While television is emptying movie houses across the nation (TIME, Feb. 10), business is booming for Kansas City’s Elmer C. Rhoden Jr., 35, president of Commonwealth Theaters, a Midwestern chain of 102 theaters. Rhoden’s box-office secret: “teenage pictures,” denned by him as “rock ‘n’ roll, drag races, horror stories, that sort, of thing.”
That sort of thing so well satisfies Rhoden’s young customers (70% under 24) in Missouri, Kansas, Arkansas, Iowa, Nebraska and South Dakota that he can afford to shrug off television. “TV is for the older folks.” says he. “A teen-ager who has a date doesn’t want to stay at home.” Rhoden waves off major Hollywood productions (“Gary Grant won’t sell teen-agers”), even throws out westerns unless they have a young cast. Result: his 1957 gross increased 18% over 1956; this year’s is still growing.
When Rhoden ran short of teen-age films a year ago, he thought up likely titles (e.g., Dragstrip Riot) and passed them on to producers, but the supply stayed short of Rhoden’s demands. “Now I make the picture myself,” he says. “I have two trucks, cameras and sound equipment. If I need a barroom scene I just rent a barroom.”
For $171,000 Rhoden last year made The Delinquents and The Cool and the Crazy, sold the first to United Artists and the second to American International. Two more films scheduled for this year: Daddy-O and Sideburns and Sympathy.
Danny Smart, age 76, passed away at Skaggs Community Health Center in Branson. He was son of John Seneca and Josephine A. (Pottenger) Smart. He was a retired district manager of the Common Wealth Theaters of Kansas City and served as president of the Motion Picture Association of Kansas City. He was a US Army Veteran. He married Carolyn Younger.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Luanna Sue Block.
Survivors include his wife, his children, Gregory Smart, Pamela Griffin, and Michael Smart, his siblings, J.P. Smart, John Smart, and Lori Copeland, four step-daughters, Gina Browne, Trudy Smith, Marti Doran, and Beth Doney, 17 grandchildren, and 2 great-grandchildren.
Graveside services were held at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Springfield, with full military honors conducted.
Bert B. English, of Farmersville, Texas, passed away Feb. 3, 2006. He was born April 5, 1928, in Joplin, Mo., to Carl Bryce and Inez (Brannon) English. Mr. English was a member of the Presbyterian faith, having been saved while serving in the Navy and was a district manager for the theaters. He was a member of the J.C.?s Kiwanis, Lions and numerous other clubs having held positions up to the level of president. Mr. English was very proud to have served his country during World War II. He was a gifted athletic who excelled in baseball. Mr. English was a well respected and highly regarded in various communities.
He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Sallie English, of Joplin; sons, Gregory English, of San Antonio, Texas, Jeff English and wife, Cindy, of Farmersville; four grandchildren; five chosen grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; two chosen great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Carl Jr., Nelson and Ted.
Memorial service will be held in Joplin, at a date to be announced later. Local arrangements under the direction of Charles W. Smith & Sons Funeral Home, 601 South Tennessee Street, McKinney, Texas 75069. (972)562-7788.
Noel Dean McMillen
November 25, 1933 - October 7, 2020
Kansas City, Missouri - Noel Dean McMillen, Age 86 of Kansas City, Missouri passed away in his hometown on October, 7th, 2020.
Dean was born to Noel W. and Mildred (Horn) McMillen on November, 25th, 1933. He grew up with his younger sister Carol in the Brush Creek area of Kansas City with Dean graduating from Paseo High School in 1951. It was during these early years Dean and a core group of friends would start running around together. The special group of classmates remained lifelong friends.
It was during the summer of 1951 Dean met Emily Holt. They married two years later on June 18th 1953.
In 1955 Dean enlisted in the Army and was stationed in Virginia Beach, VA. While living in Virginia their only child, a daughter, Martha (Marti) Ellen was born on December, 28th, 1955.
With a young family at home Dean began a 35 year career in the movie theater business working for Commonwealth Theaters. His time in the industry was in an era when going to the movies was something special. The career meant relocating his family on several occasions. He spent time operating theaters and drive-ins in Kansas City, Springfield, Warrensburg, Joplin, Columbia, Boise, ID and Rapid City, SD.
Their daughter Marti had one son in 1979 giving Dean and Emily their only grandchild Jarred Noel Jennings. Jarred’s yearly summer vacation visits were highlighted by Royals games, Worlds Of Fun and countless trips to the park to feed the ducks.
