Now playing: A smalltown movie theater lives

Sixty-five-year-old Craig Smith has loved movies his whole life. So much so that, about 10 years ago, he took a leap of faith, and his life savings, to turn an old firehouse in Kingston, Washington, into the tiny town's only movie house. But running a theater that's practically a one-man operation isn't easy, and Smith has faced difficulties that have stirred the community to help. Lee Cowan takes in a show at the Firehouse Theater.
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[@nebraskahusker247]

This is what real america is supposed to be.

[@m.w.6526]

Indeed. It's all about community

[@leeuniverse]

You mean his business failing in a few years? Cause while this place is nice and all, what they don't tell you is ALL of these types of places, $1+ theaters etc. ALL end up failing.

[@gerrynightingale9045]

@@leeuniverse *Not until the the 'Collapse' of '08-09' did Theatres really begin the descent into bankruptcy* *When you're forced to keep raising ticket-prices because of property-tax increases and payroll...boys will not be able to take girls on a 'movie date' for 'hand-holding' and maybe a 'secret kiss' because that's what the girl wants but won't say, but don't want anything to go 'further' for a few years still, they feel safe in a theater* *You've lost HALF your week-end business or more without 'Boy/Girl' tickets being sold* *When you have a small 'Dollar Movie' place, it will be 'street-people' who can relax and sleep out of the weather and cops, and maybe a few 'cruisers' looking for boys that will buy tickets, not the general public* *None of them buy concessions, and the entire 'Dollar' model was centered on snack & drink sales to make a profit with...failure is the result* ( Damn near every 'Mom & Pop' small restaurants are 'dead & gone' now as well because they simply couldn't make a profit over expenses* )

[@NB-ky5ol]

Amen! These are the fibers that weave the fabric.

[@alcapone2176]

GO BIG RED

[@theeric]

Every small town should have a Craig Smith movie theater.

[@thereisnocarolinHR]

My town is not as small, but we have one. Literally almost the exact same guy/situation

[@istolebilliesavacados1315]

Statler N. Waldorf w-w-what?

[@thegrandtheatre-stamford4249]

Couldn't agree more. Our theatre has been off and on in operation in our little Texas town since about the 1930s. I think we are now in our renaissance because of the community support just like Craig has received. People want unique and intimate community experiences that big box theatres just aren't able to offer. We are very proud of the work we get to do...even though we may not become millionaires in the process

[@robbierice7442]

Agreed

[@janackova]

People in Hollywood should give this guy money. He plays their films.

[@chrisfinch8637]

A noble gesture, if I must say so, too.

[@Jen-jo5qu]

I agree! Some millionaire producer, actor, or studio owner should donate to this man's theater.

[@Jay-Darkclaw]

@Tommy Hammernots because it makes the world a better place

[@alexander3699]

Amen!

[@thenoicemango1827]

Imagine how many more theaters, small businesses, and communities in small towns would benefit if every American got 1k a month in the form of UBI. When you live in a small town and the factory closes and automates those jobs away the people leave and the town shrinks. This is happening all over America and with automation, self driving trucks and AI advancing millions of more jobs will be automated away. The people who will benefit from this will not be us Americans but shareholders and the big tech companies like Amazon who pay zero in taxes despite being worth a trillion. We need to start making these companies pay taxes by implementing a vat tax so that money can be distributed to the American people. UBI is the future and the question is do we want it now or later once millions of more jobs are automated away. Search up Andrew Yang joe Rogan podcast if you’re interested in learning more about it. At first it sounds dumb but when you listen to his reasoning things start to make sense. De D D D Hoy T

[@synskrim9173]

Please help this guy out! I grew up going to his theatre, and he only makes money on concessions. We always buy as much as we can when we go to keep this beloved theatre around. He even always comes out right before the movie and talks about it and thanks everyone for coming. Such a nice guy and deserves all the love in the world. We love you Craig!

[@leeuniverse]

Uh, selling concessions is how ALL theatres actually make their money.

