The End: Theater closes

The Capri Theater marquee is empty while the 70-year-old movie house undergoes a remodeling project in downtown Gaffney. After 70 years, the show is temporarily over at the Capri Theater in Gaffney.

Owners Clyde and Mary Hudson closed the theater doors Aug. 24. The Hudsons had run the place since 1969 while facing stiffer competition from multiplex theaters.

Much of the Capri Theater had remained the same since the business opened in downtown Gaffney under the name "The Cherokee" in 1936. The classic theater was among several movie houses featured in the Spring 2005 issue of "Sandlapper."

Owner Clyde Hudson and his son Beau have gutted the theater area and left 100 seats. A message on their answering machine states the theater is being remodeled.

Walls have been torn down to the original studs. Speakers that once piped in motion picture sound have been removed.

Hudson is intentionally vague when asked specifically about his plans for the Capri Theater. He has left a performance stage and the 18 x 22 movie screen in place while remodeling the theater area.

"We still plan to show movies," Hudson said. "We have plans, but we don't know where we are going yet."

Hudson has looked into the idea of converting the theater into a restaurant where pizza would be baked in a large brick oven. Hudson has applied for a beer license.

While he likes the restaurant idea, Hudson said it is only one of several projects he is considering.

"The tight credit situation makes it difficult to borrow money right now," Hudson said. "Until the economy improves, we won't be able to move forward with any project."

Some renovation work is being completed now so the theater can host Christmas concerts on its stage Dec. 4 and 6.

"We have not hired any contractors. We are just cleaning up the place and getting what we can out of here," Hudson said. "We are going to put a fresh coat of paint on it and fix it up so it looks nicer. We hope we will be able to reopen."