All Early Times More Recent 1937 Magazine article displaying the original projection room, marquee and seating of Kannapolis' newest theatre.. 1948 View from the balcony of the newly restored Gem Theatre. The theatre had burned down in 1942. 1948 View of the stage and seating area of the newly restored Showplace of Kannapolis. 1948 The theatre was also built with a beautifully decorated second floor with access to the balcony and restrooms. 1948 A view from the stage of our 916-seat theatre showing our fan favorite balcony seating. 1948 The original concession stand at the Gem Theatre after it was rebuilt in 1948. 1950 A wonderful artistic rendition of the Gem Theatre on Kannapolis' W. 1st street. 1950 Even Cheetah, from the original Johhny Weismuller Tarzan movies, visited the Gem in 1950 and autographed this photo (on the right). 1950 Kids pile in to the Gem to enjoy the latest flick in our wonderful air-conditioned theatre. 1951 Francis Goes to the Races premieres at the Gem Theatre. Notice the elaborate signage under the marquee. 1952 Jimmy Stewart starred in Bend of the River that played at the Gem in August of 1952. 1953 The Showplace of Kannapolis lines 'em up around the corner in 1953. 1954 The "Duke" had a big hit at the Gem with the Sands of Iwo Jima. 1957 Cinderella even tried on her glass slipper at the Gem during the summer of '57. 1957 A sneak peek at the projectors at the Gem that brightened the silver screen for many years. 1959 Another great crowd winding around the corner (what is now Restaurant 46). 1963 It's always a good time when "The King" visits the Gem Theatre. 1977 Yo Adrian! Rocky filled the seats with excitement at the Gem in 1977. fShare Tweet
