Fine. Anyone can learn how to create links using the new system. But, in my opinion, the CT staff foolishly removed the ability to preview one’s comment before submitting. Being able to preview one’s comment is crucial, in my opinion. One shouldn’t learn their link wasn’t correct only once the comment is posted, nor should any reader be subjected to an inactive link. (The lack of a preview option, by the way, is why I did not provide courtesy links to the theaters present in the CT database in my recently-posted “Raiders” tribute article.)
Bob, your opening date is wrong. The correct grand-opening date is May 24, 1972.
Referencing issues of the (Harlingen) Valley Morning Star, I can add that the original name for this theater was Cinema 1 & 2, the original owner was ABC Interstate, and the debut bookings were The Godfather and The Groundstar Conspiracy.
AGR, there’s nothing wrong with thanking someone for a comment you appreciate, but in this case you look like a fool for having stormed off in a huff only to reappear a day later. And where’s the apology for your nutty YELLING claim of my ignorance? (Don’t you feel like an ass now that you realize I was correct all along?)
AGR: The 70mm information for Vertigo is in reference to the film’s 1996 re-issue, not its original release. VistaVision was a 35mm process. Deal with it.
I find it too difficult to explain aspect ratio and film gauge concepts with words alone; I think it best to use visual examples for the concept to really sink in. Check out Page 5 of the VistaVision wing of the WidescreenMuseum for some VV frame samples that might clarify things for you.
<<< * “I think I saw JAWS there in the summer of 75 and Star Wars there in 77.” — posted by Grant67 on Apr 30, 2011* >>>
Actually, it was those films' sequels that played at WestGate. The original “Jaws” played first-run at Hillcrest Twin, and the original run of “Star Wars” was at Royal Twin.
The only ass in this situation is you, Don. I see nothing wrong with posting a correction as a public comment and making it a part of the conversation. Corrections, in my opinion, are among the few things that give Cinema Treasures a hint of credibility given the alarming amount of erroneous info posted on a regular basis.
And for you, Don, to ridicule someone for “showing off their immense wealth of theater knowledge”…well, isn’t sharing information one of the purposes of the site? And if the information is interesting and accurate, then where’s the problem? If you don’t believe there’s any value in “showing off” on an information resource website, Don, then you’re a hypocrite given that you have posted hundreds of comments and theater page submissions.
And, finally, in my opinion, the lazy and geography-challenged have no business creating and submitting theater pages. It only took three of you to goof up this one!
<<< “When ‘Jaws’ was originally released it played here – 1 print – interlocked – on all five screens.” —– posted by dave-bronx on Apr 21, 2005 at 12:25am >>>
This theater did not exist in 1975 when “Jaws” was first released. Perhaps you’re thinking of “Jaws 2” in 1978?
I need to correct myself. It turns out this place never was a three-screener as I previously indicated. (I had been misled by some deceptive newspaper advertisements.)
By 1975 the Royal Park had four screens. Prior to that it was a twin.
Inadvertently left off the list:
Youngstown, OH – Uptown
Listed with incorrect screen count:
Gainesville, FL – Royal Park Cinema 3 (should be listed as Royal Park Cinema 4)
Green Bay, WI – Marc (should be listed as Marc Twin)
Here is what I have been able to put together in reference to a chronological breakdown for the Atlanta area’s bookings of “The Sound of Music” during the 1965-69 period when Fox had the film in circulation. As you can tell, it kept coming back…and back…and back, which may explain why so many people recall it playing for so long. Finally, in summer 1969, Fox said enough is enough and pulled it from release. Of course, they re-issued it in 1973 and again in 1978, but that’s another story.
<<< “No fancy screens or sound systems, just a basic neighborhood theater.” >>>
I believe at least one screen in the complex was equipped with 70mm projection and six-track Dolby Stereo playback, as well as being THX certified. So, if correct, I’d say that qualifies as having a “fancy screen and sound system.” Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989) was among the films believed to have run here in a 70mm presentation.
The 1969 re-issue of “Ben-Hur” mentioned in several recent comments actually began in February 1969, though it didn’t open in New York until June 18. “Goodbye, Mr. Chips” premiered on November 5, 1969.
Fine. Anyone can learn how to create links using the new system. But, in my opinion, the CT staff foolishly removed the ability to preview one’s comment before submitting. Being able to preview one’s comment is crucial, in my opinion. One shouldn’t learn their link wasn’t correct only once the comment is posted, nor should any reader be subjected to an inactive link. (The lack of a preview option, by the way, is why I did not provide courtesy links to the theaters present in the CT database in my recently-posted “Raiders” tribute article.)
Bob, your opening date is wrong. The correct grand-opening date is May 24, 1972.
Referencing issues of the (Harlingen) Valley Morning Star, I can add that the original name for this theater was Cinema 1 & 2, the original owner was ABC Interstate, and the debut bookings were The Godfather and The Groundstar Conspiracy.
The theater became a triplex in 1977.
AGR, there’s nothing wrong with thanking someone for a comment you appreciate, but in this case you look like a fool for having stormed off in a huff only to reappear a day later. And where’s the apology for your nutty YELLING claim of my ignorance? (Don’t you feel like an ass now that you realize I was correct all along?)
AGR, you’re back. What happened to “OVER AND OUT”?
AGR: The 70mm information for Vertigo is in reference to the film’s 1996 re-issue, not its original release. VistaVision was a 35mm process. Deal with it.
AGR, you’re not even close!
