Springfield Theatre
7039 Old Keene Mill Road,
Springfield,
VA
22150
7039 Old Keene Mill Road,
Springfield,
VA
22150
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Additional Info
Previously operated by: Neighborhood Theatres
Firms: Vosbeck & Vosbeck Associates
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The single screen, 1,100-seat Springfield Theatre was opened on November 1, 1968 with Mia Farrow in “Rosemary’s Baby”. The 1974 Yellow Pages lists the theatre at 7039 Old Keene Mill Road, Springfield, VA 22150 telephone number 451-7505.
It was later converted into a side by side twin. Part of the Neighborhood Theatres of Virginia chain.
A Circuit City (now closed) was built on the site of the theater.
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local619
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Recent comments (view all 10 comments)
The SPRINGFIELD opened as a single screen theater with about 1,100 seats, a huge wide screen, and super-comfortable seats. It was outstanding. Later it was divided into twins, but was still a very good theater; preferable in my opinion to the Springfield Mall 10 which is also now closed.
Except for its colonial brick facade decoration, this theater was virtually identical to the Annandale Theatre, also opened in 1964 by the same owner, according to an item in Boxoffice Magazine, July 13, 1964.
The Springfield opened on 11/1/68 with ROSEMARY’S BABY which had just ended a 17 week run at the Embassy in D.C. one week earlier.
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)
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Following is text from the above link..
Fairfax County to Demolish Former Circuit City Building to Prepare for Future Park and Ride Lot
June 28, 2010
Starting Tuesday, July 6, Fairfax County will begin work on the future Old Keene Mill Road Park and Ride lot in Springfield with the demolition of the former Circuit City building, located at 7039 Old Keene Mill Road
future Old Keene Mill Road Park and Ride lot in Springfield with the demolition of the former Circuit City building, located at 7039 Old Keene Mill Road, near Springfield Boulevard in Springfield.
Ushered here back in ‘84…..used to call this “Rocking Chair” because it had big padded rocking-back seats. Ran Evil Dead and Rocky Horror as midnight movies…..
Worked at Annandale, and would visit Springfield twin alot – loved the rocking chairs. Both run by NTI (Neighborhood theatres).
Neighborhood Theatres Inc. of Virginia built the “rocking chair” theatre new in 1968. They were a small low overhead (almost no overhead) company and that was a lot of money. (State, Arlington, Annandale, and six other small theatres.) The cinema was always positive cash flow, but I’m not sure it always covered the mortgage. Whatever, Circuit City had a huge growth plan and access to capital when they bought it. I’m sure their offer looked good to NTI. Circuit City kept much of the building during remodel, including a large sign right on Old Keene Mill Road.
The Springfield Cinema was one of three Northern Virginia locations whose property was owned outright by Neighborhood Theatres rather than being leased. The State and Annandale were the other two. Neighborhood Theatres was purchased by Cineplex Odeon in 1986 but the Thalhimer family, owners of NTI retained the property. The lease agreement allowed Cineplex Odeon to operate these locations for two years with a two year option. Also in the agreement was a clause that only Cineplex Odeon could operate the locations as movie theatres. Hence, the Sprinfield and Annandale properties were demolished and the State (building protected by Falls Church City historical designation) became a highly regarded music venue. And now you know, the rest of the story!
Plans for this theater were announced in the September 14, 1966 issue of Motion Picture Exhibitor, though it appears that completion of the project was delayed long past the projected opening date.