America has always lived for its movies. From vaudeville’s humble beginnings, through two world wars, and finally television and the internet, moviegoing has endured as a great American pastime.
From the movie palace of the 1920s to the multiplex of the twenty-first century, here are Michigan’s premier theatres—past and present. Each major city in Michigan is represented. Some of the theatres are still in operation, some are closed and in need of rescue, while, sadly, many others are gone. Over seventy theatres are carefully detailed in this book, through historic photos and well-researched text.
The book also looks behind the curtain at the families who built movie house empires in Michigan (often on a shoestring). Major architectural styles and movie posters are featured as well. Loaded with nostalgia and optimistic about the future of the industry, this book is for anyone who loves movies and Michigan history.
