The Tiger

What happened to the days of discount movies? What happened to being able to run out your door right as the movie was starting and still be able to make it on time because the theater was just a hop, skip and a jump away? What happened to the Astro III?

The Astro III opened on Jan. 21, 1971, as a single screen movie house with a red carpet showing of "Tora, Tora, Tora" ("Tiger, Tiger, Tiger" for those of you who don't speak Japanese). It was elegantly decorated, with Greek-themed pillars and fountains in the lobby. Movies were priced at 50 cents. The screening room was divided into three smaller screens in the '80s and after new theaters began opening in the surrounding area, the Astro began showing first- and second-run movies at a discount price. At the time of its closing, the Astro III was serving about 1,000 patrons per week, 2,500 per week in the summer. 

Grungy or not, the Astro was the closest theater around with great ticket prices. It was the only way most broke college students could see all the movies they wanted to. Also, those who are under age in this college town find sources of entertainment limited.

The Astro was one of the best places in Clemson to go for some late-night fun, and for students who were car-less, it was indeed a blessing.

So when the theater closed in late August after a brief four-day notice, many members of the community were shocked. Equally shocked were the returning students who were greeted by an empty and lonely billboard.

Though for those students wondering what to do after its closing, there is an opportunity to "Save the Astro": Today, Nov. 21, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., downtown Clemson will be shut down for the "Save the Astro" Rally hosted by the Clemson Coalition for Arts Enhancement.

The CCAE was formed in 2008 after seeing a dire need for a richer art scene in the Clemson area. The closing of the Astro III theater was a main driving force behind the formation of this coalition.

It is working with Clemson Mayor Larry Abernathy to try and preserve this local historic building and to further the local art scene by giving opportunities to local artists, musicians and performers to develop and showcase their talent.

The "Save the Astro" Rally will feature local talent such as "The Elegance," "Menutia" and Jennifer Georee as well as vendors, booths and fun and games for the family.

Regardless of the Astro's fate, however, this event speaks for a greater cause.  

The Clemson Coalition for Arts Enhancement recognizes that the Astro symbolizes, in part, the presence of the arts in our community, and that without portals for music, theater, dance, writing and film, a community will never sustain its affinity for the arts.  

Make sure you come out and support the Astro today from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. in downtown Clemson. For more information or to sign the petition please visit the Web site.

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