When he wasn’t working Dean enjoyed hunting, fishing and motorcycle rides with Emily. After retiring they would spend over a decade travelling the country in their R.V.
Dean loved to do all those things but more than anything he loved his family. Dean and Emily spent 67 years together and were a pair until the end. You could not think of one without the other.
In recent years they settled in Gladstone, MO to be near friends and family.
Dean is preceded in death by his parents, daughter and sister Carol Randall. He is survived by his wife, grandson, nieces, nephews, cousins and his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Don and Anita Norvell.
Published by Kansas City Star on Dec. 20, 2020.
To plant trees in memory, pl
I managed the Holiday Drive In in 1974. From what I understand, It was originally going to be built where Northtown Mall is today and was to be the first Twin Drive In in Springfield. I did some yardwork there prior to it’s opening and the same at the Queen City prior to it’s opening. I was drafted in the Army and was not in Springfield for the Holiday’s Grand Opening. The first Manager was Gary Prosser. Projectionist was Jim Wilson.
After being discharged from the US Army, I was Night Manager at the Springfield Drive In before going to the Sunset Drive In. I managed all the Drive In Theaters in Springfield at one time or another.
I managed the Sunset Drive In in 1973 after being discharged from the US Army….I was Trainee Manager at the Hi-M Drive in when I was drafted. From the Sunset, I went on to the Holiday Drive In and finally the Queen City Twin. I was Assistant City Manager under City Manager Dean McMillen. I joined the Projectionist Union and operated at the Fox, Gillioz, Petite 3, Northtown 3 and 4, Battlefield Mall 6, and Campbell 16 and whatever Drive In’s were still operating at the time during the Summers.
Worked there and at Northtown 3 (later 4) under Dubinski Theaters when Dick Powell was manager…..It was conveniently located between a fitness center and a liquor store….Auto repair shop located there now…
Brookline - Harold Glenn Nichols, 89, of Springfield, MO., passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family who loved him dearly on December 24, 2020, after a brief illness. He was born in Columbia, Missouri, to George Turner Nichols and Anna Josephine (Cunningham) Dick, on June 26, 1931.
Harold worked for the movie theatre business for over 60 years, installing projectors and sound equipment. His interests included watching and collecting old western movies, refinishing antique vehicles, and spending time with family and friends. He was a member of Wesley United Methodist Church.
Harold is preceded in death by his parents and his daughter, Karen Lynn.
He is survived by his wife of 72 years, Joanna Lee (Grant) of the home; a son, Charles Nichols and wife Lupe; a daughter, Alice Ramey and husband Dale; 8 grandchildren, and 23 grandchildren, and a host of friends.
Visitation will be Monday, January 4, 2020 from 3:00 - 4:00 P.M. at Walnut Lawn Funeral Home Ltd. DeGraffenreid - Wood Crematory. Graveside services will be held at 1:00 P.M. Tuesday, January 5, 2020 at Memorial Park Cemetery, Columbia, MO.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Harold’s name to Hospice Compassus, 1341 W. Battlefield Rd. Ste. 120, Springfield, MO. 65807.
The short time I was in Sedalia, Missouri, The two old single screen theatres were closed downtown, and the Fox had recently been closed. I oversaw the State Fair Twin and the 54(?) Drive In. Joe Matthews had either retired or was transferred. I had transferred there from The Queen City Twin Drive In in Springfield.Frank Jones was District Manager. Russell Cox had recently been named City Manager of the Drive In’s in Springfield when Dean McMillen had transferred and been promoted to a District Manager in Boise, Idaho.
I remember Commonwealth Thaetrs Inc. was located at 215 W. 18th Street in KC. I remember ordering a lot of stuff from Mid-Continent Theater Supply,and Drive In Theater Manufacturing Company.
Johnny Augustine was a RCA Technician. Last time I talked to Bert English, he was District Manager in El Paso, Texas. I was trying to get a position at McClendon Cinema Park 3-screen Drive In Theatre at El Paso where I worked when I was stationed there in the Army. Another manager I worked with in Springfield was Jim Dake who left Springfield to go to the Fort Wood Theatre and Drive In at Waynesville. His wife Brenda, was secretary for Frank Jones at one time.Bill Terrill left Springfield and ran Drive In’s in Joplin. Some of the Drive In projectionists were Elmer Nuttelmann, Jim Wilson, Charles Southwick, Charley Martin, Robin Funkhouser, Sam Hall, Floyd Noblitt (Floyd’s wife Jean was Cashier at Hi-M). Harold Nichols was Manager at the Hi-M before he went corporate. He had ran theatres in Columbia before his stint at Hi-M. I think he lives in California today. Floyd and Jean Noblitt retired to Cape Coral Florida.
