I go to Nugget and people say, "Hey, it's The Movie Guy." I was there the other day getting a rib-eye, and a little kid said to his dad, "Dad, that's The Movie Guy." And then he gave me a high-five.

The other thing is, people always ask me the movie times, and what's playing. So I need to make sure I memorize the schedule.

I love to be in a crowded theater, surrounded by people laughing or screaming. We're all connected to each other, and it just seems funnier, or scarier that way.

Just sitting on the side and watching everyone in the theater react to the movie is great. During Shrek 2, I would come into the theater for the last 20 minutes and watch the audience laugh. Everyone would just be cracking up, kids, parents, everyone. I love to just stand there on the side and watch them enjoying the movie.

The original (big) theater was built in 1937, it seats about 750 people.

The two small theaters were built in the late 70's and early 80's. Personally, I love the big theater, but I really don't like the small theaters.

InsideWoodland: Does a movie ever run with nobody in the theater?
Movie Guy: It happens, most likely in September or October
when the kids have just gone back to school.

This is the projector, which is about 50 years old.
It keeps getting updated with a new light, new sound, etc. But the main projector is still there.

Here is a picture of the latest Star Wars movie, the entire movie sits on this one reel,
including the trailers. It winds through a bunch of stuff, and then ends up on the reel below.
These spindles are actually really big - like a patio table.

Up until a few years ago, movies came on very short reels, only 20 minutes apiece.
Since the reels were so short, there always had to be someone in the projection room,
to be ready to switch to the next reel.

And that is why there is a toilet and a telephone in the projection room.

Whoever planned this didn't do a very good job though...what if you are sitting on the
can when the phone rings? You can't reach the phone, and you'll have to stand up.

I guess that is what the paper towels are for.

Holy Expanding Bellies Batman! I think we've found the reason for so many fat people in Gotham.

And don't forget the empty wallets Robin.

How is picking up sunflower seeds worse than picking up a condom from a movie theater floor?

Way awesome. I know the corn cop man's name now...

That's true, what COULD be worse than picking up, I'm assuming, a used condom?! Yuck...

When I was young the lady that owned the State was really mean. You would never want to make eye contact with her. One of the small theaters use to be The Stork Shop.That is where I got all my back to school clothes. The lady that ran that store was really nice!

My family enjoys the State Theater because of it's nostalgia. The owner is very nice as well and enjoys talking to everyone!

What I don't like about the State is it stinks, and the screen is too dark. Maybe they could put some more of those little light reflectors on it.

Michael is awesome! He is really good to my 3 kids and isn't mean. We talk about upcoming attractions and film reviews. There are a lot of good things about the state.

I love his prices, you can't beat em. Try to take a family of four to the movies and get a total experience (4 movie tickets, Lg popcorn with refill, free movie ticket,jumbo hot dog, nachos, candy & 2 Lg Drinks) for under fourty bucks. Not to mention some crazy deal on wednesdays!I dare you to do the same in Natomas. I'd feel like I just paid for tickets at arco arena and saw Gigli. State 1 has an incredible sound system. It was certified to play the latest starwars films. I think this was a chunk of change to upgrade but that didn't affect ticket prices. What about the screen size of state one! It's probably 20% larger (or more) than most cineplex theaters. Last and not least, the seating. I recently went to the theater in the mall to see Corpse Bride...easily 18 teenagers talking during the movie and 3 cell phones ringing. State 1 is so large that the next person is usually a few rows away, so I don't hear the teens so much.

Sure, the place can use some renovation, but I'd rather keep the prices affordable so I can watch as many movies as I want. Has Woodland Council ever considered a renovation? This is a great way to bring business downtown. If I am not mistaken this may be one of the last state theaters (in california?)in operation.

That "mean" lady who used to run the State Theater (Mrs. Marsden) just passed away recently. She just looked mean because of her rimless glasses....made her look like the classic evil Nazi that we all grew up watching in the movies in HER theater. The small theater to the left (as you face the building from the front sidewalk) used to be a soda fountain. The whole front was glass. I always got vanilla.

I remember in the 50"s. parents would drop their kids off in the morning on holidays like thanksgiving and the state would play cartoons continuous for hours. also remember usherettes with their flashlites walking up and down the upstairs aisles shining on people who were talking or had their feet up on chair. also that was the smoking section!!!

