Built in 1930 in a grand Spanish style reflecting Hollywood's influence at the time, the Sunset Theatre opened on Sunset Avenue to become Asheboro's first dedicated movie house.

The Sunset Theatre marquee advertising the Red Skelton films "Excuse My Dust" and "Hot Rod," Asheboro, circa 1951. Courtesy of the Randolph County Public Library

The theatre brought Asheboro its movies for 50 years before being shut down in 1981.

Advertisements for the 1938 films "Test Pilot" and "Bluebeard's Eighth Wife" playing at the Sunset Theatre in Asheboro. Courtesy of the Randolph County Public Library

These and hundreds of other classic images from the Sunset Theatre, Asheboro, and Randolph County can be found in the Courier Tribune's new book, "Randolph County Memories." See below for more details!

Bur-Mil employees and families at the company Christmas party at the Sunset Theatre in Asheboro, 1946. Courtesy of the Randolph County Public Library