[@jasminejoseph7858]

leeuniverse Hey fam, I’ve read some of your comments on this video. I just want you to know that you are loved. Truly. I hope the rest of your week is awesome!

[@charles0732]

@@Beckala67 Me too, moments ago

[@thatswackwill]

leeuniverse I thought that AMC and Regal theaters took a fraction of a ticket sale...

[@thedivineenergy]

*When you live in a small town, the movie theater is a* *place to escape, a place to dream, and a place to fall in love.* *Thank you soo much Craig for being a part of this. 🤩*

[@jkacz9466]

I agree with your assessment completely and there's something about going to a movie for an escape. Absolutely!!!!

[@chrisfinch8637]

The movies are where I would escape to, if they didn’t cost so much, nowadays in local theatres of my own.

[@dertythegrower]

i felt the comment... but, Fall in love? I think you are the type of girl who is the real reason the movie theater floor was always so sticky...not talking about soilling drinks😄

[@nick2128]

Escape? The whole town is there

[@josephphilips6187]

Place to dream? You don’t sleep at the movies. Nice try at a touching comment

[@daimonmarioperez9501]

That's how you support a small business. These businesses matter.... For small town it makes all difference in the world ..

[@2taggs2]

This piece on 'CBS Sunday Morning' really helped this guy and his theatre. He got over $200,000 on his GoFundMe account bc of this story. Glad to see!

[@KitKatToeBeans]

That’s great! Hope he gets more business as well.

[@Godismyfoundation]

This is my uncle and it means so much for him to be able to provide this service to people. Uncle Craig: you're a true champion, a great Uncle, and an Inspirer! Thank you for pursuing your dreams no matter what!!

[@007Julie]

Colton Smith please tell him that we appreciate and love what he's doing. That his hard work and passion is not going unnoticed and that we're all praying for him to feel better and soon to get out of debt. May The Lord keep blessing him and giving him strength to enjoy what he loves to do most. Your uncle and aunt are amazing and we need more people like them in the world. God bless.

[@jwprimetime9795]

You’re uncle brings a tear to my eye man! My hero!

[@dragon47208]

Cool! Do you think he'd be interested in having an actor come as a meet and greet type of thing?

[@therealwilfreddierkes9980]

What an OG. ❤️

[@chaeyoungvideos5742]

I cried at the end when the community just went all out in supporting him

[@istolebilliesavacados1315]

SqueezeMyCheese lol you’re a wimp if you don’t cry 😢

[@44BlueFoxes]

Why can't more news stories be like this.

[@lenchenes]

Because negative news sells lol

[@stillbuyvhs]

If you can catch CBS News Sunday Morning, they run a bunch of stories like this each week.

[@CaptainRandom69]

Cuz his name isn't donald trump

[@theheroneededwillette6964]

Because the public pays more attention to bad things for some reason

[@oblivion2967]

Someone forward this to Quentin Tarantino.

[@benjamintrahin9571]

On the GoFundMe a "Judd Apatow" donated $500...pretty cool. Even if it's not him

[@ssshhclos405]

No... forward this to Harkins , AMC, CineMark and then Hollywood. May the force be with Movie Guy..

[@evanpearce1015]

I was going to write the same thing

[@cutterhale7530]

My grandpa’s friend knows Tarantino I’ll see what I can do

[@jakeo8447]

or david lynch

[@PDogB]

If you are lucky enough to live in a small town with a movie theater, please support it any way you can. We have one here in Concrete, WA with not much heat, so the owner keeps a stack of blankets to cuddle up in whilst watching the movie! Best Wishes to Craig, theater volunteers and the Kingston community. May the force be with you!

[@Beckala67]

The GoFundMe is here - and I already donated: www.gofundme.com/f/kingston-firehouse-theater?+share-sheet

[@medmark77]

Hey, we have a similar small mountain town theater here in Roslyn, WA, with pillows and blankets for cuddling (and not much heat). It also has an awesome mural of Marlon Brando on the back wall.

