Jerry Lewis Cinemas
Burnsville,
MN
55337
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Additional Info
Previously operated by: Jerry Lewis Cinemas
Nearby Theaters
No theaters found within 30 miles
The Jerry Lewis Cinemas were opened in 1971.
Contributed by
Kirk J.Besse
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Recent comments (view all 14 comments)
We were set for a JERRY LEWIS THEATRE here in Augusta,Ga. But when Georgia Theatres heard the news they quickly built SOUTHGATE CINEMA. I wonder how often this happens,Make plans for an area then have the locals expand to keep you out of the market.
There was a JERRY LEWIS THEATER where I grew up, in Mableton, Ga. It was the only theater in our town (an Atlanta suburb) so I saw many film there. To the best of my recollection it opened up in 1970, give or take a year. It had definitely been open for a while by 1972, because that’s when I saw the “Superstars of Shock” triple feature there (a re-release of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, The Mark of the Vampire, & The Mask of Fu Manchu). Now I own the one sheet poster for it, so I know that was 1972.
Also, Lynyrd Skynryd played there in 1972, in a ‘Battle of the Bands’ competition.
It was one of the first theaters in the metro Atlanta area to get Dolby sound in the mid-seventies, which was strange considering how off the beaten track it was for most Atlantans. By 1978, it was no longer part of the Jerry Lewis chain, as it began showing x-rated films.
Dave, I think Jerry Lewis sold his theatres way before 1978. But iam sure someone on CT has the right date. I still wish we would have gotten one in Augusta.
The September 13, 1971, issue of Boxoffice reported that the Jerry Lewis Cinema at Burnsville was nearing completion and expected to open within a couple of weeks.
(Jerry Lewis cinemas were franchised. Jerry Lewis himself said they were “the most significant contribution to the movie industry of this decade”.)
Significant indeed. The failed Jerry Lewis franchises resulted in a lucrative nationwide chain of porno theatres that lasted until the 80’s and made blockbusters out of “Deep Throat” and “The Devil in Miss Jones”. He inadvertently, or otherwise, did more to bring mafia run porn to the suburbs that anyone else in the industry.
Those of you interested,Jerry explains his Failed Cinemas on JERRY LEWIS CINEMAS. Canton.CT.
The Jerry Lewis Cinema in Burnsville, MN opened Fri. 10/1/71 with “The Anderson Tapes” and “Lawman” (not Billy Jack as stated at the top) There was also a weekend matinee of “Journey to the Center of the Earth”. At least a few years ago, the building was still standing and being used for other purposes.
Well,it opened with the kind of movies Jerry did not want,he found out quick in the 70’s very little G product.both movies mentioned above were GP which in those days were for Adults,Today’s PG is kid friendly.
The franchise deal allowed for GP, but not for R. Still, by the early seventies most big hits were R or X and Disney was in its nadir.
October 1st, 1971 grand opening ad in the photo section.