Boxoffice, Oct. 31, 1977: “The State Theatre, Rapid City, and the Gem Theatre, Riverton, Wyo., have been reopened by Commonwealth and both theatres will be operating on a first-run basis.”
A lengthy article from the Rocky Mountain Journal about Denver’s downtown theaters was reprinted in the Oct. 24, 1977 issue of Boxoffice. It began, “On Nov. 19, 1927, the cream of Denver society paid their 60 cents to see Bebe Daniel’s latest movie "She’s a Sheik” at the Denver Theatre. The patrons were awed by the new two million dollar structure built in French renaissance style and illuminated by more than 5,000 lightbulbs."
Boxoffice, Oct. 3, 1977: “Russell and Roger Hilton have reopened the Dakota Theatre, Sturgis, S.D. The theatre previously had been operated by Chugach Amusement Co. before it went out of business several months ago.”
Boxoffice, Sept. 26, 1977: “Quent and Geri Evans have sold the El Grande Theatre, Granby, to Andy and Grace Webdell who are newcomers to the business. Quent and Geri will be moving to California.”
Boxoffice, Sept. 19, 1977: “LARAMIE, WYO. – Ron McClure, music instructor at the University of Wyoming, and Kathy Stippich have opened a new theatre here. They will offer silent films and musical classics. The theatre has been named the Trout Cinema.”
Boxoffice, Sept. 5, 1977: “The Fiesta Theatre, Cortez, Colo., is to be closed this month in order to complete renovation work. The theatre is scheduled to reopen in early November as the Fiesta Twin Cinema, which will seat approximately 270 on one side and 230 in the adjoining auditorium. The theatre is owned by Allen Theatres, which is headquartered in Farmington, N. M.”
Boxoffice, July 18, 1977: “Wolfberg Theatres have closed the Valley Drive-In at East Evans and Monaco streets. The ozoner will be completely dismantled and the facility will be converted to commercial property.”
Boxoffice, Aug. 1, 1977: “Increasing taxes and land values, along with several other economic considerations, instigated the shuttering of the Valley Drive-In, which was one of the area’s oldest outdoor theatres. After the property is cleared, the site will be developed into a shopping center. The drive-in, which opened in the ‘40s (sic?), was operated by the Wolfberg circuit.”
Boxoffice, July 25, 1977: “Frank L. Childs, who was active in the motion picture industry for over 40 years, died recently in Sterling. … (H)e opened the Starlite Drive-In, which he operated until his retirement five years ago.”
Boxoffice, July 25, 1977: “DENVER – The East 70 Drive-In, which is Colorado’s first outdoor theatre, celebrated its 30th birthday this summer. … The East 70 opened July 4, 1947, with the double feature “A Night in Casablanca” and “Sunbonnet Sue” at a cost of 60 cents for adults and free admission for children, according to the Sunday Denver Post.”
Boxoffice, June 20, 1977: “The Strand, Trinidad, has been destroyed by fire. Prior to its closing several years ago, the theatre had been operated by Sally and Marie Sawaya, who continue to operate the Fox Theatre and Peak Drive-In at Trinidad.”
Boxoffice, June 20, 1977: “The Starlite Drive-In at Cheyenne, Wyo., is back in business after being closed while repairs were made and the entire drive-in cleaned up following a flood. Following a heavy rain and the resulting flash flood, staffers measured three feet of water in the booth. Fencing, speakers and snack bar were heavily damaged.”
Boxoffice, June 20, 1977: “Ron Montgomery has been appointed city manager for Commonwealth Theatres in Chadron, Neb., and will be watching over operations in the Eagle Theatre and Starlight Drive-In.”
Boxoffice, Jun 13, 1977: “Mrs. Irene Veseth, Malta, Mont., has announced the sale of the Villa Theatre and Villa Drive-In of Malta to her brother R. C. Pancake. Mrs. Veseth has been associated in the operation of the Malta theaters for 49 years. Veseth Theatres was originated in 1922 by Mrs. Veseth’s husband Carl, who died in 1975.”
Boxoffice, Jun 13, 1977: “Mrs. Irene Veseth, Malta, Mont., has announced the sale of the Villa Theatre and Villa Drive-In of Malta to her brother R. C. Pancake. Mrs. Veseth has been associated in the operation of the Malta theaters for 49 years. Veseth Theatres was originated in 1922 by Mrs. Veseth’s husband Carl, who died in 1975.”
Boxoffice, June 6, 1977: “John Craig, who had been managing Theatre One, Hardin, Mont., has purchased the property from Mr. and Mrs. Wessel of Billings, Mont.”
Same theater? Boxoffice, Feb. 28, 1977: “The Big Horn Theatre, Greybull, Wyo., is being dismantled. The theatre had been closed approximately six years. Prior to its closing, it had been operated by the city of Greybull on a nonprofit basis to provide a theatre for the small community. A lack of patronage assured its closing for all time.”
Boxoffice, Feb. 14, 1977: “De Lux Theatres, owned by Frank B. McLaughlin, has taken over the 600-car Evans Drive-In in the southwest part of the city from Cooper-Highland Theatres. … Admission at the Evans is pegged at $1 per carload, with three features screened at each show.”