[@PDogB]

@@medmark77 Cool! If I ever get out your way, I'm gonna check it out! In fact, you just gave me an idea. A summer road trip planned around stopping at all the small town movie theaters in WA! Awesome head start! Thanks!

[@Omar-wq9dz]

I love what he said at the end how he felt like he was living a Frank Capra movie life. That really tugged on my heartstrings.

[@Beckala67]

I thought of the "It's a Wonderful Life" scene when he runs past the theater with the marquis showing "The Bells of St. Mary".

[@TylerMcNamer]

I have been in that theater many times. Mr. Smith is amazing! Knows his flicks so well I am hoping Sonic the Hedgehog would play in that theater. I would love to hear what he would have to say about it. Support the Firehouse Theater!

[@kathymoriarty1441]

I've been to movie theaters all of my life, and I've seen every single movie, In the year 1983 I went to the local movie theater with a friend of mine named Jocelyn, we went to see the following movies, Flashdance, Then My Husband Adam and I took our two children, our 5-year-old daughter named Julia and our 8-year-old son named Peter to the movie theater to see the movie Mickey's Christmas Carol (Animated Movie), and another week later, National Lampoon's Vaction, Winnie The Pooh and a Day For Eeyore (Animated Movie), in 1984, Footloose, The Muppet's Take Manhattan (Yes I'm a Muppet's Fan), The Never Ending Story, Police Academy, Sheena, Splash, In 1985, Back To The Future, The Black Cauldron (Animated Movie), Clue, Cocoon, The Color Purple, D.A.R.Y.L, Ewoks The Battle For Endor, The Journey Of Natty Gann, Legend, Pee-Wee's Big Adventure, Rainbow Brite and The Star Stealer, Rocky 4, Sesame Street Presents Follow That Bird (Yes I'm also a Sesame Street Fan), In 1986, Flight Of The Navigator, The Great Mouse Detective (Animated Movie), The Karate Kid Part 2, My Little Pony The Movie (Animated Movie), Short Circuit, Space Camp, The Transformers The Movie (Animated Movie), etc. etc.

[@TylerMcNamer]

@@kathymoriarty1441 Holy mackerel! That is a wide variety! Local theaters rock!

[@camero220]

See, this is exactly what Sunday Morning is all about. Craig is a beautiful human being, someone I am better for having known exists.

[@atticusmcfly]

In a world filled with streaming services that put the future of movie theaters in jeopardy, be like Craig. Living in small town America running a small movie theater by yourself? If you're a film buff, that's the dream!

[@BobbyBiggzz]

What a nice story. That popcorn looked amazing.

[@peppington]

I loved this story but the GoFundMe page and the comments left behind there were even better. The connection people have with local movie houses and the people working to keep them alive is a fantastic story. To have this all happen to a person who seems so warm and friendly is heart-warming. We need this story - Americans working together!

[@ca-yp8tp]

I know how he feels & the stress. I own a video rental store in a smaller town.

[@josezaragoza3188]

Try bigger town next time

[@Worms_]

Jose Zaragoza easier said than done bud

[@aznmochibunny]

Eh, I personally feel a video rental store is different than a movie theater. I feel people will still go to a movie theater even if it's in a small town, whereas barely anyone rents from video stores (or DVD stores for that matter) anymore.

[@WoodyAllenManiac]

Thank you so much for this story. I want this guy to succeed. We need our movie houses. In my town, we had two and the one downtown closed, and the building was destroyed. I would go there all the time when I grew up. Going to the movies kept me out of trouble and away from drugs. We need our movie theaters, they are magical places.

[@braupaul]

COVID 19 must be reeking havoc on his movie theater business. I feel so bad for him now. I hope that they all come back and he is able to get back on his feet when the pandemic is over.

[@TheFacefinder]

God bless, sir! You're a true American!

