Exhibit 23.1

                          CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP

We consent to the incorporation by reference, in the Registration Statement on
Form S-8 pertaining to the Carmike Cinemas, Inc. Employee and Consultant
Long-Term Stock Incentive Plan, of our report dated March 27, 2002, with
respect to the consolidated financial statements and schedule of Carmike
Cinemas, Inc. included in its Annual Report on Form 10K for the year ended
December 31, 2001, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

                                             /s/ ERNST & YOUNG LP

                                                 Ernst & Young LLP
Atlanta, Georgia
January 23, 2003