It's rather unusual that there is no name on the theatre marquee or anywhere else that I could see, or recall from when I was there last. It was the Diamond Theatre. Is that still the name of it? As others suggested, I would consider putting the name in large letters on the front of the marquee.
However, what I would really suggest is that you try to see what's under the marquee enterior covering. It just might be hiding an attractive old marquee, that could be uncovered, repaired, painted and presto... a much nicer marquee then that rather ugly box that is there now. If there isn't anything hiding underneath, then there are things that can be done to spruce up that unimaginative box. Action lighting in Montana has all kinds of decently priced light channels that could be attached for either stationary or moving lights around the perimeter of the marquee.
This was a handsome old single screen theatre. When it was twinned, they actually built two new auditoriums within the old one. They did something similar to what was done to Mike's theatre in Belfast. A wall was constructed across the width of the theatre about two thirds of the way down to the front and then another wall divided the rear section creating two small auditoriums. The walls were not run up to the original ceiling, but rather a deck was built over them that could support a 2nd floor if the owner wanted to finish off that space for other uses. If you go up into the old balcony, you are looking out over the new auditoriums and can see the front of the original auditorium with it's ornate prosceium arch etc. still there.
Whoever did the twinning back then missed a great opportunity to have a very classy twin theatre. Had they split the auditorium front and back, after building a hallway along one side to get to the front, they would have had two wide auditoriums, both with large screens. The front would still have all the aesthetic character of the original, and the rear one could have been finished off nicely as well with a wall to wall screen curtain.
When I stayed overnight at the motorlodge, I asked the fellow at the front desk where do folks go to the movies in this community. He said they go to a multiplex in DuBois, a good distance away. He said that there is a theatre here, but adults don't go there as it is a mess and is overrun by kids.
I went anyway, as I like old theatres, and as it was a weeknight early in December there were only a few people there. I therefore can not give any credence to the desk clerks remarks as to the behavior of its patrons, but the theatre was in need of much housekeeping and repairs. Presentation, although fine once underway, was not exactly professional looking in the least.
So it appears that there is a lot that must be done to overcome the reputation, and physical shortcomings at this theatre to bring it back, but I believe that it can be done. My theatre was much the same when I acquired it back in 1970, so I know what you'll be going through.
[This message has been edited by RoxyVaudeville (edited July 28, 2008).]
Forums 