[@zyxwut321]

I have a theater like this in my town, a second run theater across from the local university. Cheap tickets, lots of GoFundMe and Kickstarter campaigns when the theater had to renovate and go digital, affable movie buff family that runs the place, lots of college students manning the concessions...I go several times a year and if there's no reason to see a film on the big screen I'll often wait a few months until it appears there. The crowds are mostly retirees, young families with kids and college students on the weekends (especially for the weekly Saturday night midnight Rocky Horror Picture Show events that have been going continuously for almost 30 years). This is the stuff of life.

[@t206kid]

Theaters like this are the best! I rather go to a theater like this than one of the big theaters. I'm glad where I live we have something similar

[@purefoldnz3070]

The Beatles sing in german in Rise of Skywalker? I'm in!!

[@ladydominion8632]

Purefoldnz I think he was talking about Jojo Rabbit

[@jimbophoenix]

LadyDominion r/woosh

[@TheTraviesot]

Not sure if it was a joke or not

[@Gasparro18]

I just saw this. I give this man a lot of credit. I also have a huge amount of respect for what he's doing. I think its courageous that he's devoted his time and energy to give people a great experience they can have watching their favorite film at the theater. How may people would do that at his age or even dream of having the opportunity? Keep up the good work! There's a lot of value in what he's doing.

[@KitKatToeBeans]

What an awesome story. Someone should tell him to have merch and sell it online to help him out. I’d buy a Firehouse Theater t-shirt! I’m sure it would also attract a lot more visitors. Best wishes to him 🙂

[@jonathanlong9176]

This place needs to live on!!

[@tomv5988]

This is why I like CBS Sunday Morning. I hope this business thrives now. I can picture people driving a little out of the way to visit this place. The town looks really nice.

[@catsinhouse]

It's a wonderful area on Whidbey Island. Go, you will love it. Explore Fort Casey while you are over in that neck of the woods. The entire island is a joy.

[@pizza123able]

@@catsinhouse Did you say Whidbey Island and Fort Casey?! I love those places! There is a camp for people with disabilities that started back in 2017. We're called "The Wabe of Whidbey" and our home for two weeks is Fort Casey. Shameless plugging when you're talking about the movie theater, but I got excited when I read your post.

[@travisgrant5608]

Great story! There was nothing better then a Saturday afternoon at the movies when I was a kid. 👍

[@SlyCrunchy]

Man I wish my local small town movie theater was owned by a guy like this.

[@daniaguinaga1754]

What an amazing man! He brought me to tears. His passion is astounding. His town is full of beautiful people! I wish I was closer. I love the movies and I would to visit his theater. Thank you for highlighting this man, this town, and their amazing efforts. ❤️

[@chrisaguilera1564]

Extraordinary in 2020. A small-town theater still exists.

[@GenericPanda27]

This is one of the most Washington State things I’ve ever seen and I loved every bit of it

[@tacobellalugosi2527]

more people need to come out of state . just to see a film to help this amazing guy and his family . from what they have shown he welcomes you to the show . i have never had that happen at any movie theater .just that alone id drive from were i live to 1000.s of miles . . i think a marvel film night would really help him make it this big epic thing . to bring the fan,s out .

[@doug3959]

Would've been nice if you'd included the link to the go fund me account in your link section.

[@kittykittymeow260]

They probably can't for some weird legal technicality. Who knows. But, here is the link. www.gofundme.com/f/kingston-firehouse-theater

[@donneone]

@@kittykittymeow260 thanks!

[@dlobelow760]

I would go broke just to support this man. He needs it

[@steveconn]

God bless small-town movie theaters. My old ex worked at the Lory in Illinois. Great charm and joy.

[@pablocruise678]

Awesome that the residents rallied behind him!!! My brother lives in Seattle, next time I go up to visit, I’m going to Kingston!!!

[@MegaLaidback]

I support the local independent theater down the road, rather then going to the big multiplex.

[@whitneyj6545]

What a neat guy. I hope he can continue doing what he loves!

