My perspective is from several areas. I operated a theatre in a small town in Kansas. Yes I had a day job and ran my theatre at night. Yes there is competition in a small town, Friday night football, Friday night basketball, and if the kids have a winning season,…it’s just much more difficult, and yes the competiton does come to town, it did in my case, plus a major lake 10 miles west, and you live and die by the farm economy. Trust me the next worst thing to having a Wal-Mart in your community is one 34 miles away where people can drive to it. I sincerely hope this gentlemen does sell his theatre, power to him. What we are talking here is just plain movie business sense. This is a cut throat business, profit margins can be thin, I just felt that the realtor whom posted message on this site makes it sound just a little too good, but if he can find a buyer, CONGRADULATIONS and welcome to the business world. The studios will educate you at what ever percent you are willing to spend.
Thats exactly what I am getting at. In today’s business world if you have the cash and dont have to borrow any of it, you are probally ahead to put that $390,000 somewhere else. I know that there are business that will make your investment back, and this may very well be one of them, but as long as too much doesn’t change, and it of course will, I dont care what business you invest in its a tremdous risk and takes a lot of commitment. As theatre owners, and I’m a former one. we will have a lot of competition for the entertainment dollar and the competiton down the street can be just the least of the worry. Thats why I found the ‘sales pitch’ for this theatre so interesting.
Gladly….. I have managed and owned theatres across Kansas for the past 30 years. I have worked for the Dickinson , Mann and Bill Warren organizations. It just not as simple as described above. You CAN and DO loose on pictures, it just like any retail business, bar , gas station, grocery store even a funeral home, it does take work. Just simply giving a percentage of the gate to the film company doesn’t mean that you are flush with cash at the end of the night. In the 1970’s we made enough money on a film called “JAWS” that we paid for one 4-plex and built another, only to loose enough money on a picture called “MC ARTHUR” to put us back into debt. The movie business is fun, no doubt about it, it is challenging, but in todays enviorment you are nuts to work for yourself, let some else have the headaches. This particular theatre may very well be a great investment…..until some guy builds 15 screens down the street, then how quickly do you think you can get your $390,000. investment back. I think Dan Sperry has made a great sales pitch, unfortunately his description of the amount of time and ease of making money is probally a little kind…
Fantastic web site. The pictures of the projection booth are super. I like the creativity of the mail box projector, wish I’d thought of that one. A must see web site, ONLY after you finish surfing this one.
If I remember right, this theatre was originally opened by National General Theatres, the forerunner of Mann, it was a single screen with a large auditoriam of around 900 seating, it was the exact same floor plan as the Mall Cinema in Wichita, Kansas which National General also operated.
I was just curious and I checked the Regal web site, it no longer lists the Bannister Mall 5, in Kansas City, Kansas which was a joint venture between Commonwealth and AMC, which the partnership did not pan out so AMC built the Bannister Square 6 across the street. I assume the Bannister Mall theatre is now closed. I had forgotten that a good portion of the Commonwealth Theatres ended up with United Artists. Many small towns that they serviced were sold to smaller regional companies.
This may be the one you are thinking of, it is close to the Kansas State campus, but the “Campus” theatre is located even closer, the “Campus” Theatre is closed.
If you are refering the Commonwealth Amusement Corporation of Kansas City, Missouri. (Douglas Lightner etc.) it was sold to the Golan/Globus Group (Cannon Films) back in the late 1980’s, They completely dismatled the chain, including Mid-Continent Theatre Supply (equipment and concessions) for the cash flow, which was needed to finance their low budget films. All theatre were sold off, some still remain but now are apart of other chains. Some of course are closed for various reasons, I have no idea what became of the Ranch Mart 4 in Kansas City, but the Village Cinema 3 still is operating in Great Bend, Kansas, thru Walace Theatres of Oregon, all Wichita, Kansas theatres are long since menories, althought the Twin Lakes may still be standing, it’s closed, the Pawnee 4 and Crest were demolished. The last time I was on Wyondatte Street in downtown Kansas City, the home office building is still there,closed, very dusty, but the Commonwealth “crest” was still on the door, but that was some time ago. It once was a great theatre circuit that is now dotting the pages of this web site. Hopefully some of the frequenters of this site can assist you with better information than I.
