This is one of the jokes on Graham Cinema’s answering machine. It is just one of the ways owner Tim "Bob" Matthews has made his theater a one-of-a-kind.

Graham Cinema was built in 1928 and has operated as a theater ever since. The old "colored entrance" at the side of the theater is evidence of its age.

Matthews purchased the theater on North Main Street in 1984 after working as a projectionist there for three years. The opening film was "Gremlins." One thousand tickets were sold for $1 each, with popcorn and drinks for fifty cents.

Once multiplex cinemas opened, single-screen theaters could not keep up with the competition.

By showing second-run movies, which play a few weeks after a film’s official release, and by keeping concession prices reasonable, Matthews has kept the Graham Cinema successful.

The former owner "priced himself out of business," Matthews said. "I cleaned and fixed it up, then lowered the prices."

However, owning a business is expensive, Matthews said. To break even, he has to make $50,000-$60,000 a year.

Prior to Feb. 8, Matthews showed current movies for $6 a person to compete with local theaters because the large chains could keep movies until their video release.

Because of new rules, however, theaters such as Graham Cinema can play movies as second-run before they are released on video. Now all seats are $2.

"It is far better off to run at reduced admission," Matthews said.

His answering machine advertises the new rate to entice moviegoers, and may be a key ingredient in the theater’s popularity.

After a Graham resident moved to Atlanta and shared the phone with a friend, people from California to New Zealand called to hear the jokes.

There was even a message from Jay Leno on the machine, Matthews said. Matthews called back, thinking it was a prank. He knew it was real when the woman on the other end answered "Tonight Show."

Moviegoers will even find an at-home experience at the concession stand. The drink machine and popcorn refills are self-service, and the prices are hard to beat—candy and drinks are $1.50 and popcorn is $2.

Comfortable seating was a priority for Matthews when he purchased the theater.

The original theater sat 777, with wooden seats in the balcony. In 1995, Matthews removed several rows of seats and added cushioned chairs that rock. The theater now seats 368.

Patrons who arrive early are even entertained by a cartoon, handpicked by Matthews himself.

Working at the theater is a family affair. Matthews’ wife, Ann, and son, Scott, sell tickets and concessions and clean the theater between shows.

Matthews says Scott chooses the movies because of his extensive knowledge of cinema. Scott often predicts how well Graham Cinema will do based on the movie’s national earnings, Matthews said.

Directions: Take I-85 to exit 147; turn left, theater is halfway around the courthouse

• Theater is open Monday through Thursday with 7 p.m. shows; Saturday and Sunday for matinees

• All seats are $2