On January 15, 2011, The Strand Theater in Marietta will show Gone With the Wind on the big screen. The Strand originally showed the film in November 2009, in celebration of the 70th Anniversary of the movie. This time, the showing is in honor of The Strand's (formally The Earl Smith Strand's) second anniversary since the renovation, Earl Smith's 80th birthday, and the 75th anniversary of the novel. Ticket holders will also get a free tour of the Gone WIth the Wind Museum in Marietta.There will also be a pre-show organ concert and singalong starting at 6:30. The movie is scheduled for 7 P.M.
The Strand itself is a wonderful piece of metro Atlanta history. It has a chapter in my book, Haunted Marietta, and aside from any paranormal claims, was at one time a state-of-the art movie palace, opening in 1935 and becoming the place to go for Marietta citiizens of all ages for many years. Joanne Woodward credited the Strand in large part for her career as an actress. She loved to go there and watch movies when she was growing up in Marietta.
The theater ceased showing movies and housed a number of ventures in the 1980's and '90's, before becoming vacant in 2002. Concerned by the deterioration of the building, supporters formed the "Friends of the Strand." Through their efforts, and with the sponsorship of Earl Smith, The Strand was completely renovated and re-opened in 2008. It is a beautiful venue and a great place to see a classic piece of American movie history like Gone With the Wind!
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