The Cinema

THanks Nick, If we could get Bill to give us some info,much more than i had we could do a pretty good history on this theatre. I know he was there the last night it was open. You need to drop him aline. He knows so much about the Aiken ,S.C, theatres.

Bill Barkley shot quite a bit of closing night when the Cinema 3 was closing. Today, in Aiken there is no sign of a theatre. He had nice video of the booth, the films cans getting loaded up for the last time.

Closed in 2001. the address for the Cinema was
130 Laurens St. NW
Aiken, SC 29801

THANKS, Chuck 1231.Do you have any info on the MARK 1 ?

According to Bill Barkley THE PATRICIA THEATRE was the first movie house in Aiken S.C. IT was owned by Bert Ram. He named the theatre after his oldest daughter.

Where i am having trouble, is Barkley insists the ROSEMARY THEATRE became the CINEMA. But i swear i remember seeing an old ad i have somewhere that had PATRICIA

ROSEMARY

CINEMA

on a newspaper ad meaning there were 3 theatres! until i can disprove it i will add what Bill gave me


According to Bill Barkley THE ROSEMARY was built sometime later and again named for a child.It had a stage and dressing rooms.It was quite modern and run first run films. Augusta could not bother them because of a ten mile rule. The LOCAL PROJECTIONISTS 518 could not touch them because they fell under COLUMBIA S.C. juriisdiction. They charged less than downtown Augusta and i know alot folks that headed to Aiken for a movie.

They also sent out a monthly schedule of coming attractions for their patrons on a mailing list.

Okay, here is where we could differ, but by Bill's facts CARMIKE bought the ROSEMARY, named CHANGED and later they added two screens for a triple. that is a fact, 3 screens. The projection booth was on the same level as the original one. the projectors were Century and lamps by Strong. At the entrance a concessionstand served all 3 theatres.
THe entrance to theatre number 2 was straight from the lobby while the other theatres had an entrance with doors to the left.

I talked with the Manager,Bill Barkley said and Bill said the manager didn't know why they were closing becuse they were doing good business.But Bill, like me. figured the new REGAL at the mall was the place.{ I have seen the 8 plex at Aiken Mall and it is a joke} Mike Rogers.

I also heard the seats came from a cinema hit by HURRICANE HUGO.Makes sense with these companies today. MIKE ROGERS.

THANKS TO BILL BARKLEY. After being corrected on COLUMBIA SQUARE CINEMAS MY OWN THEATRE !!!!!!!!! If anyone has any proof about the three theatres in Aiken let me know. I will hunt for the Ad and if i am right I will let you know. BUT I SURE remember looking at an old newspaper ad and it had...PATRICIA ROSEMARY & CINEMA. Maybe I am wrong. JUST want the facts 100%.

NOW PLAYING AT THE CINEMA

Walt Disney's THE MIRACLE OF THE WHITE STALLIONS.

April 27 1965


Now Playing at the CINEMA

TRUE GRIT rated G JOHN WAYNE.

SEPT. 10 1971

NOW PLAYING .......SHAFT...RATED R. Starting next Thursday LITTLE BIG MAN ...Rated GP.

Well, THE CINEMA is playing day and date with COLUMBIA ONE in Augusta with SASQUATCH a movie about Bigfoot. It might sell on this side of the river, but i predict a quick death at COLUMBIA ONE. heck it is just finishing a run at the SOUTHHILL DRIVE IN in Barnwell, S.C. a new theatre like COLUMBIA ONE SHOULD NOT be picking up product from a run down drive in in Barnwell!

SASQUATCH not that anyone could care came through this town in 1977. Winter 1977. Augusta, Aiken, and yes, Barnwell.

July 28 1969 Now Playing Jack Lemmon and Catherine Deneuve in THE APRIL FOOLS Rated M shows at 1-3-5-7 & 9.

Nov.23 1963 a sad day for America.Some theatres have cancalled shows. THE CINEMA in Aiken is playing FUN IN ACAPULCO. on a late show at 10pm.