The Eastown Theater at 37 E. Michigan Ave. opened Sept. 5, 1947, with the movie "Born to Speed" starring Johnny Sands, Terry Austin, Don Castle and Geraldine Wall. The Eastown was one of six theaters operating in Battle Creek when it opened, although it would later distinguish itself for its features. In September 1955, owner Vangel Vassilef pleaded "nolo contendere" to the charge of contributing to the delinquency of a minor after 13 teenagers were caught watching "Garden of Eden," a 1954 nudist film, during a police raid at the theater. A decade later, Eastown operator Floyd G. Bloss sued the Enquirer and News over its refusal to publish the theater's ads, citing decency standards.