I think Michael is great. I am 41 and remembera variety of cartoons like Woody the Wood pecker Donald Duck and Mickey Mouse and the Pink Panther,at the start of every movie and a potty and snack break in the mid point of the movie.I remember the blue carpet and what I thought were stars and the old drinking fountain with ice cold water and I too remember that mean looking white haired woman who never smiled like an evil librarian. I too love state 1, the art deco chandeliers are just gorgeous and it makes me sad when I see another piece of theglass broken out. Is'nt the State theater considered an historical building asto aquire an historical money grant? and couldnt the community of wooland do some kind of fund raiser to spruce up the old girl and still keep the ticket prices at their resonable rate? Thank you to Michael who puts up with the rude as well as the appreciatve. Oh ya and I also remember when the top section was reserved for smoking and I believe you could only be up there with an adult.

I don't care for the State Theatre. It's small, expensive and the chairs are very uncomfortable I PRAY that someone would bull doze it down and put up a brand new Brendan Theatre!!!! Brendan Theatre in Vacaville is the best!

Just a wild thought here, but I think it would be great if the State and the Opera House could somehow team up and boost theatrical and cinematic arts in town and in the county.

A Victorian opera house and an Art Deco movie palace within a few blocks of each other in the heart of town...where else can you find that in California?

It'd be a great oppotunity for artists and performers who aren't famous enough to open at Mondavi Center, and can't get a foot-in-the-door in the big cities.

They could host festivals, summer events, conferences, etc. There might be some state, federal or private funding available to spruce up the State and run the programs, and think of all the business it could bring to town. Not to mention that we could once again thumb our noses at Davis. :p

Com on now....The State is like an old friend. "There" when ever we want a good movie at a good price. Of course it has smells, look how old it is. I thnk the city ought to do everything they can to preserve its intregrity and hats off to the people keeping it open for us.

Bring your infant to the movies I heard that this theater is going to have a special movie showing in 2006, for mamas and their babies. The sound will be lowered a bit, the lights may be on a bit, and it will be kosher to be walking around with an infant in arms. If this is so, it sure would make a great addition to this site. I'd like to know which days, and if there are any restrictions

Does anyone have or know anyone that would have any photos of the old state theatre when it was in its original built condition? I am also looking for a picture of the Yolo Theatre that was where then antique store is at now by the singer store. I have seen these pics around and would like to have my own copy. Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Martin

Wow, does this bring back memories ! My first real job was working at the State Theater, '71-'72 & part of '73 - and Mrs Marsden was not mean - she just acted that way to make the kids behave (she would laugh about it after they left ;) I bought my first car with my first tax return from there - a black&white '56 Chevy. My return was $125, the car was $175, and Mrs Marsden 'backed me up' to the seller so I could get the car with the $125 down and make 2 more payments of $25 each on my next 2 paydays - I made a whopping $1.65 per hour ! I remember when they put in the first small theater - I remember asking a guy for an ID to get into an R-rated movie - He was cute and I wanted to know his name - and I still remember it ;D My favorite thing was popcorn - never got tired of it - still like popcorn :p

There's a book about Woodland buildings - from the historical society - "Crafting a Valley Jewel" by David L. Wilkinson. (check the library, they'll have it) The book has an article about the theater with a photo of how it looked originally (the state highway made them take the beautiful marquee off, said it encroached on the right of way), and about the architect and owners. If you look on cineamatreasures.org the big movie palace web site, or google the Eureka Theatre in Eureka CA you'll see another theater by the same architect (William Bernard David) that still has its practically identical marquee. If you'd like to see the State restored to its original glory, bug your city fathers & mothers down at City Hall. Go to a council meeting; there's always a period when anybody can get up and tell the Council what they think about anything (politely), even kids. (This is called "grassroots democracy")

I had worked at both movie theatres in Woodland, while going to school. I had worked at the "the other theatre" for a year and then the State Theatre for a year. About a year later I returned to the State Theatre and worked for the Morgans ( for two years ). I enjoyed working at the State Theatre, especially the free movies and getting to preview some of the new movies before the opening day.

