1984 view of the Marquee
The land that the Mai Kai was built upon was once a vacant field, used as a storage area for old army tanks. Kids used to go there and climb in and play in the abandoned tanks that were there. This area would soon be developed into a grand complex for Cinema Magic and fun.
The Mai Kai opened Wed., April 10, 1963, and was one of the last Detroit-area theaters built with a full stage and orchestra pit. The Mai Kai was built for Nicholas George in 1963 at a cost of over $1.5 million. It would be a landmark at this location for many years to come.
It could seat 1,396 and was ornate and overdone in the Polynesian style, as its name would imply, as many of the neo-theatres of the 1950's and 1960's. For a 1960's-era movie house, it did have all the most up-to-date amenities including both 35mm and 70mm projectors, a huge 60' by 27'; screen, and comfortable seating.
The lobby decor featured the Polynesian decor including a volcano behind the concession stand made of paper mache, surrounded with tropical foliage and a red light inside the volcano. However, unlike the animated sign out front, it never exploded or anything. There was also a "Tiki" inside the lobby too.
Nighttime view of the Lobby from outside. Left side of the photo shows a Tiki in the Lobby.
On opening night, the first movie to play the Mai Kai, “Son of Flubber”, and had a soundtrack that was backed by the Mai Kai Orchestra. This event was so large, that there were even a couple of movie-stars from that era in attendance. This event, unfortunately, would be the Mai Kai Orchestra's first and last time performing at the Theatre.
Opening show was the 1963 release of "Son of Flubber"
starring Fred MacMurray and Nancy Olson
The count (by the management) for the amount of parking for patrons was a bit inflated, being reported to number more than 3,000 vehicles. The true number was closer to 500.
Not quite the same at home as it was in the theatre.
In 1974, the movie "EARTHQUAKE" opened at the Mai Kai. This film featured an audio track which utilized an audio "feature" called "Sensurround" to enhance the film's experience. This process added extended-range bass to the sound-effects of the film and were felt by the audience, more than heard. This process became impractical, in addition to obviously causing some minor-damage to the theaters themselves. With the Mai Kai, it was reported that they must have had it just a bit too loud as during the break between shows (during double-features), the manager and an usher came down to the isle towards the front of the theatre shined their flashlights to the ceiling.
From what they could tell from where their lights were shining, the 'dust' that had been falling during the show wasn't some special effects for the movie, it was actually some plaster falling from the ceiling!
Though several times throughout the 1970’s there was talk of dividing the auditorium into a twin or more screens, the Mai Kai Theatre remained a single screen until its closing. The Mai Kai was one of those rare theaters with a giant screen that management refused to divide it up like so many other theaters did, thus being able to show only one film at a time was probably it's downfall. During the 1970’s and into the 1980’s, the Mai Kai Theatre was one of the more popular area venues to see “event” films like “Superman” or the original “Star Wars” trilogy, in large part due to its vast screen.
IN 1986, AMC Theatres chain purchased the Mai Kai and in 1987, it would be closed, having kept the distinction of being one of the largest single-screen neighborhood theatres in the area.
In 1988, The Theatre was reopened after nearly half a million dollars was reportedly spent to remodel the Mai Kai into the Omni Star Theatre. The Omni Star would be a live performance venue, however less than two months after its opening, it also would suffer the same fate as the Mai Kai and be closed.
The Marquee, as the George Burns Theatre, 1999
In 1992, the Theatre was sold to Stuart Gorelick and it would reopen again, but this time as the George Burns Theatre. It had taken a $1 million face lift, with the theatre’s namesake, George Burns, being present at the opening festivities.
Front of the building, 2001 (George Burns Theatre)
However, despite high hopes for the George Burns Theatre, it would close again after little more than a year since its opening.
Foyer, 2001 (George Burns Theatre)
In 2003, the end would finally come for the building and property, to be remodeled and reconstructed into residential homes and retail shops, which is what remains as of today.
Many good memories of the patrons of the theatres that were here... many good times... and now we have just the memories.
Please enjoy the hunt....and BE AWARE OF YOUR SURROUNDINGS at all times.