[@jamesjudge3891]

This reminds me so much of my neighborhood movie theatre, the New 400 on Sheridan in Chicago. Everybody in the North Edgewater and Rogers Park neighborhoods just walks there. Very much the same vibe. The owners don't come out to provide history on every show, but they're behind the ticket counter (no bulletproof glass) and the bar/popcorn station.

[@annam9741]

Loved this story. Will have to hop the ferry from our hometown of Edmonds over to Kingston to support this theatre soon. We are fortunate have a one screen independently owned theatre as well. Local ads only -even one about a missing cat :)

[@anubisgodess2353]

Even for a small-town movie theater with how comfortable and heartfelt the owner is this would probably be a really good summer job experience if one asked to apply.

[@migtasti]

As a fellow cinephile, you’re an influence to us all, Craig

[@boppob1343]

Im about to start tearing up :-(((

[@Ren722]

I remember hearing about this on the radio years ago and they would play his recorded message on it

[@carsonsmovieworld3356]

The movie theaters are my kind of place to see anymore this guy built one that's legendary. This is a type of place I would see my movies

[@filmtoppings]

Beautiful story. Love that movies isn't just a leisure activity here but a way to bring a small community together, and for a man to stay close to his heart and passion.

[@mjjjackson23]

I love this man!!!!!! People don’t realize that films transcend time and space .

[@petermotta1623]

Don’t stop Craig ! God bless you 🙏🏻

[@deograciasantazo5328]

This is pure love! I could watch this every day and never get tired! So inspiring!

[@LapisGoBlue]

I want to go over there just to see this dude

[@Rynlox]

What a sweet man, I wish I had the courage to pursue my dreams.

[@mrlowkey]

I want to move to this town just for this experience.

[@thereisnocarolinHR]

We have one of these guys in my hometown, all the way across the country in Mobile, AL. His name is Max and he runs the Crescent Theatre downtown, it’s the oldest theatre building in the whole city I believe. He has recliners in the front and wine and beer. Switches between indie films and blockbusters every couple weeks or so. Years ago he was going to be forced into digital and had a successful fundraising campaign and still shows film today.

[@imnotsurewhy]

This man deserves everything in life. What a great man. I'd visit this town just so I can watch a movie in this theater.

[@tylernf2387]

that cut scene of him sighing. *SSSIIIIIGGGGGHHHH*

[@teresaferrer4748]

I have always wanted to run a small movie house. I wish him the best and a long extended run!!

[@rfahy72]

This story put a smile on my face! I would go see movies there.

[@themaceface]

This is my dream! One day, I will own my own arthouse and share my love of film to my community!

[@velky_reeds]

This is so heartwarming and so wholesome

[@californiascreaming1131]

Great job Craig!

[@chadrittenberry8156]

Ever since I was a kid.I have always wanted to own a movie theater that showed old movies like this. All so ever since I was a kid. I have always wanted to live in a small town like this. Craig is living the dream.

[@Gambitorgan]

Its hard ro imagine living in such a small city

[@CoffeeSuccubus]

We need more good men like Craig

[@lefkadapao13]

Absolutely amazing 😀😊

[@paulthompkins4150]

This made my heart smile... and actual tears fall from my eyes.

[@thedogtobs9469]

This guy is legit. I would so visit his movie theater if I lived in Washington.

[@lchawks9484]

I always pass this movie theater after leaving the ferry to Kingston, it never occurred to me how special this theater is to the Kingston locals. Now I will definitely pass by this place!

[@michaeljones4465]

Do what you love people

[@Jen-jo5qu]

I grew up in a town with small theaters and I still miss them today-- even though that was decades ago. Sure, sitting at home streaming a movie online is fine, but nothing beats getting out of your house, going to a theater, and truly experiencing a movie with an audience. I wish Firehouse Theater the best!!

[@kennylauderdale_en]

3:03 That "oh my god" put a smile on my face.