Alex has just learned a fantastic history lesson first hand. He has seen the contionued end of an era that seem to flurish on the pages of this web-site. The closing of the old to be replaced by the new. Hopefully the good people of Fulton Missourt will find a creative use for the old theatre, which can be a real asset to their community if they so choose to make it one. However, Fulton like so many other communities will now join the ranks of the computer generated archeticture of the current cinemas, complete with its lack of creativity and showmanship, no wonder people are staying home from the movies. As the founder of the Loews chain once said, people dont go the see the movies, they come to see the theatres. Yes the new 8-plex will generate memories from the day it opens, and maybe, just maybe the lesson that Alex comes away with from seeing the old closed to be replaced by the newer version will motivate him to utilitze his expertice he has acquired from working in this industry to lend a hand to those whom wish to save their older movies palaces and assist them in keeping the lingering smell of hot “real” buttered popcorn from smelling moldy.
BRAVO!!!!!! to Jonathan Bing you are so right. Where is the imaignation that accompanies this creative industry. Instead of seeing how many screens we can construct under one roof, why not build a creative 8 screen theatre, not a cinema, but a theatre. Spend the type of money it takes to build 12 into 8, this industry has to give the public a reason to go out, and currently neither Hollywood, with its re-makes nor the exhibition with its boring designs is accomplishing that. If we look at history what happend in the 60’s the last time this industry when thru a significant change.We need to listen to the movie going public. They re flat out tired of excessive pricing, not only at the boxoffice, but the concession stand as well. They can get all the commericals one wants on television. This is a very creative industry, it’s time we use that creativity to bring the general public back to the movies.
This originally was a twin call “THE MOVIES” is was one of the franshies type theaters that were built in the late 1960’s. Dickinson bought the theatre when it was experiencing financial trouble and later expanded it. At the time I worked for the Dickinson Circuit they were extremely proud of this theatre and were constationally refering to in in just about every conversation one would have with the home office.
You have a tremdous challenge ahead of you, but a most rewarding one as well. What condition is the building in, does the roof leak, if so how bad? Will you have a mold issue? Just getting the money together to purchase the physical plant is not enough. There will be a variety of issues you will need to address. First is there another group you can contact who is interested in your dream. What about raising awareness thru your local newspaper, historical society, or state preservation group. You are in a small town, finding enough people whom will be interested can be an issue. What type of theatre are you planning to operate; movie, legitimate or a community gathering place? If you intended to re-open as a movie theatre, how close is your nearest competition and how many screens do they have? One place to start can be your City Administrator or Manager, see how a restored theatre fits into the long range city planning. You may also find that this individual might have access to funding for your project as well. What ever you do, please remember when dealing with historical property, there are furstrations, challenges and an occasioinal victory. Cheers—Joel Weide
I worked for the Dickinson Circuit in the 1970’s and managed a theatre for them in Salina,Kansas. That was when Norman Neilson and Paul Kelley were officers of the company. I always wanted to be the manager of the Glenwood, but it wasnt to be. It was my understanding that the huge chandelier in the lobby was a duplicate from the movie “Cansio Royale” and was stolen before it made it to Kansas City. Does anyone know if this story is true. And what finally became of this great chandelier?
Also the story concerning the print of “Return of the Jedi” being stolen at gun point is true. It was a 70mm print which the gunman made the projectionist dismantle from the platter and the doorman and the projectionist loaded it into the gunmans car. The gunman was a former employee of the theatre, {a “Star Wars” freek} and the print was later recovered from under the gunman’s bed. Needless to say no one in the Dickinson home office saw the humor in the incident.
If you go to amctheatres.com and on the lower left of the web site you will find “investor relations”, click this on and you will find the news release regarding this transaction. I have not checked the Lowes web page, however I assume that there is the same type of news release there. There is not mention however what will happen to theatres that are located “across the street” from each other. Only time will tell in this matter. Does anyone know how the “new” AMC will rank with other theatre chains? and has anyone been to either of AMC’s new IMAX auditoriams in Kansas City or Arizona, would be interested in your perspective of the experience there. Thank you.
I would like to compliment “Manwithnoname” on his statement. It is very acurate and to the point. I found the statement about viewing movies at home to be specifically interesting and distrurbing. As a former exhbitor, it points out to the failure of todays theatre designers to create an atmosphere to lure the general public out of their houses. That is now the theatre owners greatest mission. I have long anticipated that the day will come that all we have to do is download the movie from either the internet or satalite and no longer have to lug those heavy cans up and down stairs and the dreaded freight bills will be a thing of the past.