I started working at the Hi-M Drive In in Springfield in 1967 as a ramp boy. Was promoted to Concession Manager then Trainee Manager before I was drafted in the US Army in 1968. After Army was Night Manager at Springfield Drive In in 1972, Manager of the Sunset Drive In in 1973, Holiday Drive In in 1974 and Queen City Twin in 1975. Resigned as City Manager in Sedalia, Missouri and became a Union Projectionist under Elmer Nuttelmann in Springfield in 1978. When I started at the Hi-M, Darrel Manes was District Manager and Bert English was City Manager. Other District Managers were Frank Jones and Danny Smart. Other City Managers were Bill Terrill, Dean McMillen and Russell Cox. Harold Nichols and Charley Tryon were theatre technicians for Commonwealth.Helped open the Holiday and Queen City Twin in construction. Gary Prosser opened the Holiday Drive In in 1970. Roberta Prosser was secretary for Bert English and Dean McMillen. Last time I saw Frank Jones him and his wife were superintendents of a resort near Branson after he retired from Commonwealth. Last I heard from Dean McMillen he was District Manager in Boise, Idaho. I went on to be projectionist at Fox, Gillioz, Petite 3 and Northtown 3, Battlefield Mall 6 and Campbell 16 and all the Drive Ins when I retired in 2000. Tim Mudloff started his career as a trainee-manager at the Springfield Drive In and transferred back home to Grand Island Nebraska. I think he still manages a theatre in Kansas. Mildred Haynes was Concession Manager at the Springfield D.I. and became manager at the Hi-M then transferred to Fort Wood Theatre and Drive In. She passed away a few years ago.
While television is emptying movie houses across the nation (TIME, Feb. 10), business is booming for Kansas City’s Elmer C. Rhoden Jr., 35, president of Commonwealth Theaters, a Midwestern chain of 102 theaters. Rhoden’s box-office secret: “teenage pictures,” denned by him as “rock ‘n’ roll, drag races, horror stories, that sort, of thing.”
That sort of thing so well satisfies Rhoden’s young customers (70% under 24) in Missouri, Kansas, Arkansas, Iowa, Nebraska and South Dakota that he can afford to shrug off television. “TV is for the older folks.” says he. “A teen-ager who has a date doesn’t want to stay at home.” Rhoden waves off major Hollywood productions (“Gary Grant won’t sell teen-agers”), even throws out westerns unless they have a young cast. Result: his 1957 gross increased 18% over 1956; this year’s is still growing.
When Rhoden ran short of teen-age films a year ago, he thought up likely titles (e.g., Dragstrip Riot) and passed them on to producers, but the supply stayed short of Rhoden’s demands. “Now I make the picture myself,” he says. “I have two trucks, cameras and sound equipment. If I need a barroom scene I just rent a barroom.”
For $171,000 Rhoden last year made The Delinquents and The Cool and the Crazy, sold the first to United Artists and the second to American International. Two more films scheduled for this year: Daddy-O and Sideburns and Sympathy.
Danny Smart, age 76, passed away at Skaggs Community Health Center in Branson. He was son of John Seneca and Josephine A. (Pottenger) Smart. He was a retired district manager of the Common Wealth Theaters of Kansas City and served as president of the Motion Picture Association of Kansas City. He was a US Army Veteran. He married Carolyn Younger.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Luanna Sue Block.
Survivors include his wife, his children, Gregory Smart, Pamela Griffin, and Michael Smart, his siblings, J.P. Smart, John Smart, and Lori Copeland, four step-daughters, Gina Browne, Trudy Smith, Marti Doran, and Beth Doney, 17 grandchildren, and 2 great-grandchildren.
Graveside services were held at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Springfield, with full military honors conducted.
