Published September 2003

Snohomish County Business Journal/JOHN WOLCOTT Norma Pappas, owner and projectionist of the Olympic Theatre, stands in front of the one-screen Arlington movie house built in 1939.

Old-time theater
is a town gem

By John Wolcott
SCBJ Editor

Arlington’s Olympic Theatre is a rarity — a privately owned, one-screen, downtown movie house with a loyal following.

Built in 1939, it’s a theater where many older people go for nostalgic ambiance as much as for whatever movie might be showing, especially if they grew up in Arlington and now want to take their grandchildren to the same magical place.

And it’s a theater where families can see second-run — and sometimes first-run — movies for prices that have their own nostalgia: $5 for adults, $4 for seniors and children ages 3 to 12, or $3 for all ages at the 2 p.m. weekend matinees. Also, Tuesday is bargain night, with 2-for-1 admission.

Then there’s the new Mommy Movie Monday for a $3 noon showing for moms (and dads) with infants and toddlers.

To top it off, the concession stand’s prices are a third to a half of today’s multiplex rates, said owner and projectionist Norma Pappas.

“We do our best to give people the latest movies we can get, usually within two weeks to a month of their release, at prices families can afford,” she said.

“Pirates of the Caribbean” just ended its run at the Olympic in mid-August and was followed by “Tomb Raider,” Pappas said. Coming soon: “Freaky Friday” and “Seabiscuit.”

The theater boasts comfortable seats, a Dolby sound system, a new screen and a new curtain motor.

“A lot of the multiplex theaters don’t even have curtains,” she said, laughing. “But to me, the opening of the curtain is an important part of the movie.”

To check on current movies as well as show times and coming attractions, call 360-435-3939 or visit www.olympictheatre.net online.

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