Fain Theater
113 E. Polk Street,
Livingston,
TX
77351
113 E. Polk Street,
Livingston,
TX
77351
3 people
favorited this theater
Showing 20 comments
The May 8, 1948 issue of Boxoffice said that the 700 seat Fain Theater under construction for Frank Fain at Livingston, Texas, had been designed by architect Jack Corgan.
Looks like COVID19 killed another old timer, The Fain. One thing I have noticed on some websites, it says The Fain was built in the 1930’s. It was, but not the one that was on Polk Street. The Original Fair was on Washington Street. It closed, then reopened about 1948. It was only running old movies. It closed permanently around 1950-51 when a fire broke out in the projection room one afternoon. The Movie was “Sing, Country Sing.” It had a lot of country singers including Roy Acuff. It featured Lulubelle and Scotty singing a song they wrote, “Have I Told You Lately That I Love You.” Later recorded by Bing Crosby and Elvis Presley.
The Fain on Polk Street was opened around that same time. Actaly dates could be found in the “Polk County Enterprise” Archives or City/County Records.
A new-build theatre, the Fain Theatre launched in August of 1948. It replaced a 300-seat Fain Theatre that dated back to the silent era. The theatre appears to have gone out of business on April 30, 2015.
This theatre closed around 2015.
The Fain is much older than the current building would suggest. It was owned by my great grandfather Clem Fain, Sr. (1874–1944). The family lore is that my grandmother, Mary Willson Fain Gerlach, played piano during silent films.
and mind you, this was only 4 months ago.
For everyone that does not know, the fain is a terrible business. It may be an icon of movie history, but the way it is currently managed is a disgrace to american business in general. As a previous employee i can personally tell you that the people who own it are terrible. Nothing is made fresh, everything in the back room is caked in dirt, and they only hire 16-17 year olds that have not worked before so that they can underpay and over work them. i was making a measly $4.50 an hour after i did all the math.
I really enjoy visiting this theater. The staff is super friendly, and are quick to address concerns. Ticket prices are low for the area, as are the concessions. The “cry room” in the back of the facility is perfect for parents with small children. It’s an extra 30 miles for me to drive to(I live near Lufkin), and only has a single screen, but the Fain is worth visiting.
No excuse for over selling a theatre,It was a stupid thing to do and then blame the moviegoer,Do not blame you LUVSMOVIES.You were most likely dealing with rookies.
I lived in Livingston briefly in the early ‘50s and remember walking the five blocks to see “Callaway Went Thataway”. Visited briefly Oct. 3 after sixty years. Charming town, much better than I remember.
The sports and recreation generated by Lake Livingston has given it new life and well worth visiting if you’re in the area of east Texas.
Went there last night. They way over sold the tickets and left lots of people standing not only in the theater, but outside the theater not even being able to get in. It was horrible. To make matters worse the people running the theater accepted no fault of their own and treat us as if it were our fault that they sold more tickets than they had seats. The lady working the door was incredibly rude and unprofessional. We were very disappointed and will not be going back.
Here is a 2006 photo by Sam Starkey:
http://tinyurl.com/66jq9v
Here is a 2005 photo:
http://tinyurl.com/6jlkdp
In 1970, the Fain was part of the Pam-Fain Theaters chain. Owner was Lloyd Stone. The other theater in the chain was the Pam in Madisonville, TX, hence the name.
Actually Livingston is kind of a neat little town.
Don………….
Sometimes I feel like visiting these godforsaken places just to see their theaters.
nice theater . this is what i am looking for a theater like this …
Listed in the 1941 Film Daily Yearbook with a seating capacity given as 400. In the 1943 edition of F.D.Y. is is listed as (Closed). However, it is open again in the 1950 edition of F.D.Y. with a seating capacity given as 300.
My photograph of the FAIN View link
Is this the same theatre the FAIN the one in the movie, THE GRASS HARP? (JACK LEMMOM WALTER MATTHAU SISSY SPACEK PIPER LAURY)