Bert B. English, of Farmersville, Texas, passed away Feb. 3, 2006. He was born April 5, 1928, in Joplin, Mo., to Carl Bryce and Inez (Brannon) English. Mr. English was a member of the Presbyterian faith, having been saved while serving in the Navy and was a district manager for the theaters. He was a member of the J.C.?s Kiwanis, Lions and numerous other clubs having held positions up to the level of president. Mr. English was very proud to have served his country during World War II. He was a gifted athletic who excelled in baseball. Mr. English was a well respected and highly regarded in various communities.
He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Sallie English, of Joplin; sons, Gregory English, of San Antonio, Texas, Jeff English and wife, Cindy, of Farmersville; four grandchildren; five chosen grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; two chosen great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Carl Jr., Nelson and Ted.
Memorial service will be held in Joplin, at a date to be announced later. Local arrangements under the direction of Charles W. Smith & Sons Funeral Home, 601 South Tennessee Street, McKinney, Texas 75069. (972)562-7788.
Noel Dean McMillen November 25, 1933 - October 7, 2020 Kansas City, Missouri - Noel Dean McMillen, Age 86 of Kansas City, Missouri passed away in his hometown on October, 7th, 2020. Dean was born to Noel W. and Mildred (Horn) McMillen on November, 25th, 1933. He grew up with his younger sister Carol in the Brush Creek area of Kansas City with Dean graduating from Paseo High School in 1951. It was during these early years Dean and a core group of friends would start running around together. The special group of classmates remained lifelong friends. It was during the summer of 1951 Dean met Emily Holt. They married two years later on June 18th 1953. In 1955 Dean enlisted in the Army and was stationed in Virginia Beach, VA. While living in Virginia their only child, a daughter, Martha (Marti) Ellen was born on December, 28th, 1955. With a young family at home Dean began a 35 year career in the movie theater business working for Commonwealth Theaters. His time in the industry was in an era when going to the movies was something special. The career meant relocating his family on several occasions. He spent time operating theaters and drive-ins in Kansas City, Springfield, Warrensburg, Joplin, Columbia, Boise, ID and Rapid City, SD. Their daughter Marti had one son in 1979 giving Dean and Emily their only grandchild Jarred Noel Jennings. Jarred’s yearly summer vacation visits were highlighted by Royals games, Worlds Of Fun and countless trips to the park to feed the ducks. When he wasn’t working Dean enjoyed hunting, fishing and motorcycle rides with Emily. After retiring they would spend over a decade travelling the country in their R.V. Dean loved to do all those things but more than anything he loved his family. Dean and Emily spent 67 years together and were a pair until the end. You could not think of one without the other. In recent years they settled in Gladstone, MO to be near friends and family. Dean is preceded in death by his parents, daughter and sister Carol Randall. He is survived by his wife, grandson, nieces, nephews, cousins and his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Don and Anita Norvell.
Published by Kansas City Star on Dec. 20, 2020. To plant trees in memory, pl
I managed the Holiday Drive In in 1974. From what I understand, It was originally going to be built where Northtown Mall is today and was to be the first Twin Drive In in Springfield. I did some yardwork there prior to it’s opening and the same at the Queen City prior to it’s opening. I was drafted in the Army and was not in Springfield for the Holiday’s Grand Opening. The first Manager was Gary Prosser. Projectionist was Jim Wilson.
After being discharged from the US Army, I was Night Manager at the Springfield Drive In before going to the Sunset Drive In. I managed all the Drive In Theaters in Springfield at one time or another.
I managed the Sunset Drive In in 1973 after being discharged from the US Army….I was Trainee Manager at the Hi-M Drive in when I was drafted. From the Sunset, I went on to the Holiday Drive In and finally the Queen City Twin. I was Assistant City Manager under City Manager Dean McMillen. I joined the Projectionist Union and operated at the Fox, Gillioz, Petite 3, Northtown 3 and 4, Battlefield Mall 6, and Campbell 16 and whatever Drive In’s were still operating at the time during the Summers.
Worked there and at Northtown 3 (later 4) under Dubinski Theaters when Dick Powell was manager…..It was conveniently located between a fitness center and a liquor store….Auto repair shop located there now…
Worked there as projectionist from before opening day to the day it closed in 2001.
I managed this Drive In in 1970 as a Trainee Manager until I got drafted in the Army.
Worked at this Drive In Theater part time when I was stationed at Biggs Army Airfield, Ft. Bliss, Texas in 1970-72.
Harold Nichols
Brookline - Harold Glenn Nichols, 89, of Springfield, MO., passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family who loved him dearly on December 24, 2020, after a brief illness. He was born in Columbia, Missouri, to George Turner Nichols and Anna Josephine (Cunningham) Dick, on June 26, 1931.
