Marquee Pullman & Pullman Square Turn 10

However, when Marquee opened, they offered both a preview and VIP night. The new state of the art cinema was packed.

Paul Davis, general manager of the Transit Authority, told HNN: "It's hard to believe it's been ten years. We always knew Pullman would be the catalyst for additional development for our city. The Pullman development has spilled over to across Third Avenue and Huntington is now seeing revitalization on Fourth Avenue as well. As we hoped, it has also become a place to enjoy, rest and relax.

Davis continued, "Most importantly Pullman has changed the way people view Downtown Huntington. As you may recall, there were so many failed attempts to develop "Superblock", many people thought Huntington was dead and the two block area would remain empty. Pullman has resurrected our city. Vickie Shaffer and I were and are so proud to have been a part of the team that made it happen."

Councilman Scott Caserta called Pullman " the first step in the resuscitation efforts of downtown Huntington. It has provided a focal point for fairs and events and a sorely needed attraction for downtown strollers." Council chair Mark Bates  called it "an excellent addition to downtown," which has "spurred retail growth around the perimeter."

Charlotte Alesi, general manager of Marquee Pullman 16 who saw her first movie at the Keith Albee, returned to her native home to take the position with the Beckley based Marquee chain. Curtis McCall, president of the WV branch of the National Association of Theater Owners, is president and CEO. Marquee is now constructing a new multiplex in Tennessee.

Alesi recalls how "excited" she was about the opening turn out and that the multiplex was newly constructed with state of the art projection, sound and seating. (Later, Marquee would upgrade all cinemas to digital projection and add 3-D projection in four auditoriums.)

During its ten years of operation, two films have the #1 and #2 top attendance positions: Will Smith's "Hitch" and the partially Huntington lensed, "We Are Marshall", which had its premiere at the Keith Albee and on all sixteen of Marquee's screens.

Looking back to open night, the cinema had 14 of its 16 screens in operation. Among the attractions: National Treasure, Sponge Bob Square Pants, Bridget Jones Age of Reason, Birth, Motorcycle Diaries, Maria, Woman Thou Art Loosed, I Love Huckabees, Ladder 49, Friday Night Lights and The Forgotten.
 
At the time the theatre was the first in Huntington with stadium seating, high back chairs, wall to wall curved screens, Dolby Digital sound from JBL speakers and an expanded concessions menu.

The cinema did not have a lot of neighbors open for business 2004 . Since that time, Max & Erma’s and Frankie D’s (now Roosters) restaurants opened. The Funny Bone Comedy Club closed and now serves as a church. However, Pullman has a new tenant arriving: T.K. Dodrill Jewelry will be moving from Ninth Street to the Square soon. 

Despite the praise now, the development came with a huge amount of dissent. That's part of a history lesson for another day.

(Editor's Note: Many of the photos here were taken by the late Chris Spencer (also known from Chris' Photo Box), One photo taken by Tony Rutherford shows Spencer with then Sheriff Kim Wolfe.  Also, the home office staff of Marquee Cinemas is shown, as well as actress Dani McCall Englander , Curtis McCall, and their mom.)
 
(View additional pictures of the VIP opening by clicking: http://archives.huntingtonnews.net/pictures/04/nov/Spencer11.19/
 
http://archives.huntingtonnews.net/pictures/04/nov/Rutherford11.19/photos/photo_19.html
 
Read Pullman Square opening story: http://archives.huntingtonnews.net/columns/rutherford11.18.04pullman.html )