Boxoffice, Jan. 17, 1977: “Evergreen Theatres has sold its Century Theatre and Arrow Drive-In at Lamar to Dan Wolfenbarger of Dumas, Tex. Vern Peterson and John Lindsey of Evergreen said they will concentrate on the newly remodeled Rialto and Pines Drive-In at Loveland as well as their theatres in Ogallala, Neb.”
Boxoffice, Jan. 17, 1977: “Evergreen Theatres has sold its Century Theatre and Arrow Drive-In at Lamar to Dan Wolfenbarger of Dumas, Tex. Vern Peterson and John Lindsey of Evergreen said they will concentrate on the newly remodeled Rialto and Pines Drive-In at Loveland as well as their theatres in Ogallala, Neb.”
Same theater? Boxoffice, Jan. 3, 1977: “Randall Thornsley, who operates Chugatch Entertainment Co. in Sturgis, S.D., has opened the Red Fox Cinema in Eagle Butte, S.D. The theatre, shuttered for some time, formerly was known as the Sioux Theatre.”
Boxoffice, Jan. 3, 1977: “Two (Tucson) drive-ins, the Midway and Prince have closed. The owner, Cactus Corp., theatre division, has sold the Midway to P.F. West, a local development firm, for conversion to business use. The Prince is on the selling block.”
Boxoffice, Jan. 3, 1977: “Two (Tucson) drive-ins, the Midway and Prince have closed. The owner, Cactus Corp., theatre division, has sold the Midway to P.F. West, a local development firm, for conversion to business use. The Prince is on the selling block.”
Boxoffice, Jan. 20, 1975: “Ron Montgomery will reopen the Windsor Theatre, Windsor. The house featured Spanish pictures prior to its closing about a year ago. Seating capacity now will be 300 and new carpeting and draperies have been installed. The lobby, concession stand and restrooms have been completely remodeled. Montgomery is aiming for a February opening on a one-picture-a-week basis.”
Wild news in a long article in the Dec. 15, 1975 Boxoffice. Windsor manager Ron Montgomery and assistant Pete Rioz took up 24-hour residence in the theatre on November 2 in a fight with the First National Bank of Windsor, which claimed that Montgomery owes $1,350 in rent. The bank padlocked the theatre but Montgomery sawed through the padlock and chains to get in. On advice of their attorney, Montgomery and Rioz were keeping the Windsor operating.
Boxoffice, Oct. 31, 1977: “The State Theatre, Rapid City, and the Gem Theatre, Riverton, Wyo., have been reopened by Commonwealth and both theatres will be operating on a first-run basis.”
A lengthy article from the Rocky Mountain Journal about Denver’s downtown theaters was reprinted in the Oct. 24, 1977 issue of Boxoffice. It began, “On Nov. 19, 1927, the cream of Denver society paid their 60 cents to see Bebe Daniel’s latest movie "She’s a Sheik” at the Denver Theatre. The patrons were awed by the new two million dollar structure built in French renaissance style and illuminated by more than 5,000 lightbulbs."
Boxoffice, Oct. 3, 1977: “Russell and Roger Hilton have reopened the Dakota Theatre, Sturgis, S.D. The theatre previously had been operated by Chugach Amusement Co. before it went out of business several months ago.”
Boxoffice, Sept. 26, 1977: “Quent and Geri Evans have sold the El Grande Theatre, Granby, to Andy and Grace Webdell who are newcomers to the business. Quent and Geri will be moving to California.”
Boxoffice, Sept. 19, 1977: “LARAMIE, WYO. – Ron McClure, music instructor at the University of Wyoming, and Kathy Stippich have opened a new theatre here. They will offer silent films and musical classics. The theatre has been named the Trout Cinema.”
Boxoffice, Sept. 5, 1977: “The Fiesta Theatre, Cortez, Colo., is to be closed this month in order to complete renovation work. The theatre is scheduled to reopen in early November as the Fiesta Twin Cinema, which will seat approximately 270 on one side and 230 in the adjoining auditorium. The theatre is owned by Allen Theatres, which is headquartered in Farmington, N. M.”
Boxoffice, July 18, 1977: “Wolfberg Theatres have closed the Valley Drive-In at East Evans and Monaco streets. The ozoner will be completely dismantled and the facility will be converted to commercial property.”
Boxoffice, Aug. 1, 1977: “Increasing taxes and land values, along with several other economic considerations, instigated the shuttering of the Valley Drive-In, which was one of the area’s oldest outdoor theatres. After the property is cleared, the site will be developed into a shopping center. The drive-in, which opened in the ‘40s (sic?), was operated by the Wolfberg circuit.”
Boxoffice, July 25, 1977: “Frank L. Childs, who was active in the motion picture industry for over 40 years, died recently in Sterling. … (H)e opened the Starlite Drive-In, which he operated until his retirement five years ago.”
Boxoffice, July 25, 1977: “DENVER – The East 70 Drive-In, which is Colorado’s first outdoor theatre, celebrated its 30th birthday this summer. … The East 70 opened July 4, 1947, with the double feature “A Night in Casablanca” and “Sunbonnet Sue” at a cost of 60 cents for adults and free admission for children, according to the Sunday Denver Post.”