[@camero220]

me too :)

[@gerrynightingale9045]

*I liked this story, for it's content and it's character...along with real butter on the popcorn!* *Stuff like this makes my heart ache a little for 'what was and is now almost gone'* *Like the 'Ice Cream Truck' in summer and 'Kite Flying' in the Fall, and my sled in Winter, my 'Flexible Flyer' racing against the other boys who would 'chicken-out' before hitting a chain-link fence and getting stuck under it* *I miss going to a real 'Movie Theatre' and feel sorry for today's kids who've never been to a 'Saturday Noon Special' to watch 'Godzilla' stomp Tokyo or watch the 'Man with No Name' draw a pistol as fast as lightning and never miss or see the 'Fabs' in a "Hard Days Night" making fun of everything including themselves* *None of today's kids will ever have memories like mine of seeing "Have Rocket Will Travel" and laughing at how ridiculous the 'Stooges' were in it, and staying for the second movie of "The 3-Stooges Meet Hercules" along with 'Road-Runner' and 'Tom & Jerry' cartoons* *I wonder how many of 'us' there are right now because a boy kissed a girl in dark movie theatre...and now they are 'Grandparents' who saw "Dr. Zhivago" together long ago*

[@stephenshortt427]

Now that is a great story. Hope more people help this guy help via volunteers but more so in customers. That is a true mom and pop shop.

[@jumpshippilot7431]

Big huge respect for this man. Since I live in the Seattle area I shall go to his theater

[@johngrzeschik1769]

He is AWESOME

[@willenglish3598]

This man is my inspiration. I absolutely love this guy!

[@EmanuelAmaro]

Adding to my bucket list

[@LenniePike]

I wish this beautiful little theater was in my town, great job sir 👍🏻

[@npeace312]

I hope people take a trip to visit his theater. He's living his dream and I love it!

[@aplleyva]

May they have Continued Success Wish I was I was there to patronize

[@andreasfernandez1548]

You can feel the atmospher , the nostalgia memory in that movie theather history

[@RayatoTV]

Oh wow that touched my heart. When I was a kid, my dream was to run a movie theater in my small town in Puerto Rico. That man is living the dream. So happy for him.

[@MrSpankee02]

I hope this theater stands for a hundred years.

[@SherBear88]

This was such a SWEET story!! I made sure to share it💖

[@MichaelAngeloLives]

Some of my most memorable movie experiences are in small town theaters like this. It's the best; I hope Craig's sticks around for years to come

[@gennadyrosin1177]

great small town community story! great stories CBS!

[@washlock]

Wow! That’s amazing! If this theatre was near me I would go there for every movie I see

[@neogigo]

This man is a National treasure

[@ekop1778]

HERE IN CONNECTICUT ONLY 1 DRIVE IN MOVIE EXISTS HERE IN MANSFIELD,CT

[@Beckala67]

Same in Suffern, NY - Lafayette Theater.

[@kylecriscuolo8078]

Southington too

[@jeezyj6697]

This message was posted by CT gang

[@ekop1778]

@@jeezyj6697 this MESSAGE WAS POSTED BY GEORGE W BUSH

[@jolyettefrye6365]

What a ❤ warming story. 👍 I live in a very small town. I wish we had someone like him. 🎥

[@TheDallasbear101]

Kudos to Mr. Smith. I hope his business thrives for years to come.

[@logan.weisberg]

This alone is enough to make me want to travel over here just to see this mans passion in person

[@NB-ky5ol]

I have so much respect for that guy but what truly sent it soaring was that he freezes the jr mints. Class act right there. I would drive 3,000 miles to visit his theater.

[@ninethreefivesix]

So cute and wholesome.

[@Zechexs]

Heartwarming piece. Love it!

[@bradleypayne2495]

I love the idea of a man yelling, "MOVIE", in a crowded firehouse.

[@matturban9103]

Funny!

[@khzvaleriesmith6428]

wonderful story full of a community apriciating a special guy and his one of a kind theater

[@bossome3765]

It’s nice to see the community helping out this small business so far in go fund me he got a total of 219,000 dollars