Hillsdale Cinema
3011 S. El Camino Real,
San Mateo,
CA
94403
3011 S. El Camino Real,
San Mateo,
CA
94403
1 person
favorited this theater
The single screen Hillsdale was built in the mid 1960’s and operated by General Cinema Corp. until it closed in 1997.
The lobby walls featured wall to wall glass panels with brown drapes that could be drawn to keep the sun out.
It was twinned in the early 1970’s and four-plexed in the late 70’s. The walls of the auditorium were paneled with steel siding! By the time the theater closed in 1998, it was very worn out. The cinema still had the original seats from the 60’s. It remained empty for three years before being converted into a furniture store in 2000.
Contributed by
mike croaro
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Recent comments (view all 32 comments)
“‘Return Of The Jedi’ played at the UA Redwood 6 in Redwood City around 1983. That theatre had 70mm capability, and was able to play ‘Jedi’ in that format.”
I don’t doubt that.
What I’m saying is Return of the Jedi was not shown in the 70’s, since it was first shown in 1983.
This is a 1986 photo.
Excellent photo. That’s how I remember her!! Thank you for posting.
Does anyone know if Friday 13th Parts 3 +/or 4 were shown there? I sort of need to know.
I saw a lot of movies here in the 70’s and 80’s, including Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, and All the President’s Men. Didn’t they tear down that wonderful Foster’s Fried Chicken restaurant to build the theatre? (They had the best fried chicken, with mashed potatoes and cream gravy. The perfect Sunday dinner.)
My first Job was working at the Hillsdale Cinema.( 1984). I served popcorn, drinks and candy. The movies playing the first day I started were: far-lap, Places in the heart, A soldiers Story, and Starman. Everyone working there were teenagers and we had a lott of fun. ( Goofing Around). Got to see many free movies, and eat all the free popcorn. I allways let my friends into the movies for free. My uniform was the standard black polyester pants, white dress shirt and clip on tie. After work I would cruise up and down the El Camino.
There were hundreds of teenagers cruising the El Camino. San Mateo is a totally different place. Everyone I know has moved away. No more Hillsdale Cinema just memories.
Paul68,just be glad you got to work in a theatre,seems like most of the folks on CT never had the fun we did because we worked in the business,Me 7 years and for GCC. Our REGENCY MALL I.II.&III looked the same as yours inside.
HEY mike, was david blackburn the Manager when you worked there?
John,if you are asking Mike R,No.I don’t ever recall a David Blackburn working at Regency.
I seen “Superman” there in 1978 and I still remember my shoes sticking to the floor with what felt like syrup..That was the most untidy theater I ever watched a flick in.