Advertisement Family-owned Prytania Theatre celebrating 100 years Owner: I'm host to a party every day, every night Share Shares Copy Link Copy

Step inside the Prytania Theatre and the first thing you notice is the smell of fresh popcorn, the classic movie feel and if you're lucky, you'll meet Rene Brunet."I grew up in the theater as a little boy and when I got to be a little older I started working in the theater and I been in it ever since," Rene said.He has a few things in common with the place. He's the owner and he's been around for almost just as long. Rene is 93, and this year the Prytania Theatre turns 100.Watch report"I feel like I'm host to a party every day and every night," Rene said.He was at that age when most others would be kicking back and enjoying retirement when he took control here in the 1990s, and he's kept it in the family ever since.His son, Robert Brunet, was also raised in movie theaters, and now handles the everyday operations."I use to follow him around as a kid at all the theaters that we had," Robert said.In its 100 years, the theater has been through a few fires, floods and a number of owners, and yet it still stands at the corner of Prytania and Leontine streets as the only single-screen movie house left in Louisiana.IMAGES: Inside the Prytania TheatreRobert said that the success of the theater comes by knowing what movie-goers want to see."My family, being 100 years in this industry, we really cater to the New Orleans clientele," Robert said.Ralph Cadow has been coming to the classic movie showings on Wednesdays and Sundays for years and compares it to those in Europe."I lived in Paris for a long time, and I lived in the Latin quarter of Paris, and they have a lot of small movies (theaters) that play a lot of classic movies," Cadow said.The family-owned and operated theater isn't just known for its classic films. The Prytania Theatre also has a reputation of being haunted, especially during its midnight showings on Fridays and Saturdays."Most of them are horror movies or '80s movies, something that's geared towards teenagers. We do 'Rocky Horror Picture' once a month," Robert said.The Prytania Theatre officially marks 100 years on Dec. 20. Until then, there's something for everyone to see at the theater, and no doubt, there will be something after as well.Sign up for our email newsletters to get breaking news right in your inbox. Click here to sign up!