There is not doubt about it, technology will create a new market place. However….this web site is loaded with page after page of theatres that long ago served their respective communities well, and are no longer viable enties and will not share the same luxury as the theatre in this article did.In many small towns across America, the mega plex in a distant town with its first run features and expenisve popcorn has closed the single screen on Main Street, because the owner, just can not come up with the resources to make it work. In todays world ones biggest competion is not the theatre at the mall, its the 64in television and the lazy boy recliner, you just can not make a living with a few high schoolers coming in on Friday night. I know what its like to make that decision, I had to close mine, and that is not an easy task to face.
JoelWeide
commented about
Help!on
Apr 25, 2005 at 7:39 pm
Excellant project Jake, wish you must success with your project. Check out the Old Town project in Wichita, Kansas. Bill Warren opened a five screen theatre next to a night club in this downtown project and is quite successful. This may be a little different than what you have described in your question, but the concept in an urban enviorment is quite similar.
Excellant photo essay. The detail which the pictures show and the variety of them is very creditable. In its day this theatre was very colorful. The curved theme, extends to the fire exits as well. The exterior looks sound, just the roof is in bad shape and caused a lot of damage. It is amazing what water. Keep the water out of the building and you extend the life indefinately. What a sad loss for the community. Again excellant photography.
Congradualtions Guys!!!!! this project sounds very exciting. I am envous of your accomplishments with your web site. I am quite sure that other web sites are not as productive. Again I hope your project goes well……..cheers!
Joel Weide, owner
Historic Mainstreet Theatre
Beloit, Kansas
EXCELLANT EFFORT!!!!! Great site, I was thrilled when I first found “Cinema Treasures” way back when, and am so thrilled to see the new improvements.This site is so motovational to those of use who live with these “old palaces” everyday of our lives and attempt to keep them going. Great work Ross and Patrick, I look forward to meeting you personally some day.
I check on the web site www.dtmovies.com, the theatre owner, and this theatre is still operating. It is showing PERAL HARBOR in both auditoriums. This theatre underwent and under and over twin conversation in the 1980’s by the MANN corporation. Currently owned by DICKINSON of Mission, Kansas
My perspective is from several areas. I operated a theatre in a small town in Kansas. Yes I had a day job and ran my theatre at night. Yes there is competition in a small town, Friday night football, Friday night basketball, and if the kids have a winning season,…it’s just much more difficult, and yes the competiton does come to town, it did in my case, plus a major lake 10 miles west, and you live and die by the farm economy. Trust me the next worst thing to having a Wal-Mart in your community is one 34 miles away where people can drive to it. I sincerely hope this gentlemen does sell his theatre, power to him. What we are talking here is just plain movie business sense. This is a cut throat business, profit margins can be thin, I just felt that the realtor whom posted message on this site makes it sound just a little too good, but if he can find a buyer, CONGRADULATIONS and welcome to the business world. The studios will educate you at what ever percent you are willing to spend.
Thats exactly what I am getting at. In today’s business world if you have the cash and dont have to borrow any of it, you are probally ahead to put that $390,000 somewhere else. I know that there are business that will make your investment back, and this may very well be one of them, but as long as too much doesn’t change, and it of course will, I dont care what business you invest in its a tremdous risk and takes a lot of commitment. As theatre owners, and I’m a former one. we will have a lot of competition for the entertainment dollar and the competiton down the street can be just the least of the worry. Thats why I found the ‘sales pitch’ for this theatre so interesting.
Gladly….. I have managed and owned theatres across Kansas for the past 30 years. I have worked for the Dickinson , Mann and Bill Warren organizations. It just not as simple as described above. You CAN and DO loose on pictures, it just like any retail business, bar , gas station, grocery store even a funeral home, it does take work. Just simply giving a percentage of the gate to the film company doesn’t mean that you are flush with cash at the end of the night. In the 1970’s we made enough money on a film called “JAWS” that we paid for one 4-plex and built another, only to loose enough money on a picture called “MC ARTHUR” to put us back into debt. The movie business is fun, no doubt about it, it is challenging, but in todays enviorment you are nuts to work for yourself, let some else have the headaches. This particular theatre may very well be a great investment…..until some guy builds 15 screens down the street, then how quickly do you think you can get your $390,000. investment back. I think Dan Sperry has made a great sales pitch, unfortunately his description of the amount of time and ease of making money is probally a little kind…
Fantastic web site. The pictures of the projection booth are super. I like the creativity of the mail box projector, wish I’d thought of that one. A must see web site, ONLY after you finish surfing this one.
