Earl Theater

The Earl most likely opened in 1942, when the April 10 issue of Film Daily reported it as being among theaters that had recently bought Super Simplex projectors and Crestwood carpeting from the National Theater Supply Company in Chicago. The Earl was probably built by Earle J. Williams, who had operated the Tivoli Theatre in Knoxville at least as early as 1924. Williams was still in the theater business at least as late as 1951, when he was mentioned in the June 9 issue of Boxoffice as the co-owner of the Macomb Drive-In at Carthage, Illinois along with a Mr. Allen.

I was the projectionist (part-time high school job) here from 1964 to 1969. Many fond memories of the place, with its crying room, couches, and local sport of seeing how far you could roll an empty coke bottle towards the screen. We had a policy of refunding the tickets and sending people home if there were not more than five in the house by the time the shorts and previews were over (not enough to cover costs). The owner Sumner Johnson was an interesting character.

The Earl was a fine movie house located on Main Street in Knoxville where the Mobil convinience store is now located.The picture is correct as to its location. It sat on the south portion of the lot with the sidewalk in front.A lighted marquee sign facing east and west.Closed in early 80’s.