‘Downton Abbey’ premiers at The Springs in royal splendor

SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. ­– Courtly commotion struck Sandy Springs Wednesday night when The Springs Cinema & Taphouse screened an early premier of “Downton Abbey” fit for royalty.

Sponsored by the British American Business Council of Georgia, the private event featured moviegoers decked out Roaring ’20s evening wear, replete with top hats and Jazz Age spangles. Prior to the screening, attendees were treated to assorted traditional British tea sandwiches ­– butter and dill, smoked salmon with cream cheese, and cucumber and cream cheese – along with themed cocktails like Mr. Carson’s Nightcap and the Dowager G&T.

One of many special events held at the former Lefont theater, the “Downton Abbey” premier showcased the kind of enhanced guest experience a recent $2.5 million renovation offers all ticketholders. No matter the movie – from current blockbusters to independent art-house films and twice-weekly screenings of classics – new owner Brandt Gully wants the neighborhood landmark in the back of Parkside Shopping Center to wow customers. With a full bar, kitchen, surround sound and heated recliners, it’s always showtime at The Springs.

Wednesday, the red carpet was rolled out for the return of the Crawleys. Beginning Sept. 20, from 10:15 a.m. to 9:40 p.m. daily for the foreseeable future, moviegoers anxious to revisit the beloved upstairs-downstairs characters from Lord Julian Fellowes’ period-correct drama can do exactly that in style at The Springs.

The movie, which picks up in 1927, just over a year after the series finale left off, builds on TV’s six seasons of “Downton,” the highest-rated PBS dramatic series ever. Nearly all the original cast is back and reeling from the news that King George V and Queen Mary (the grandparents of today’s Elizabeth II) will be dropping by Downton to spend the night.

“As faithful ‘Downton Abbey’ fans, we couldn’t be more excited to be at The Springs tonight to see the ‘Downton Abbey’ movie,” said Colin Brady who, along with his wife, Susan Wesley, attended the premier in full costumes involving top hat and tails, pearls and plumage. “What fun we are having!”

“Tonight is a fun opportunity for people in Atlanta to learn about British culture,” said Matthew Adams. Like Brady and Wesley, Adams is a member of BABC, which helps businesses and individuals promote trans-Atlanta trade through a network of executives across the U.S. and the United Kingdom.

After a raffle featuring gift certificates and English goodies galore Wednesday, guests in their flapper finery retired to one of the auditoriums to kick back and, for the next two hours, return to the Yorkshire countryside of the early 20th century.

It’s a journey commencing nine times daily from the comfort of movie recliners aplenty in Sandy Springs. For showtimes, go to springscinema.com.