The 70's for me were the good old days and in reality they actually were. I can remember my mom taking me to the Esquire movie theater to see features like "Love Story" and all of the James Bond movies. As I got older I was able to ride my banana seat bike downtown to west Radnolph to see such classics as "The Poseidon Adventure", "Rocky", "Jaws" and most every Walt Disney film released including "Herbie The Love Bug." I even remember taking one of my very first dates to see "The Apple Dumpling Gang."
There are two things in Enid today that you can count on; going to see a movie is guaranteed to be a disappointment and more people than not have at least one great memory of seeing a movie at the Esquire Theater. The Esquire that most of us remember was the more modern version rebuilt after the original Esquire was destroyed by fire in 1969.
The new theater building was 50x150 feet with a seating capacity of 500 on a single floor. It was built and equipped for $425,000 by Aztec Construction of Norman, Ok. The box office contained two ticket machines and was arranged so tickets could be sold inside or outside. The lobby area had a ceiling that was two floors high, giving a spacious feeling with contemporary decor.
With the creation of multi-plex theaters and the movement from stand alone buildings to malls, the Esquire Theater was closed for good in the 1980's. It was purchased and updated at one time by a local investor who had hopes of reopening the downtown theater. Theater owners could never see the potential in the Esquire due to the reduction of seating and the limitation of being a single screen complex so it never became a reality.
If you've been in the theater lately to play indoor soccer or just popped your head inside, you probably noticed that not all that much has changed in the past few decades. The spiral staircase, concession stand and box office are all still there as is the stage and curtains. Although the chairs are gone and the sloped floor was filled with sand to create a playing surface, the original space is much the same as it was the day the theater closed.
After years of complaining about bad movie experiences, complaints of high ticket prices, the yearning for movie classics and the current need for more entertainment downtown, it looks as though it could be the perfect conditions for an Esquire revival! Enter the Enid-based group, Retro Theaters Limited LLC.
The Retro Theaters group is made up of three movie loving members, Mark Marshall, Jared McClellan and Mike Marshall. A graduate of Phillips University, Mark Marshall worked in Los Angeles and had a successful 30-year career in the film industry, even being the assistant to Steven Spielberg.
Mark eventually found his way back to Enid and created River Rock Entertainment with his brother, Mike. The independent film company produces historical documentaries. Mark and Mike fell in love with the film industry after seeing many of their childhood movies at the Esquire theater. Mark has enough connections with the Hollywood crowd that we feels he could get the likes of Sean Astin to come to Enid to do a talk after viewing the movie "Rudy." And then possibly having a showing of Goonies and another Astin movie the next day. Other actors that might be lured to Enid would be Bill Pullman and possibly some big name directors.
McClellan has a background in video production and also has a deep fondness for the classics. The three members feel downtown Enid is an ideal market for a theater revival project. If the theater renovation plans move forward, it would primarily show classic movies, would be family friendly and would most importantly be affordable. There would also be the opportunity to showcase independent films, have live sports events and possible satellite conventions. The possibilities are endless!!
The group feels that reviving the Esquire could introduce classic film to younger generations, and rekindle the love of film in older audiences. They also understand that Enid is begging for an entertainment experience that is centered around customer service and satisfaction. Bringing back some of that golden era showmanship and community unity are driving factors for the project. The renovated Esquire Theater would become the only full-time classic revival theater within a five hours’ drive, with the nearest similar venue being located in Austin, Texas. This project is an independent attempt to revive the Esquire without the help of or connection with the City of Enid.
The Esquire is structurally sound with the major work required to reopen being aesthetic renovation. Retro Theaters Limited has not yet acquired the building, and the overall plan is in the early stages of capitalization. And that is the purpose of this article!!
Retro Theater Events is the 'Special Event' extension of Retro Theaters, Ltd. A Retro Theater Event could be anything from a one-night-only 'Movie in the Park,' to a 'Weekend Showcase' of several classic films, to an 'Independent Film Festival,' to a 'Filmmakers Forum' featuring actors, directors, producers, etc. from around the country.
The Retro group is willing to see if Enid is really ready to bring back the Esquire Theater as a revival downtown venue. They have planned a well thought out collection of classic movies to begin showing at Convention Hall on specified weekends to gauge participation and feedback. This is YOUR opportunity to show investors that you would be willing to actually show up to see some of the great classic movies and attend some great film related events. Is Enid ready to bring the Esquire back? Say yes by purchasing tickets and attending the showing of these great classics.
Retro Theaters, Ltd. and Enid Buzz are proud to announce the first Weekend at the Movies for Enid, Oklahoma!! Friday, May 3rd and Saturday, May 4th will be an exciting opportunity to take a trip back to a time when going to the movies was about HAVING A GREAT TIME! Tickets are on sale now at the link below! There will be one showing of each movie, so, be sure to get tickets now to these EXCLUSIVE MOVIE EVENTS! We hope that you will join us and find out more about what Retro Theaters, Ltd. has in store for Enid! Below is the schedule for May of 2013.
FRIDAY, MAY 3RD, 6:30PM - With our very first showing, Retro Theater Events is excited to offer MGM Studios Classic Musical, 'Singin' in the Rain.' Released in April of 1952 and starring Gene Kelly & Debbie Reynolds, this fun and amazing film will capture the hearts of generations past & present!
FRIDAY, MAY 3RD, 9:00PM - With our second showing, Retro Theater Events is excited to offer Warner Bros. Studios Classic, 'Casablanca.' Released in January of 1943 and starring Humphrey Bogart & Ingrid Bergman, this incredible film is set in unoccupied Africa during the early days of World War II: An American expatriate meets a former lover, with unforeseen complications.
SATURDAY, MAY 4TH, 6:30PM - Retro Theater Events is thrilled to offer Warner Bros. Family Entertainment, 'Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.' Come enjoy it on the BIG SCREEN again or for the very first time!
SATURDAY, MAY 4TH, 9:00PM - Recognized as one of the most frightening and suspenseful films of all time, this movie changed the way thriller movies are made! You don't want to miss Alfred Hitchcock's Classic, 'Psycho!' WE DARE YOU TO COME SEE THIS ONE! ONLY ONE SHOWING, so buy your tickets now!
Order tickets online through Convention Hall.
Visit Retro Theaters and please Like their Facebook Page for new classic movie releases, news and updates.
More info, video sand updates to come from Enid Buzz as well so stay tuned!!
I love that this is happening, but hate that I have to miss Casablanca! I’ve always wanted to see it on the big screen, but I have to be out of town that night. I hope this is successful so I can have another chance. I will be back in time for Psycho the following night though! I can’t wait to see it again!
I’m looking forward to that as well.
My mom was a police officer in Enid on the ’50s and 60s…spent a lot of Sats and holiday movies at the Esquire..Happy to see what you are doing!!
Could be the coolest theater in Oklahoma if we get enough support!!