I take it Dan Sperry has NEVER OWNED a movie theatre before !
Thank You !!!!!!Thank You!!!!! Thank You!!!!!! all your information was a great help!!!!!!!!!
Cheers….Joel Weide
If I remember right, this theatre was originally opened by National General Theatres, the forerunner of Mann, it was a single screen with a large auditoriam of around 900 seating, it was the exact same floor plan as the Mall Cinema in Wichita, Kansas which National General also operated.
I was just curious and I checked the Regal web site, it no longer lists the Bannister Mall 5, in Kansas City, Kansas which was a joint venture between Commonwealth and AMC, which the partnership did not pan out so AMC built the Bannister Square 6 across the street. I assume the Bannister Mall theatre is now closed. I had forgotten that a good portion of the Commonwealth Theatres ended up with United Artists. Many small towns that they serviced were sold to smaller regional companies.
This may be the one you are thinking of, it is close to the Kansas State campus, but the “Campus” theatre is located even closer, the “Campus” Theatre is closed.
If you are refering the Commonwealth Amusement Corporation of Kansas City, Missouri. (Douglas Lightner etc.) it was sold to the Golan/Globus Group (Cannon Films) back in the late 1980’s, They completely dismatled the chain, including Mid-Continent Theatre Supply (equipment and concessions) for the cash flow, which was needed to finance their low budget films. All theatre were sold off, some still remain but now are apart of other chains. Some of course are closed for various reasons, I have no idea what became of the Ranch Mart 4 in Kansas City, but the Village Cinema 3 still is operating in Great Bend, Kansas, thru Walace Theatres of Oregon, all Wichita, Kansas theatres are long since menories, althought the Twin Lakes may still be standing, it’s closed, the Pawnee 4 and Crest were demolished. The last time I was on Wyondatte Street in downtown Kansas City, the home office building is still there,closed, very dusty, but the Commonwealth “crest” was still on the door, but that was some time ago. It once was a great theatre circuit that is now dotting the pages of this web site. Hopefully some of the frequenters of this site can assist you with better information than I.
Alex has just learned a fantastic history lesson first hand. He has seen the contionued end of an era that seem to flurish on the pages of this web-site. The closing of the old to be replaced by the new. Hopefully the good people of Fulton Missourt will find a creative use for the old theatre, which can be a real asset to their community if they so choose to make it one. However, Fulton like so many other communities will now join the ranks of the computer generated archeticture of the current cinemas, complete with its lack of creativity and showmanship, no wonder people are staying home from the movies. As the founder of the Loews chain once said, people dont go the see the movies, they come to see the theatres. Yes the new 8-plex will generate memories from the day it opens, and maybe, just maybe the lesson that Alex comes away with from seeing the old closed to be replaced by the newer version will motivate him to utilitze his expertice he has acquired from working in this industry to lend a hand to those whom wish to save their older movies palaces and assist them in keeping the lingering smell of hot “real” buttered popcorn from smelling moldy.
BRAVO!!!!!! to Jonathan Bing you are so right. Where is the imaignation that accompanies this creative industry. Instead of seeing how many screens we can construct under one roof, why not build a creative 8 screen theatre, not a cinema, but a theatre. Spend the type of money it takes to build 12 into 8, this industry has to give the public a reason to go out, and currently neither Hollywood, with its re-makes nor the exhibition with its boring designs is accomplishing that. If we look at history what happend in the 60’s the last time this industry when thru a significant change.We need to listen to the movie going public. They re flat out tired of excessive pricing, not only at the boxoffice, but the concession stand as well. They can get all the commericals one wants on television. This is a very creative industry, it’s time we use that creativity to bring the general public back to the movies.
This originally was a twin call “THE MOVIES” is was one of the franshies type theaters that were built in the late 1960’s. Dickinson bought the theatre when it was experiencing financial trouble and later expanded it. At the time I worked for the Dickinson Circuit they were extremely proud of this theatre and were constationally refering to in in just about every conversation one would have with the home office.
This originally was a Dickinson Theatre. It was their first 4 screen venture.
