The DeSoto Theater, located on Broad Street in downtown Rome, will show old movies on Feb. 10 and March 10.

A movie from the mid-twentieth century will be shown on each of these days at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Tickets are $2 dollars online and at the door.

The event is sponsored by the Greater Rome Downtown Development Authority, the Rome-Floyd Festivals Council and the Rome Little Theatre. All proceeds from this event benefit the Historic DeSoto Theater Restoration Project.

The DeSoto Theater was opened in Aug. 1929. It was one of the biggest movie venues in Georgia at the time. Rome Little Theatre bought the DeSoto in 1982, and has housed Rome's community theater, presenting at least six shows a year.

The Rome International Film Festival is also held here each year. Even Shorter has held many theatrical productions in the theater, including "West Side Story."

The theater still retains its Art-Deco marquee, French-mirrored entrance and Georgian interior design. However, the DeSoto is in dire need of repair.

The roof of the theater is deteriorating, and leaks have caused damage to the walls and floors. Most of the electrical system is the original 1929 system and is in poor condition.

"This is a neat way to bring back movies to a generation that has never seen them in the theater," said Powell.

"The movie presentation is the perfect way to satisfy the people's interest and raise funds for restoration."

"It is a great way to get more people to the DeSoto," says junior Melissa Powell. "I think this fund raiser is a great way to get the community aware of what needs to be done to the space."

For those who like happy love stories, "Roman Holiday," starring Audrey Hepburn, will premiere on Feb. 10th. One of the most popular films of all time, "Gone with the Wind," will air on March 10.

If you are interested in taking a step back in time for a night of movies while supporting a local cause, head out to a "Saturday Cinema at the DeSoto".

For more information you can call Jim Powell of The DeSoto Theater at 706-295-7171