Historic Cinema Celebrates 80 Years

An historic landmark in Tulsa is about to turn 80.  The Circle Cinema is kicking off its birthday celebration this weekend.

"The Circle Cinema originally opened on July 15^th 1928. So next week on July 15^th we turn 80 years old and we're having a big party. It's open to the public. We invite people to come at 6:30. We'll have cake and punch. We'll watch a presentation on historic movie theaters in Tulsa, the Circle is included. The Circle is the only historic movie theater still left in Tulsa after all of the big ones Tulsa had back in the hay day," said Circle Cinema Foundation executive director Stephanie LaFevers.

The venue closed for almost a decade before re-opening in 2004 thanks to the non-profit group, The Circle Cinema Foundation.

This historic theater features independent, foreign, and documentary films, as well as, an art display that is updated every six weeks.

For some Green Country natives, the Circle is more than a theater; it's a step back in time.

"We hear stories from people all the time that say I used to ride my bike to the circle cinema, or I lived in the neighborhood and I walked down there.  Or I had a nickel and I could watch Saturday morning movies," said Circle Cinema Foundation executive director Stephanie LaFevers.

In celebration of its 80th birthday, a free-admission party will be held on Tuesday, but the festivities really kick off this weekend with special guests and film screenings.

In the week surrounding a free-admission birthday party set for this day, events include special guests attending screenings of "J.J. Cale - To Tulsa and Back on Tour" a movie about Texas Rangers with Roy Clark in the cast and in attendance; and a documentary about Ben Johnson with his family members and the filmmaker on hand for a question and answer session.

"Saturday afternoon at four.  And then, another screening at seven we're premiering a new western- independent film that Roy Clark is in. Roy lives here in Tulsa. He and several cast members as well as film makers. There will also be a dedication of Roy's medallion out on our sidewalk.  Sunday we have a tribute to Ben Johnson another Oklahoma cowboy. We'll be showing a documentary about Ben and his father. He grew up in Pawhuska.  About ten of his family members are coming for that event, including his sister. We will also dedicate his medallion on our walk of fame," said Circle Cinema Foundation executive director Stephanie LaFevers.