I find it too difficult to explain aspect ratio and film gauge concepts with words alone; I think it best to use visual examples for the concept to really sink in. Check out Page 5 of the VistaVision wing of the WidescreenMuseum for some VV frame samples that might clarify things for you.
View link
<<< * “I think I saw JAWS there in the summer of 75 and Star Wars there in 77.” — posted by Grant67 on Apr 30, 2011* >>>
Actually, it was those films' sequels that played at WestGate. The original “Jaws” played first-run at Hillcrest Twin, and the original run of “Star Wars” was at Royal Twin.
VistaVision was not 65mm!!!
Cobb took over in ‘91, not '95.
<<< “Opened 1987” (posted in intro by Jeff Chapman) >>>
I believe this theater opened at least ten years before 1987.
The forever you’re referring to was 29 weeks.
ChrisD…The roadshow run of The Happiest Millionaire at the Pantages played 31 weeks.
The only ass in this situation is you, Don. I see nothing wrong with posting a correction as a public comment and making it a part of the conversation. Corrections, in my opinion, are among the few things that give Cinema Treasures a hint of credibility given the alarming amount of erroneous info posted on a regular basis.
And for you, Don, to ridicule someone for “showing off their immense wealth of theater knowledge”…well, isn’t sharing information one of the purposes of the site? And if the information is interesting and accurate, then where’s the problem? If you don’t believe there’s any value in “showing off” on an information resource website, Don, then you’re a hypocrite given that you have posted hundreds of comments and theater page submissions.
And, finally, in my opinion, the lazy and geography-challenged have no business creating and submitting theater pages. It only took three of you to goof up this one!
<<< “When ‘Jaws’ was originally released it played here – 1 print – interlocked – on all five screens.” —– posted by dave-bronx on Apr 21, 2005 at 12:25am >>>
This theater did not exist in 1975 when “Jaws” was first released. Perhaps you’re thinking of “Jaws 2” in 1978?
I need to correct myself. It turns out this place never was a three-screener as I previously indicated. (I had been misled by some deceptive newspaper advertisements.)
By 1975 the Royal Park had four screens. Prior to that it was a twin.
A few corrections…
Inadvertently left off the list:
Youngstown, OH – Uptown
Listed with incorrect screen count:
Gainesville, FL – Royal Park Cinema 3 (should be listed as Royal Park Cinema 4)
Green Bay, WI – Marc (should be listed as Marc Twin)
Star Wars, in its original 1977 release, opened here day-and-date with North Park Cinema 4 in Oklahoma City. It played here for 20 weeks.
Some photos (vintage and contemporary) and newspaper ads of this theater can be found here.
Stan, et al…
Here is what I have been able to put together in reference to a chronological breakdown for the Atlanta area’s bookings of “The Sound of Music” during the 1965-69 period when Fox had the film in circulation. As you can tell, it kept coming back…and back…and back, which may explain why so many people recall it playing for so long. Finally, in summer 1969, Fox said enough is enough and pulled it from release. Of course, they re-issued it in 1973 and again in 1978, but that’s another story.
03.24.1965 … Atlanta â€" Martin Cinerama (90 weeks)
12.23.1966 … Atlanta â€" Lakewood (10 weeks)
12.23.1966 … Decatur â€" North Dekalb (10 weeks)
08.17.1967 … Smyrna â€" Miracle (5 weeks)
10.18.1967 … Atlanta â€" Hilan (2 weeks)
10.18.1967 … Atlanta â€" Westgate II (3 weeks)
10.18.1967 … Decatur â€" Belvedere (2 weeks)
10.18.1967 … Tucker â€" Village (3 weeks)
06.12.1968 … Atlanta â€" Bolton Drive-In (1 week)
06.12.1968 … Cartersville â€" North Starlite Drive-In (1 week)
06.12.1968 … Chamblee â€" North 85 Drive-In (2 weeks)
06.12.1968 … Decatur â€" Glenwood Drive-In (2 weeks)
08.28.1968 … Marietta â€" Martin Drive-In (1 week)
08.28.1968 … Smyrna â€" Smyrna Drive-In (1 week)
09.04.1968 … Atlanta â€" Rhodes (1 week)
10.16.1968 … Marietta â€" Georgia Drive-In (1 week)
11.06.1968 … Avondale Estates â€" Towne (4 weeks)
11.27.1968 … Atlanta â€" Westgate II (1 week)
12.18.1968 … Smyrna â€" Belmont (1 week)
02.05.1969 … Atlanta â€" Emory (1 week)
02.05.1969 … Atlanta â€" North Springs (1 week)
08.13.1969 … Atlanta â€" Emory (1 week)
<<< “No fancy screens or sound systems, just a basic neighborhood theater.” >>>
I believe at least one screen in the complex was equipped with 70mm projection and six-track Dolby Stereo playback, as well as being THX certified. So, if correct, I’d say that qualifies as having a “fancy screen and sound system.” Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989) was among the films believed to have run here in a 70mm presentation.
Okay, troll.
Opening picture: 100 Rifles.
Source: Daytona Beach Morning Journal, April 24, 1969 edition, page 32.
<<< In the 1980’s, two more screens were added to the theater >>>
I think the additional screens were added earlier than the ‘80s.
<<< “Opened in May 1969” >>>
The Big Tree opened on April 24, 1969.
The Astro Twin’s engagement of Star Wars lasted 22 weeks. An impressive run for a city the size of Greenville.
The 1969 re-issue of “Ben-Hur” mentioned in several recent comments actually began in February 1969, though it didn’t open in New York until June 18. “Goodbye, Mr. Chips” premiered on November 5, 1969.
View link