Howell Theatre

About the Howell Theatre :
The Howell Theatre was built in 1935 by Mr. Rudolph Howell as a one-screen cinema, seating approximately 600 movie-goers. It was built in the heart of downtown Smithfield, NC, becoming an integral part of the downtown business community.

In the late 1970's, the theatre underwent a major remodeling, including the conversion from a one-screen to a two-screen (balconies intact) cinema.

Later, in 1986, the theatre underwent another considerable remodeling, concerting the balconies of the two cinemas into two addition screens, for a total of four screens. Unlike the two lower floor auditoriums, the upper auditoriums contain stadium seating.

In 1996, the ownership and operation of the Howell Theatre changed hands as Mr. Howell sold the theatre to Mr. Mickey Buffaloe. Some minor remodeling was accomplished, including the relocation of the concession bar and updating the auditorium sound systems.

Other features of the theatre include:
Hardwood floors in all auditoriums
Stages in lower auditoriums
High-back rocking seats in the downstairs auditoriums feature
Cupholders in all auditoriums
Century projection systems with reverse scan sound readers
Multi-platter rewind system
Stadium seating in upstairs auditoriums