The Gage 4 Theatres opened on October 17, 1969 and was advertised as “Kansas' First Four Screen Complex.” Opening attractions were “Tru Grit” “The Learning Tree” “Fun-tage” and “Romeo Juliet” At some point prior to November 1971 a fifth screen was added. The building is still in use today as a night club.
I thought “you"did. I was a manager for your firm the 1970’s in Salina, Ks, and I was always under the impression that was a Dickinson house. Dickinson also operated the Webb City Drive-in a short distance from this theatre.
The Gladstone 4 probably was gold auditoriams with red seats. That was the ‘theme’ Dickinson used In that time frame. Likewise the lowercase ‘cinema’ with roman numerals was also a part of their style.
I worked for Dickinson when they bought the Salina ‘Movies.’ The projectors were Cinemacanna with the large 10,000 foot reels. You had to rewind them slowly which added extra time between showings. The Salina theatre still stands without equipment.
I know it’s pure speculation at this point as to the future of this venue, but I do not see how Cinemark could reopen it. No one will want to go into it regardless. Columbine High School was remolded after their shooting, but you still know what happened there. It will be interesting to see what the corporate staff decides to do.
Please note that the Fox Theatre listed on this site and the Fox Garvey are the same theatre. The ‘technical’ name for the Fox is Fox Garvey, named for the Garvey family who the part of the Wichita business district that the theatre was located in. The theatre was to have been equipped with 70mm but never took place.
The Westloop 6, Varsity, Campus and Sky Vue Drive-in were originally Commonwealth Theatres. Manhattan was a big town for Commonwealth as it is home to Kansas State University. I am not sure as to what order after Commonwealth was sold that Carmike took over the town but they eventually built a 12 screen complex. The city fathers are not happy with Carmike and have been looking for another operator to build in the town.
This theatre was originally built by National General and later operated by Mann and ultimately by Dickinson. At one point Dickinson added 3 screens inside the mall. The original ‘Star Wars’ played there and the auditoriam was upgraded to Dolby sound at the time. This theatre and the Century 21 in Springfield Missouri are identical except the auditoriam face the opposite direction. The theatre still is attached to the front of the mall as state above and the street sign has been converted into general advertising for the shopping center. (The reference to 21st and Amidon would be the Twin Lakes operated by Commonwealth.)
It was my understanding that when Wallace (Hollywood) built the new 16 screen theatre that they intended to close this theatre but ran into lease problems with the shopping center owners. There was some sort of clause that they could not open another theatre within ‘so many miles’ of the mall. So they opted to keep it open and reduced it to discount status.
This theatre was originally a Commonwealth house, they also operated the Crest and possibly a drive-in, in the Great Bend area.
The Gage 4 Theatres opened on October 17, 1969 and was advertised as “Kansas' First Four Screen Complex.” Opening attractions were “Tru Grit” “The Learning Tree” “Fun-tage” and “Romeo Juliet” At some point prior to November 1971 a fifth screen was added. The building is still in use today as a night club.
I thought “you"did. I was a manager for your firm the 1970’s in Salina, Ks, and I was always under the impression that was a Dickinson house. Dickinson also operated the Webb City Drive-in a short distance from this theatre.
Interesting, that was the first place I thought of when I saw the article. I’m quite sure that you are 99.999999% right.
This theatre is no longer listed on Dickinson Theatre’s website.
Please keep me informed about developments with this theatre. Thanks!
Please keep me updated with developments on this theatre. For some reason I am not getting updates. Thanks!
Please keep me updated on developments with this theatre. Thanks.
Just following link. Thanks!
The Gladstone 4 probably was gold auditoriams with red seats. That was the ‘theme’ Dickinson used In that time frame. Likewise the lowercase ‘cinema’ with roman numerals was also a part of their style.
I worked for Dickinson when they bought the Salina ‘Movies.’ The projectors were Cinemacanna with the large 10,000 foot reels. You had to rewind them slowly which added extra time between showings. The Salina theatre still stands without equipment.
I know it’s pure speculation at this point as to the future of this venue, but I do not see how Cinemark could reopen it. No one will want to go into it regardless. Columbine High School was remolded after their shooting, but you still know what happened there. It will be interesting to see what the corporate staff decides to do.
Adding link, Thank you.
Originally built and operated by Mann Theatres.
Following link, thank you!
Please note that the Fox Theatre listed on this site and the Fox Garvey are the same theatre. The ‘technical’ name for the Fox is Fox Garvey, named for the Garvey family who the part of the Wichita business district that the theatre was located in. The theatre was to have been equipped with 70mm but never took place.
The Westloop 6, Varsity, Campus and Sky Vue Drive-in were originally Commonwealth Theatres. Manhattan was a big town for Commonwealth as it is home to Kansas State University. I am not sure as to what order after Commonwealth was sold that Carmike took over the town but they eventually built a 12 screen complex. The city fathers are not happy with Carmike and have been looking for another operator to build in the town.
It was a stunning marquee, you can still see the upright ‘poles’ in the picture at the top of this page. Thanks for posting. —jw
Following link. Thank you!
This theatre was originally built by National General and later operated by Mann and ultimately by Dickinson. At one point Dickinson added 3 screens inside the mall. The original ‘Star Wars’ played there and the auditoriam was upgraded to Dolby sound at the time. This theatre and the Century 21 in Springfield Missouri are identical except the auditoriam face the opposite direction. The theatre still is attached to the front of the mall as state above and the street sign has been converted into general advertising for the shopping center. (The reference to 21st and Amidon would be the Twin Lakes operated by Commonwealth.)
Following link, thank you!
Following link. Thank you!
Re-new link. Thank you!
It was my understanding that when Wallace (Hollywood) built the new 16 screen theatre that they intended to close this theatre but ran into lease problems with the shopping center owners. There was some sort of clause that they could not open another theatre within ‘so many miles’ of the mall. So they opted to keep it open and reduced it to discount status.
I remember being in this theatre in the early 1980’s very nice and excellent presentation. Sad to hear that it is closed.