Welcome to The Lyon

The Lyon was reopened under new ownership in December 2008. The lobby has been completely renovated as well as the addition of brand new Dolby Digital Surround Sound and theatre projection systems. Our commitment to the South Lyon community is to show the industry's best films at affordable prices. To do this, we select only those films that have been positively reviewed, well-received by audiences, and/or recognized with significant awards. Though only having a single screen, The Lyon has been able to develop some of the variety of a multiplex by presenting two different films during our weekly schedule. This allows us to include films for families with children, as well as films for the more mature filmgoer. Films generally change every Friday and play through the following Thursday. Schedules are expanded and “kid-friendly” films are offered during school vacations to provide additional entertainment options for families with school-age children.

To obtain these outstanding films so early in their release life, we must maintain a minimum pricing level to qualify for distribution. Our adult evening price of $6.00 is the least we can charge to maintain a good relationship with the distributors. Even at that level, we are still very competitive with multiplexes in the surrounding area. We also try to make those same films available at the lower, matinee price of $4.00. In addition, we try to maintain the lowest prices on our concessions so that a visit to our theatre is almost always less expensive than visiting the larger complexes, and the drive time and expense is another way you save by visiting your local cinema!

We offer Lyon Gift Cards for purchase at the theatre. We are able to provide any denomination you need.

All films before 6:00 p.m. - $4.00 (all ages).

Evening Shows:
Adults - $6.00
Children/Students/Seniors - $4.00

Student prices valid through high school. Senior prices begin at age 65. Valid ID may be required.

No student prices for R-rated films. Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.

Mastercard & Visa Credit/Debit are accepted.

The Theatre was built on the site of Phillips Funeral Home's furniture store on East Lake Street in South Lyon by Edward C. Carrow.  Construction began in February of 1945 and was completed in October of that same year.  However, the (originally) 400 seats from Grand Rapids based American Seating were not delivered until January of 1946.  An ad in the local newspaper indicated films were shown in late December, but Carrow must have utilized temporary seating as the Theatre did not officially open until January 25, 1946.

It was opened as the LYON with a simple marquee (no vertical blade) and the name in four large letters.  Edward G. Robinson and Margaret O'Brien starred in the opening film - “Our Vines Have Tender Grapes” - along with Judy Canova in “Hit the Hay!” later that week.  The opening was sold out with the lobby full of flowers.  The newspaper referred to it as an “outstanding theatre.”  There were no films the week of February 7 due to a truckers' strike in Detroit.

Carrow went on to build and operate the Lee Theatre in Whitmore Lake and apparently sold the Lyon business as a 1951 ad referred to Rex Kinne as proprietor.  The theatre was passed to other owners over the years until it was forced into a Sheriff's sale after defaulting on mortgage loans and taxes in April, 2008.