I really enjoyed this story, it brings back lots of memories for me. I saw my first movie in the State many years ago. I would love to see it resorted to is former glory. They don't make theaters like this anymore. I can remember that it used to have some kinda of crown molding on the ceiling and if you look really hard you can still see where it was, it would be really nice if that could be replaced. I love going to the state and go when ever I get a chance. Thanks for the story and the website.

Sam

I love the old theaters, can't stand the new 15+ screen theaters with the seats on a hill. Don't go to many movies as I have a home theater (7.5' X 4' screen almost as big as the small ones at State), I wait till it's on DVD. But when there is that special movie that you have to see on the REALLY big screen, and it's on the big screen at State, I come to the Woodland.

P.S. This is a great web page/story.

P.S.S How about a link to the theater web page?

I deffinitely love the charm of the State Theater. The ceilings have these huge chandeliers. It really needs some love and care...and a parkinglot. People need to start supporting local businesses in Woodland or they are going to close and we will become a bedroom community forced to commute for something as simples as going to see a movie.

I could've sworn I read something in the Democrat about the theater getting a million dollars for restoration from some kind of state historic fund...? (...or maybe my brain's still out enjoying intermission.)

I'm So glad I've found out who the movie guy is now...he's always friendly whenever my family and I come in.

Back again - reading the same stories because there are no new ones ! I was looking a bit closer at the pictures - that looks like the same popcore machine that was there when I worked at the theater - I wonder if they still keep a small tube of toothPASTE nearby (I started that ;) to put on spots that accidently get too close to the hot metal of the popper ! I still have a couple or three littls white spots (burn scars) on my arms from before I learned that the toothPASTE, if put on immediately, would prevent scars & pain on small burns ~~ still addicted to popcorn, too ;p

Val said : [[or google the Eureka Theatre in Eureka CA ]] ~ cool, I live in Eureka now. The theater here is being restored :)

i see the picture Thats very beautiful and lovly.i and my family look theater.

On a road trip from OK to WA our car broke down in Woodland. We spent Christmas there waiting for the car to be repaired. We watched movies in that theatre, and now it holds a special place in my heart.

My grandma used to work the ticket counter back when it was a tube stand out front! I personally wasn't alive when it was still like that, but watching movies you can see what it must have looked like. I kind of miss the old State theater... And Woodland altogether..

- Woodlander in Washington

The State Theatre is the best around here, I think it's the popcorn!!!! you don't have to add salt to it.

I really get disappointed when movies that I like are played at the Cine mark Theatre...

The State Theatre is a great building. Try powerwashing it and giving it a fresh coat of paint.

I love the State theater. It's great, but it needs some upgrading. New paint job, cup holders and they need to replace a lot of bulbs in the ceiling fixtures. It's hard to see in there sometimes. But overall, I'd have to say that the State Theater has the BEST popcorn ever!

We watch to see what's at the State. That's how we choose our movies. It's huge, it's real...it's a great theater. I like seeing the same folks behind the counter, and Ilove that they never wear those stupid little uniforms that the folks in the multiplexoramas wear. No cupholders. None of that junk. Just be real and be careful. Don't make them clean up more junk.

state theaters cool. i like the buttered popcorn. i go there just for the popcorn.

I was wondering if you could send us your schedule for the week of 3-2 through 3-8.

We provide movie showtimes for the Sacramento News and our data will be running in an hour and a half for them.

my email address is: eknight@tribune.com our group email address is: times@nowshowing.com

Thanks! Beth Knight Tribune Media Services

this is a cute site, however, could not see what you were playing this week...love your sense of humor, need a spanking?

Sure the theater is old, but you can still enjoy a good movie. Don't partiularly like the small theaters. Agree we need "cup holders". Like the crew and Michael, we always chat after seeing a movie. If you like old theaters try Colusa--it is beautiful.

you guys should really have a board to say when you are haveing the movies~!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

i have been going to state theater since i was a toddler. I love it! I never new it was over 60 years old. Over the years i noticed things breaking here and there. i would love to see it back to its hay days. I concider it to be a historic landmark. It sure needs some tender love and care and i know someday it will be fixed up.

that theater is cool

Just wanted to say Hello to everyone. Much to read and learn here, I'm sure I will enjoy !

Beautiful teen girls www.porntubebestmovies3.tk

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