See a special movie in style - Dec. 20

photo The Mars Theater in LaFayette, Ga., will screen the holiday classic "It's a Wonderful Life" at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 20.

Have a few days off? Tired of shopping? Ready for a break?

Two area vintage theaters have an offer for you on Friday, Dec. 20.

The Mars Theater, located at 117 N. Chattanooga St. in LaFayette, Ga., will screen the 1946 classic film "It's a Wonderful Life" at 7 p.m. Thirty miles to the southeast, the Gem Theatre, located at 114 N. Wall St. in Calhoun, Ga., will offer what many call a modern classic, "Love Actually," at 7:30 p.m.

Theatergoers in LaFayette will be seated at banquet tables for the movie and can order off the menu from adjacent Chattanooga Street Tavern.

The cost for the movie is $3, and no reservation is necessary. Patrons also are responsible for whatever they order from the restaurant, which offers burgers and pub food such as Hawaiian chicken sliders, fried cheddar bits and fish and chips.

"It's a Wonderful Life," which stars Jimmy Stewart and Donna Reed, tells the story of an increasingly frustrated businessman who has a guardian angel show him what life would be like if he hadn't existed.

The Mars Theater was built in 1931, closed in the 1950s and later was repurposed as a shopping center, apartments and, later, an outreach to the homeless. It was renovated in 2013.

Viewers in Calhoun will pay $5 and can purchase tickets at the theater box office. Doors open at 3 p.m.

"Love Actually," a 2003 British-themed comedy deemed appropriate for all ages, follows the lives of eight very different couples and their love lives during a frantic month before Christmas in London.

The Gem Theatre was established in 1927, expanded to its current size in 1939 and was the town's only movie and performing arts venue until closing in the late 1970s. It was renovated and reopened in 2011.

To reach Mars Theater, call 404-915-6939. To phone the Gem Theatre, call 706-625-3132.

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