I remember seeing the Disney film “The Black Hole” here as a kid, and a couple of other movies, but cannot remember which one’s. But “The Black Hole” stands out. Nothing much else to remember the theater by.
This is my home town theater. Beautiful! I’m so happy to see it’s still going strong. For years it languished, closed for awhile, split into two screens, then closed, then open, then closed, then four plexed showing second and third run films, then closed, then open showing old classic movies, then gradually morphing back into second and third run films, then Phoenix Theaters took over and now first run films, digital projection and sound, leather reclining seats, fresh popped popcorn (no bags trucked in!), and very reasonable prices. Saw Star Wars: The Force Awakens there in January, a fantastic experience. If anyone truly loves classic old movie houses, this is the place to go. I’ll upload some photos I just recently took.
I saw the Harrison Ford movie “Presumed Innocent” here years ago, and it was a wonderful experience. My Grandparents lived in Traverse City at the time on the west side of town, so it was not far to travel up to Suttons Bay. I’m glad we did, the movie was good, and the theater was great, a really cool small town old fashioned theater. Well worth visiting!
Visited the Mai Kai a few times growing up. Always was neat to see as you went by on Plymouth Road. Last movie I saw there was “Platoon” with my Dad, which would have been not long before it closed. The screen was huge, unlike any theater in the area. Sad to see great old movie houses like this gone forever. Thank God the State-Wayne in Wayne is still going strong thanks to Phoenix Theaters! If you haven’t been there lately, GO! It’s a wonderful experience!
Drove by this former theater quite by accident on March 12, 2016. It is in deplorable condition. The neighborhood is not much better. I did take some photos. I had always assumed it was in a busier area with business all around the area. I was mistaken. Not sure why but there is a sign on the side of the building that says Shelby 1 and 2. In any case, I’ll try to upload some of the photos I took.
Visited this drive in once, around I would guess 1980. Saw Smokey and the Bandit II and the second film was Battle Beyond The Stars. Drove past it many times growing up riding with my Parents, but only saw films there one time.
Oh, and to add, it’s now the Collision Center for Bill Brown Ford. Their problem is not enough space for their operations in one location on Plymouth Road, so they’re spread out from Wayne Road all the way to almost Middlebelt Road. They also used the former Mai Kai theater parking lot as an overflow lot for years until it was torn down.
Saw many movies there over the years, especially when it became a $1.50 movie house running second and third run films. Cheap way to have some fun on a weekend night.
Do remember seeing Empire Strikes Back there, and the line to get in was down the side of the building, around the back, and back up the other side. Crazy times. LOL
Saw movies at the Plaza when we would visit my Grandparents who lived just a few miles from that Meijer. Specifically remember seeing Star Trek: The Motion Picture and Return of the Jedi there. Just a plain, 70’s/80’s style shopping center movie theater.
I remember seeing the Disney film “The Black Hole” here as a kid, and a couple of other movies, but cannot remember which one’s. But “The Black Hole” stands out. Nothing much else to remember the theater by.
Oh, and the black light fluorescent dragons are still on the walls for those that know the theater.
This is my home town theater. Beautiful! I’m so happy to see it’s still going strong. For years it languished, closed for awhile, split into two screens, then closed, then open, then closed, then four plexed showing second and third run films, then closed, then open showing old classic movies, then gradually morphing back into second and third run films, then Phoenix Theaters took over and now first run films, digital projection and sound, leather reclining seats, fresh popped popcorn (no bags trucked in!), and very reasonable prices. Saw Star Wars: The Force Awakens there in January, a fantastic experience. If anyone truly loves classic old movie houses, this is the place to go. I’ll upload some photos I just recently took.
I saw the Harrison Ford movie “Presumed Innocent” here years ago, and it was a wonderful experience. My Grandparents lived in Traverse City at the time on the west side of town, so it was not far to travel up to Suttons Bay. I’m glad we did, the movie was good, and the theater was great, a really cool small town old fashioned theater. Well worth visiting!
Visited the Mai Kai a few times growing up. Always was neat to see as you went by on Plymouth Road. Last movie I saw there was “Platoon” with my Dad, which would have been not long before it closed. The screen was huge, unlike any theater in the area. Sad to see great old movie houses like this gone forever. Thank God the State-Wayne in Wayne is still going strong thanks to Phoenix Theaters! If you haven’t been there lately, GO! It’s a wonderful experience!
Drove by this former theater quite by accident on March 12, 2016. It is in deplorable condition. The neighborhood is not much better. I did take some photos. I had always assumed it was in a busier area with business all around the area. I was mistaken. Not sure why but there is a sign on the side of the building that says Shelby 1 and 2. In any case, I’ll try to upload some of the photos I took.
Visited this drive in once, around I would guess 1980. Saw Smokey and the Bandit II and the second film was Battle Beyond The Stars. Drove past it many times growing up riding with my Parents, but only saw films there one time.
Oh, and to add, it’s now the Collision Center for Bill Brown Ford. Their problem is not enough space for their operations in one location on Plymouth Road, so they’re spread out from Wayne Road all the way to almost Middlebelt Road. They also used the former Mai Kai theater parking lot as an overflow lot for years until it was torn down.
Saw many movies there over the years, especially when it became a $1.50 movie house running second and third run films. Cheap way to have some fun on a weekend night.
Do remember seeing Empire Strikes Back there, and the line to get in was down the side of the building, around the back, and back up the other side. Crazy times. LOL
Saw movies at the Plaza when we would visit my Grandparents who lived just a few miles from that Meijer. Specifically remember seeing Star Trek: The Motion Picture and Return of the Jedi there. Just a plain, 70’s/80’s style shopping center movie theater.