Boxoffice, June 20, 1977: “The Strand, Trinidad, has been destroyed by fire. Prior to its closing several years ago, the theatre had been operated by Sally and Marie Sawaya, who continue to operate the Fox Theatre and Peak Drive-In at Trinidad.”
Boxoffice, June 20, 1977: “The Starlite Drive-In at Cheyenne, Wyo., is back in business after being closed while repairs were made and the entire drive-in cleaned up following a flood. Following a heavy rain and the resulting flash flood, staffers measured three feet of water in the booth. Fencing, speakers and snack bar were heavily damaged.”
Boxoffice, June 20, 1977: “Ron Montgomery has been appointed city manager for Commonwealth Theatres in Chadron, Neb., and will be watching over operations in the Eagle Theatre and Starlight Drive-In.”
Boxoffice, Jun 13, 1977: “Mrs. Irene Veseth, Malta, Mont., has announced the sale of the Villa Theatre and Villa Drive-In of Malta to her brother R. C. Pancake. Mrs. Veseth has been associated in the operation of the Malta theaters for 49 years. Veseth Theatres was originated in 1922 by Mrs. Veseth’s husband Carl, who died in 1975.”
Boxoffice, Jun 13, 1977: “Mrs. Irene Veseth, Malta, Mont., has announced the sale of the Villa Theatre and Villa Drive-In of Malta to her brother R. C. Pancake. Mrs. Veseth has been associated in the operation of the Malta theaters for 49 years. Veseth Theatres was originated in 1922 by Mrs. Veseth’s husband Carl, who died in 1975.”
Boxoffice, June 6, 1977: “Dean T. Baird, who operated the Llano Theatre, Plains, Mont., has sold that facility to Wesley Ekstrom.”
Boxoffice, June 6, 1977: “John Craig, who had been managing Theatre One, Hardin, Mont., has purchased the property from Mr. and Mrs. Wessel of Billings, Mont.”
Same theater? Boxoffice, Feb. 28, 1977: “The Big Horn Theatre, Greybull, Wyo., is being dismantled. The theatre had been closed approximately six years. Prior to its closing, it had been operated by the city of Greybull on a nonprofit basis to provide a theatre for the small community. A lack of patronage assured its closing for all time.”
Boxoffice, Feb. 14, 1977: “De Lux Theatres, owned by Frank B. McLaughlin, has taken over the 600-car Evans Drive-In in the southwest part of the city from Cooper-Highland Theatres. … Admission at the Evans is pegged at $1 per carload, with three features screened at each show.”
Boxoffice, Jan. 17, 1977: “Evergreen Theatres has sold its Century Theatre and Arrow Drive-In at Lamar to Dan Wolfenbarger of Dumas, Tex. Vern Peterson and John Lindsey of Evergreen said they will concentrate on the newly remodeled Rialto and Pines Drive-In at Loveland as well as their theatres in Ogallala, Neb.”
Boxoffice, Jan. 17, 1977: “Evergreen Theatres has sold its Century Theatre and Arrow Drive-In at Lamar to Dan Wolfenbarger of Dumas, Tex. Vern Peterson and John Lindsey of Evergreen said they will concentrate on the newly remodeled Rialto and Pines Drive-In at Loveland as well as their theatres in Ogallala, Neb.”
Boxoffice, Jan. 10, 1977: “Theatre Operators, Inc., has leased the West, Lux and Trail Drive-In theatres (in Grants) from J. C. West.”
Same theater? Boxoffice, Jan. 3, 1977: “Randall Thornsley, who operates Chugatch Entertainment Co. in Sturgis, S.D., has opened the Red Fox Cinema in Eagle Butte, S.D. The theatre, shuttered for some time, formerly was known as the Sioux Theatre.”
Boxoffice, Jan. 3, 1977: “Two (Tucson) drive-ins, the Midway and Prince have closed. The owner, Cactus Corp., theatre division, has sold the Midway to P.F. West, a local development firm, for conversion to business use. The Prince is on the selling block.”
Boxoffice, Jan. 3, 1977: “Two (Tucson) drive-ins, the Midway and Prince have closed. The owner, Cactus Corp., theatre division, has sold the Midway to P.F. West, a local development firm, for conversion to business use. The Prince is on the selling block.”
Boxoffice, Jan. 20, 1975: “Ron Montgomery will reopen the Windsor Theatre, Windsor. The house featured Spanish pictures prior to its closing about a year ago. Seating capacity now will be 300 and new carpeting and draperies have been installed. The lobby, concession stand and restrooms have been completely remodeled. Montgomery is aiming for a February opening on a one-picture-a-week basis.”
Wild news in a long article in the Dec. 15, 1975 Boxoffice. Windsor manager Ron Montgomery and assistant Pete Rioz took up 24-hour residence in the theatre on November 2 in a fight with the First National Bank of Windsor, which claimed that Montgomery owes $1,350 in rent. The bank padlocked the theatre but Montgomery sawed through the padlock and chains to get in. On advice of their attorney, Montgomery and Rioz were keeping the Windsor operating.