I have fond childhood memories of the Allen Theater because my grandmother, Catherine Casey, worked at the candy counter there. Being an employee, she was able to get my 4 sisters and I into the Sunday matinees for free. This was a really big deal to us and made us feel very privileged. We saw movies like Dr. Doolittle, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Andromeda Strain, etc. I remember running in the dark from my seat to the back of the theater where the candy counter was to get Good n' Plentys or Junior Mints from grandma. I also remember the comedy/tragedy mask designs in the lobby and on either side of the big screen. One time in the early 70’s my parents were there seeing a movie at night without us kids when a robbery occurred as the movie was playing and suddenly the burglar ran down the aisle toward the screen and dashed out one of the exit doors. I can recall my parents talking about it the next morning with great excitement.
I have fond childhood memories of the Allen Theater because my grandmother, Catherine Casey, worked at the candy counter there. Being an employee, she was able to get my 4 sisters and I into the Sunday matinees for free. This was a really big deal to us and made us feel very privileged. We saw movies like Dr. Doolittle, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Andromeda Strain, etc. I remember running in the dark from my seat to the back of the theater where the candy counter was to get Good n' Plentys or Junior Mints from grandma. I also remember the comedy/tragedy mask designs in the lobby and on either side of the big screen. One time in the early 70’s my parents were there seeing a movie at night without us kids when a robbery occurred as the movie was playing and suddenly the burglar ran down the aisle toward the screen and dashed out one of the exit doors. I can recall my parents talking about it the next morning with great excitement.