Review the original opening night movie at The Goodhand

Imagine the excitement of opening night at the Goodhand Theatre in Kimball, May 1954, a night some may well remember – the smell of popcorn and the excited voices of the crowds waiting in line for tickets to see “Money from Home,” starring Dean Martin, Marjie Millar and Jerry Lewis.

This scene may soon be repeated, like a favorite rerun, right here in Kimball. More than 60 years later the Goodhand Theatre is scheduled to re-open with the same movie, showing on Friday, May 6 and Saturday, May 7 at 7 p.m. with a 2 p.m. matinee on Sunday.

“We encourage the community to come out and support the opening. Soon we are hoping to have more current movies with a digital system, but it will take money to do this, so we need support from the community to get the theatre up and going,” said Chairman of the Friends of the Goodhand Theatre Adrian Fuss.

Fuss added that the Health inspectors were visiting the theatre site this week, and if they are given the okay then pop, popcorn, and other treats will be also served during the Grand Re-Opening.

The first weekend movie-goers can watch this classic comedy free of charge, but donations will be accepted and all money collected from concessions will go back to the theatre.

The idea began in October of last year, according to Kimball Mayor Keith Prunty, who also sits on the Friends of the Goodhand board and the first informal meeting was held on December 3, 2015. Thus the beginnings of the non-profit organization, The Friends of the Goodhand Theatre.

“The conversation about getting the theatre back open, began clear back in October of last year with Adrian Fuss. He and I were just talking about it one day,” Prunty said. “I’m pleased with all of the work, effort and support from everyone in the community so far. We could always use a lot more help, that’s what it will take, everyone working together to get this done!”

Nearly every weekend groups of citizens have gathered to remodel the lobby, clean the auditorium and ready the facility.

Additionally, business and citizens have donated for the cause. A charity event is scheduled for Friday, April 29 from 5 to 9 pm at Beer and Loathing with a part of each drink purchase donated to the theater. This event features prizes throughout the night as well as live music from Nashville recording artist, Justin Kane later in the evening. For more information please contact Geneva Withrow, Friends of the Goodhand Theatre board member at 308-230-0840 or Heather Entingh at 307-220-2229.

Prunty added that the board hopes to begin showing movies in the park in July and August as well. Though plans to do so are not definite at this point, he said movies could be shown one weekend night each week as a fundraiser for the theater.