From left, Tito Jackson, Marlon Jackson, and Jackie Jackson arrive to the premiere of "Michael Jackson's This Is It" on Tuesday in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Matt Sayles)

by Holly Leber

hleber@timesfreepress.com

Turnout for the midnight showing of Michael Jackson's "This Is It" was no thriller in downtown Chattanooga Tuesday night.

As the opening credits for the movie rolled, only 15 viewers sat in the Bijou Theatre on Broad Street.

The same number of sales was approximated at Carmike's Wynnsong Theatre. Calls to Northgate were not answered, however, as of 10:30 p.m., 20 tickets had been pre-sold.

Jennelle Gilreath, a self-proclaimed "huge Michael Jackson fan," was one of the first to arrive.

"I'm curious to see what the film's going to be about and getting to see him one last time," said Ms. Gilreath, whose favorite MJ album is a toss-up between "Off the Wall' and "Thriller."

"I don't think I can pick between the two," she said.

"I love them both so much."

Carmike will offer a midnight showing of "This Is It" on Friday night, as well as midnight showings of their other films.

The East Ridge Rave fared better for the first show. At 12:35 on Wednesday morning, 97 tickets had sold.

For a complete story and fan reactions to "This Is It," see Thursday's Times Free Press.