The Isis: New Films, Low Cost

By Brett Eyer
Edited November 10, 2010

When Tom Reeves was in high school, he knew working at the Isis Theatre would bring him some money. Now that he is out of college and has a steady job Reeves still comes back to the old historical landmark in Crete, Nebraska.

The Isis Theatre has been around since 1926, and has been passed along from owner to owner. Reeves is the most recent operator of the small theatre, and has owned the Isis for around five years.

The Isis theatre was one of three theaters in Crete as Reeves grew up. Now the Isis theatre is the only remaining theater in Crete. The theatre was built in 1926 for newly-coming sound films that were beginning to take over the film industry in the early 1900’s. The first sound movies were not produced until 1929. The theatre, however, was unable to get a hold of these new sound films until 1932, when the films became available in Nebraska.

The theatre originally had 425 seats but has since shrunk in size to make seats more comfortable. Currently the theatre holds 300 seats.

The name Isis comes from an Egyptian goddess. When theatres were first being built many took the name Isis. Today, however, there are just a few still around. An example of one is the Isis theater in Aspen Colorado. http://metrotheatres.com/location.asp?location=6966

The Isis Theatre is very popular in Crete. It shows new movies soon after the major box offices come out with them. The Isis typically gets its movies about 15 days after they first come out. While the Isis only shows one movie at a time it shows the film at at prices cheaper than going to Lincoln, and “has the best popcorn in Crete,” said Aaron Viger, an Isis employee.

Viger has worked at the Isis for just over a year and said he loves to interact with the people who come in, as well as running the equipment for the films.

The Isis Theatre still has all of its original equipment, which is rare for a theatre as old as the Isis. Although the original equipment is not being used anymore, the management said it is glad to still have it available.

The Isis Theatre is a cheap way to see recent films. The low prices and small town-feel make for a friendly environment that Reeves said he enjoys to have around. While the theatre may be old, it is still a large part of the Crete community.

For more information on the Isis, visit http://www.isistheatre.com/History.html