I must admit, Alvarez DEFINITELY caught much of the atmosphere of the mid 70’s. There were still throwbacks to the older days such as when Roy Rogers came to town to promote his last film in 1975 much as he would’ve done in the 40’s. The theatre (which seated nearly 1000) was packed. Also, the Gem had the old dressing rooms downstairs was always a good place for getting into various kinds of mischief. The balcony, though rarely opened, also provided a good location for a little privacy for those privilged few. The Gem (as stated in an earlier post) is still open and is actually doing better than it did during the early 70’s when at times it was relegated to running the Kung Fu poorly transated films. They are showing first run features, and is as beautiful as it ever was. (Check out the description on the roster page -Gem Theatre, Kannapolis, NC- . This theatre is one of a dying breed.)
Again, great job Al, you brought back a lot of memories to this old popcorn jockey.
Interesting concept for a novel. I’m sure you’ll do well with it. I worked at the Gem Theatre in Kannapolis, NC (still open, still operating, still running first run movies.. built in the mid-1940’s) from 1973 until 1976. It was the best job anyone could have in high school. The 70’s culture was definitely prevalent as were the “interesting” adventures that took place. If you’d like to email me, I’ll be glad to answer any questions and share some stories.
It is a shame that the old Dixie (Table Supply Store) is now a memory. Even though it had been a grocery store for many many years, it still had the look of the theater. (Eagle Art, if you can post the photo you have here, it would be a good reminder of how quickly things can disappear. Thanks!
I worked at the Gem Theatre (as many others did) while I was in high school in the mid-70s. It is truly a wonderful place. Originally, there were stage shows there and it is equipped with a full sized stage (not visible due to the screen and it’s frame supports) and also a basement that had dressing rooms for the performers. The history of this building is fabulous. I do hope that it is able to remain as a historical part of Kannapolis. My family and I attend movies there frequently (yes, first run, went to Chronicles of Narnia this weekend) and it is a much better experience than the multi-plexes. There were many other theaters in Kannapolis. The Swanee is now the Visitors Center. I went to movies there frequently in the early 70s, then there was the Palace (which was considered the black theater during segregation). It is located across from Kannapolis Middle School (not the new one) near A.L. Brown High School. There was the Dixie ( I believe it is now the Table Supply Grocery Store) and one other who’s name I can’t remember that was located in North Kannapolis. Also, on North Cannon Blvd at the corner of Jackson Street is a Shoe Depot that is in another old theater building. Yes, Kannapolis is changing with the destruction of Cannon Mills (I also worked there while in College) but hopefully the renovation of the town with new industry (bio-tech) will bring more jobs. The Gem is definitely a highlight in Kannapolis, and I STRONGLY encourage everyone to visit there.
I must admit, Alvarez DEFINITELY caught much of the atmosphere of the mid 70’s. There were still throwbacks to the older days such as when Roy Rogers came to town to promote his last film in 1975 much as he would’ve done in the 40’s. The theatre (which seated nearly 1000) was packed. Also, the Gem had the old dressing rooms downstairs was always a good place for getting into various kinds of mischief. The balcony, though rarely opened, also provided a good location for a little privacy for those privilged few. The Gem (as stated in an earlier post) is still open and is actually doing better than it did during the early 70’s when at times it was relegated to running the Kung Fu poorly transated films. They are showing first run features, and is as beautiful as it ever was. (Check out the description on the roster page -Gem Theatre, Kannapolis, NC- . This theatre is one of a dying breed.)
Again, great job Al, you brought back a lot of memories to this old popcorn jockey.
Interesting concept for a novel. I’m sure you’ll do well with it. I worked at the Gem Theatre in Kannapolis, NC (still open, still operating, still running first run movies.. built in the mid-1940’s) from 1973 until 1976. It was the best job anyone could have in high school. The 70’s culture was definitely prevalent as were the “interesting” adventures that took place. If you’d like to email me, I’ll be glad to answer any questions and share some stories.
It is a shame that the old Dixie (Table Supply Store) is now a memory. Even though it had been a grocery store for many many years, it still had the look of the theater. (Eagle Art, if you can post the photo you have here, it would be a good reminder of how quickly things can disappear. Thanks!
I worked at the Gem Theatre (as many others did) while I was in high school in the mid-70s. It is truly a wonderful place. Originally, there were stage shows there and it is equipped with a full sized stage (not visible due to the screen and it’s frame supports) and also a basement that had dressing rooms for the performers. The history of this building is fabulous. I do hope that it is able to remain as a historical part of Kannapolis. My family and I attend movies there frequently (yes, first run, went to Chronicles of Narnia this weekend) and it is a much better experience than the multi-plexes. There were many other theaters in Kannapolis. The Swanee is now the Visitors Center. I went to movies there frequently in the early 70s, then there was the Palace (which was considered the black theater during segregation). It is located across from Kannapolis Middle School (not the new one) near A.L. Brown High School. There was the Dixie ( I believe it is now the Table Supply Grocery Store) and one other who’s name I can’t remember that was located in North Kannapolis. Also, on North Cannon Blvd at the corner of Jackson Street is a Shoe Depot that is in another old theater building. Yes, Kannapolis is changing with the destruction of Cannon Mills (I also worked there while in College) but hopefully the renovation of the town with new industry (bio-tech) will bring more jobs. The Gem is definitely a highlight in Kannapolis, and I STRONGLY encourage everyone to visit there.