You have a tremdous challenge ahead of you, but a most rewarding one as well. What condition is the building in, does the roof leak, if so how bad? Will you have a mold issue? Just getting the money together to purchase the physical plant is not enough. There will be a variety of issues you will need to address. First is there another group you can contact who is interested in your dream. What about raising awareness thru your local newspaper, historical society, or state preservation group. You are in a small town, finding enough people whom will be interested can be an issue. What type of theatre are you planning to operate; movie, legitimate or a community gathering place? If you intended to re-open as a movie theatre, how close is your nearest competition and how many screens do they have? One place to start can be your City Administrator or Manager, see how a restored theatre fits into the long range city planning. You may also find that this individual might have access to funding for your project as well. What ever you do, please remember when dealing with historical property, there are furstrations, challenges and an occasioinal victory. Cheers—Joel Weide
I worked for the Dickinson Circuit in the 1970’s and managed a theatre for them in Salina,Kansas. That was when Norman Neilson and Paul Kelley were officers of the company. I always wanted to be the manager of the Glenwood, but it wasnt to be. It was my understanding that the huge chandelier in the lobby was a duplicate from the movie “Cansio Royale” and was stolen before it made it to Kansas City. Does anyone know if this story is true. And what finally became of this great chandelier?
Also the story concerning the print of “Return of the Jedi” being stolen at gun point is true. It was a 70mm print which the gunman made the projectionist dismantle from the platter and the doorman and the projectionist loaded it into the gunmans car. The gunman was a former employee of the theatre, {a “Star Wars” freek} and the print was later recovered from under the gunman’s bed. Needless to say no one in the Dickinson home office saw the humor in the incident.
If you go to amctheatres.com and on the lower left of the web site you will find “investor relations”, click this on and you will find the news release regarding this transaction. I have not checked the Lowes web page, however I assume that there is the same type of news release there. There is not mention however what will happen to theatres that are located “across the street” from each other. Only time will tell in this matter. Does anyone know how the “new” AMC will rank with other theatre chains? and has anyone been to either of AMC’s new IMAX auditoriams in Kansas City or Arizona, would be interested in your perspective of the experience there. Thank you.
I would like to compliment “Manwithnoname” on his statement. It is very acurate and to the point. I found the statement about viewing movies at home to be specifically interesting and distrurbing. As a former exhbitor, it points out to the failure of todays theatre designers to create an atmosphere to lure the general public out of their houses. That is now the theatre owners greatest mission. I have long anticipated that the day will come that all we have to do is download the movie from either the internet or satalite and no longer have to lug those heavy cans up and down stairs and the dreaded freight bills will be a thing of the past.
There is not doubt about it, technology will create a new market place. However….this web site is loaded with page after page of theatres that long ago served their respective communities well, and are no longer viable enties and will not share the same luxury as the theatre in this article did.In many small towns across America, the mega plex in a distant town with its first run features and expenisve popcorn has closed the single screen on Main Street, because the owner, just can not come up with the resources to make it work. In todays world ones biggest competion is not the theatre at the mall, its the 64in television and the lazy boy recliner, you just can not make a living with a few high schoolers coming in on Friday night. I know what its like to make that decision, I had to close mine, and that is not an easy task to face.
Excellant project Jake, wish you must success with your project. Check out the Old Town project in Wichita, Kansas. Bill Warren opened a five screen theatre next to a night club in this downtown project and is quite successful. This may be a little different than what you have described in your question, but the concept in an urban enviorment is quite similar.
Excellant photo essay. The detail which the pictures show and the variety of them is very creditable. In its day this theatre was very colorful. The curved theme, extends to the fire exits as well. The exterior looks sound, just the roof is in bad shape and caused a lot of damage. It is amazing what water. Keep the water out of the building and you extend the life indefinately. What a sad loss for the community. Again excellant photography.
Congradualtions Guys!!!!! this project sounds very exciting. I am envous of your accomplishments with your web site. I am quite sure that other web sites are not as productive. Again I hope your project goes well……..cheers!
Joel Weide, owner
Historic Mainstreet Theatre
Beloit, Kansas
EXCELLANT EFFORT!!!!! Great site, I was thrilled when I first found “Cinema Treasures” way back when, and am so thrilled to see the new improvements.This site is so motovational to those of use who live with these “old palaces” everyday of our lives and attempt to keep them going. Great work Ross and Patrick, I look forward to meeting you personally some day.
I check on the web site www.dtmovies.com, the theatre owner, and this theatre is still operating. It is showing PERAL HARBOR in both auditoriums. This theatre underwent and under and over twin conversation in the 1980’s by the MANN corporation. Currently owned by DICKINSON of Mission, Kansas