If Eric Thomas had the choice of seeing a movie in an old, single-screen theater or one of today's multiplexes, he'd choose the old-time theater.

He likes the ambiance -- the comfortable seats, the smell of popcorn, the history.

He likes Grove City's Guthrie Theater so well, in fact, that he bought it.

"I love popcorn. That's why I bought the Guthrie," Thomas joked.

"The Guthrie has been in existence since 1927, so it has seen the good and bad times -- the Depression, World War II, Pearl Harbor, and most recently on Sept. 11, the attack on the American way of life," he said.

Also in that time, countless parades for countless celebrations have passed before its South Broad Street doors, and Thomas wants to see that continue.

"People like to look back and say 'This is what I grew up with,'" he said.

That's the sentimental side, but on the business side, the Guthrie has been operating in the black for many years.

"It's been a wonderful auditorium and gathering place for people. I hope to continue that tradition," Thomas said.

Besides continuing the tradition, Thomas is looking to add to it, and he's asking for ideas from the community. He doesn't plan to change what's already in place.

"We've become financially responsible for a piece of real estate, but we'll become the caretakers of a historic monument that has always belonged to and will continue to belong to this community."

Thomas said the Guthrie is an old structure that's in great shape. It has newer technology that can show first-run films in a comfortable setting for a good price.

"The current staff that's in place will stay in place -- they've agreed to stay," Thomas said. "We already have talented people, and I don't want to interfere with that."

The staff is led by Lavonne Gilliland, manager.

Thomas plans to focus on promoting the business as it is and to find new uses for the space during the daytime hours. He wants to see if there's a market for a mid-week matinee, and maybe open up the auditorium to meetings, lectures, or film classes for Grove City College. He's also thought of using the balcony in a different way and opening the theater to birthday parties.

"My goal is to continue to seek out other opportunities to use the building as a gathering place and a centerpiece for downtown," Thomas said.

"It's a big, wonderful space. I'm looking for ideas from the public, because I'm new to the movie theater business," he said. "It will stay as a movie theater first and foremost. I want it to continue to be a fun place for people to bring their families for a reasonably priced evening of entertainment. Anything we can do above that, we'll definitely listen to."

Another of his goals is to keep a low admission price, which has always been a big attraction to The Guthrie. Right now admission is $3.50 for adults, $3 for children and $2.75 for everyone on bargain Monday.

"I think that is what makes the Guthrie unique in addition to its history," Thomas said.

Thomas said the closest theaters are in Butler and Sharon. "There are 7,000 kids in Slippery Rock who drive to Butler to a movie. I want to bring them here. The drive is not as far, and they'll save money."

Thomas, who works in television production, plans to focus on the promotional end of the business, rather than day-to-day operations. He said he's not above selling tickets or doing whatever needs to be done, but he's confident in the theater staff's ability.

The building also houses Lapa's Barbershop, a storefront and an apartment above the theater. The previous owner, James Ahonen, Harrisburg, used the apartment when he was in town, but Thomas lives in Grove City, so he plans to rent the apartment.

Thomas said he's grateful to Ahonen. "He did a great job in improving the structure and the cosmetic appearance of the theater.

"If you haven't been to the Guthrie lately, you'll be surprised."