This was called “Springfield Cinema” and was the best in the Springfield area. Knowing all of the local theaters as a projectionist and movie buff, I never understood why this had to close, except for the fact that Springfield became such a family community and the parents would rather give up quality for having a Mall theater after shopping. at this time, Springfield Mall was second only to Tyson and a big draw for families.
I remember seeing ‘Pee Wee’s Big Adventure" here, and as I was leaving, I had not noticed a prize when I came in, being a replica of Pee Wee’s bike. What that would be worth today! Dang!
As far as when this opened, I would KNOW that the previous comment about it opening in 1964 is totally false, this was a creation of the early 1970’s and not before ( I realize they may have been referring to when the Annandale theater was built, but wanted to clarify)
This was another owned by the same ‘discount’ second run company run by Bell, whichawas affiliated with Rolling Valley, University (across from GMU in Fairfax), Bradlick, and others.
It is amazing how many projectionists went through the KB chain in DC. Glad to see you guys, yet, no mention of KB anyhwere. I worked as a union projectionist for the Janus, as well as for most of the KB chain in Va, DC and Md. I did see them as pretty big and unorganized, but it brought me into the high end theater segment, after working in lower grade cinemas, such as the Rolling Valley cinema. The Janus was small, but served its purpose for DC.
In the late 70’s it became part of the KB (or K-B) cinema chain. I had worked there as a sweep union projectionist (one that would fill in for projectionists on leave, sick or fired, etc.). This was a small theater.
This was called “Springfield Cinema” and was the best in the Springfield area. Knowing all of the local theaters as a projectionist and movie buff, I never understood why this had to close, except for the fact that Springfield became such a family community and the parents would rather give up quality for having a Mall theater after shopping. at this time, Springfield Mall was second only to Tyson and a big draw for families.
I remember seeing ‘Pee Wee’s Big Adventure" here, and as I was leaving, I had not noticed a prize when I came in, being a replica of Pee Wee’s bike. What that would be worth today! Dang!
As far as when this opened, I would KNOW that the previous comment about it opening in 1964 is totally false, this was a creation of the early 1970’s and not before ( I realize they may have been referring to when the Annandale theater was built, but wanted to clarify)
This was another owned by the same ‘discount’ second run company run by Bell, whichawas affiliated with Rolling Valley, University (across from GMU in Fairfax), Bradlick, and others.
It is amazing how many projectionists went through the KB chain in DC. Glad to see you guys, yet, no mention of KB anyhwere. I worked as a union projectionist for the Janus, as well as for most of the KB chain in Va, DC and Md. I did see them as pretty big and unorganized, but it brought me into the high end theater segment, after working in lower grade cinemas, such as the Rolling Valley cinema. The Janus was small, but served its purpose for DC.
In the late 70’s it became part of the KB (or K-B) cinema chain. I had worked there as a sweep union projectionist (one that would fill in for projectionists on leave, sick or fired, etc.). This was a small theater.