Harold worked for the movie theatre business for over 60 years, installing projectors and sound equipment. His interests included watching and collecting old western movies, refinishing antique vehicles, and spending time with family and friends. He was a member of Wesley United Methodist Church.
Harold is preceded in death by his parents and his daughter, Karen Lynn.
He is survived by his wife of 72 years, Joanna Lee (Grant) of the home; a son, Charles Nichols and wife Lupe; a daughter, Alice Ramey and husband Dale; 8 grandchildren, and 23 grandchildren, and a host of friends.
Visitation will be Monday, January 4, 2020 from 3:00 - 4:00 P.M. at Walnut Lawn Funeral Home Ltd. DeGraffenreid - Wood Crematory. Graveside services will be held at 1:00 P.M. Tuesday, January 5, 2020 at Memorial Park Cemetery, Columbia, MO.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Harold’s name to Hospice Compassus, 1341 W. Battlefield Rd. Ste. 120, Springfield, MO. 65807.
National Screen Service : K.C., MO
The short time I was in Sedalia, Missouri, The two old single screen theatres were closed downtown, and the Fox had recently been closed. I oversaw the State Fair Twin and the 54(?) Drive In. Joe Matthews had either retired or was transferred. I had transferred there from The Queen City Twin Drive In in Springfield.Frank Jones was District Manager. Russell Cox had recently been named City Manager of the Drive In’s in Springfield when Dean McMillen had transferred and been promoted to a District Manager in Boise, Idaho.
I remember Commonwealth Thaetrs Inc. was located at 215 W. 18th Street in KC. I remember ordering a lot of stuff from Mid-Continent Theater Supply,and Drive In Theater Manufacturing Company.
Johnny Augustine was a RCA Technician. Last time I talked to Bert English, he was District Manager in El Paso, Texas. I was trying to get a position at McClendon Cinema Park 3-screen Drive In Theatre at El Paso where I worked when I was stationed there in the Army. Another manager I worked with in Springfield was Jim Dake who left Springfield to go to the Fort Wood Theatre and Drive In at Waynesville. His wife Brenda, was secretary for Frank Jones at one time.Bill Terrill left Springfield and ran Drive In’s in Joplin. Some of the Drive In projectionists were Elmer Nuttelmann, Jim Wilson, Charles Southwick, Charley Martin, Robin Funkhouser, Sam Hall, Floyd Noblitt (Floyd’s wife Jean was Cashier at Hi-M). Harold Nichols was Manager at the Hi-M before he went corporate. He had ran theatres in Columbia before his stint at Hi-M. I think he lives in California today. Floyd and Jean Noblitt retired to Cape Coral Florida.
I started working at the Hi-M Drive In in Springfield in 1967 as a ramp boy. Was promoted to Concession Manager then Trainee Manager before I was drafted in the US Army in 1968. After Army was Night Manager at Springfield Drive In in 1972, Manager of the Sunset Drive In in 1973, Holiday Drive In in 1974 and Queen City Twin in 1975. Resigned as City Manager in Sedalia, Missouri and became a Union Projectionist under Elmer Nuttelmann in Springfield in 1978. When I started at the Hi-M, Darrel Manes was District Manager and Bert English was City Manager. Other District Managers were Frank Jones and Danny Smart. Other City Managers were Bill Terrill, Dean McMillen and Russell Cox. Harold Nichols and Charley Tryon were theatre technicians for Commonwealth.Helped open the Holiday and Queen City Twin in construction. Gary Prosser opened the Holiday Drive In in 1970. Roberta Prosser was secretary for Bert English and Dean McMillen. Last time I saw Frank Jones him and his wife were superintendents of a resort near Branson after he retired from Commonwealth. Last I heard from Dean McMillen he was District Manager in Boise, Idaho. I went on to be projectionist at Fox, Gillioz, Petite 3 and Northtown 3, Battlefield Mall 6 and Campbell 16 and all the Drive Ins when I retired in 2000. Tim Mudloff started his career as a trainee-manager at the Springfield Drive In and transferred back home to Grand Island Nebraska. I think he still manages a theatre in Kansas. Mildred Haynes was Concession Manager at the Springfield D.I. and became manager at the Hi-M then transferred to Fort Wood Theatre and Drive In. She passed away a few years ago.