feat given the popularity of the area that drew in millions of tourists each year.
If you were to Google the theater now, and/or read more recent customer reviews, the chances of you finding negativity surrounding the place would probably be a certainty, as it was on the decline for a number of years. But you ask anyone that grew up with this theater, that truly saw it for what it once was, whether living in the area or having worked there, you’ll be hard pressed to find anyone that has a bad thing to say.
When I was young, I remember getting to meet Jonathan Taylor Thomas (seriously you guys - J.T.T. !) at the local premier of his movie ‘Wild America’ and for our town, including myself, that was a pretty big deal. Not to mention the special kids showings throughout each summer. So when school was out, every Wednesday they would show family-friendly films and the admission was only $1. It was so much fun (as a kid, not a blast to work :P) rounding up your friends, cousins, siblings - whoever - and getting up to go watch something for cheap. Plus I was always excited to get my kids combo because it was *just* the right amount. |
I remember turning 13 or 14 (soon as I thought I was eligible), and the theater was the first place I had inquired about work. My love for movies was so intense, I knew then that would be the perfect spot for me. I happened to go to church with one of the women that managed the theater, so I was constantly pestering her about when I could start. Finally, they caved. I was 15, and they told me on a Sunday that I could start the following weekend. Meanwhile, as an employee, I qualified to see all the movies for free. So everyday after school that first week of employment, you can believe I was the geeky, “new guy” watching every movie playing at the time.
Even better than getting to see all the movies for free - was preview nights. This was usually on Thursday evenings, after the theater closed. The employees all got to bring a guest, and stay late to watch movies before they came out the following day. It was always such a blast, because it was quite literally a movie night with your friends - but better. We were in an actual theater. And if the movie sucked, we still enjoyed mocking it with everyone around us. They were usually very late Thursday nights, which made for very early and long Fridays (school, followed by work which was always busy because - it was Friday night), and I would give anything to be able to do them again.
The theater held special events around certain movies (including their canned food drive every Christmas where admission was free with a can of food, and they would show usually a Classic Christmas movie in addition to a newer release). This was always something I enjoyed, and wanted more of simply because I felt like it made the theater stand out. The Polar Express event was fun, in spite of the so-so turnout. Each theater in the building was a different stop for the “train” that involved a storybook reading from Mrs. Clause, or different crafts for the kids to take home. While the employees dressed as train conductors and guided them along the way and in to see the movie. Another time there were outdoor events for the ‘Madagascar’ release, though I don’t remember the events specifically - I do know there were safari hats and water balloons involved. Theaters don’t do things like that today.
We had lock-ins for our Christmas parties where we would play board games in the lobby and have three-legged races down the hallway with trash bags tied around our ankles. We would have air mattresses underneath the movie screens making them seem that much taller, and would test our boundaries with one another playing card games like ‘Suck & Blow’ (not nearly as bad as it may sound).
Working at the theater involved quite a few firsts for me. Besides being my first job, I owned my first car. I went on my first “official” date (things between her and I did not work out if you‘re wondering). I moved out on my own for the first time and gained a roommate. I had a manager take me to my first Hooters (not to name any names because Guffey told me he wasn’t supposed to show any favoritism). I even spent my very first hangover entirely at the theater after getting drunk for the very first time.
Specifically for me, there was “Army Guy”. And I won’t go into details explaining that, because if we worked together, chances are you remember exactly who I’m referring to. (A big thanks to anyone who ever called up to projection or gave me a subtle tip that he was in the building!)
I miss the big weekend releases. I of course dreaded them at the time because of how busy we would be . Though in retrospect, it was so much fun and challenging on those nights to try and keep a steady flow and even more to actually get the work done when you were usually working with your friends. And once the Middle School Mafia (I’m sure everyone remembers Patrick) and the rest of the Patrons (Brandon Gideon forever changed that word for any of us involved in that staff meeting!) had cleared out after closing time, groups of us would end up migrating to the closest Denny’s for more restless hours of shenanigans and an order of seasoned fries to share because - we all worked at the theater and were broke.
I miss the big weekend releases. I of course dreaded them at the time because of how busy we would be . Though in retrospect, it was so much fun and challenging on those nights to try and keep a steady flow and even more to actually get the work done when you were usually working with your friends. And once the Middle School Mafia (I’m sure everyone remembers Patrick) and the rest of the Patrons (Brandon Gideon forever changed that word for any of us involved in that staff meeting!) had cleared out after closing time, groups of us would end up migrating to the closest Denny’s for more restless hours of shenanigans and an order of seasoned fries to share because - we all worked at the theater and were broke.
And speaking of big releases, it’s neat to think back on how many now classic movies, that I got to see at this place. Titanic, Toy Story, Star Wars (Episodes I & II)! And many, many more that I can't even think to name! Plus, unashamedly as the founding member of the Spice Girl Club in 4th grade, I organized a group trip to see Spice World on the big screen there…
Projection was always my favorite. Shifts were typically the longest there, and there were days that popcorn was my breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Threading the actual film through the projectors and making sure that the frame was in focus and that the sound quality was decent - was something to take pride in, whether I realized it at the time or not. I learned how to build the movies from the reels. Once I was familiar with the process, it was one of the most enjoyable aspects of my job. Plus, for me it always neat to tell your friends and family who didn’t work there - “I put that together!” |
We hated making / wrapping nachos. We bribed others with help in exchange for another ‘Thank You’ note on the board to keep us in the running for Employee of the Month. We made trash runs. We made Degreaser. We all rushed at the sight of a shining quarter on the ground. We ducked in and out of movies just to watch clips when we probably should have been working. We developed a love/hate relationship with the movie tunes that played repeatedly in the lobby. We struggled with the 50 foot pole used to update the roadside sign on Thursday evenings. We accumulated more movie memorabilia than any of us ever had room for, not forgetting to mention the bidding process for certain posters where our friends became our “enemies”. When we weren't working, we would still meet up there. And then you’d end up running into someone else that you knew, because simply put - it was the place to be.
Some time after the building had closed down, a few friends and I got dressed up and snuck back onto the grounds. I think a part of us knew then that it would never open it’s doors to the public again, which prompted us to make this happen. We looked inside the darkened lobby, and felt our hearts heavy with the sight of all that was left. All the abandoned equipment, the quietness of a place that used to overflow with crowds. Though the mood of the evening was somber, we took champagne (fine. Sparkling cider) and toasted to the good times that we had before heading over to Denny's. Again.
Everyone has gone their own separate ways now. All of us trying to traverse on this path called Life. At one point in time though, this was a focal point on a map where several paths crossed, helping us to somewhat find ourselves without even realizing it, and then continuing on our own ways with another story to tell (including marriages, children, etc. all because of the theater!).
Reel Theaters had charm and character. It was a part of Sevier County’s history. Since being torn down, I’ve read about a strip mall going in. While it may end up being beneficial to the county, I wish that it would have been possible to invest in the restoring and expanding of the theater. Keep a landmark that so many of us knew and loved instead of adding variations of stores that are already within the area, and may go under within a year’s time.
The building may now be gone, but the memories we created stand even taller now. And nothing can tear down those walls…
That is what Reel Theatres: Movies on the Parkway is to me.
-The End-
That is what Reel Theatres: Movies on the Parkway is to me.
-The End-