Cinema 5

Better quality grand opening Cinema I & II opening 10 Oct 1967, Tue Centre Daily Times (State College, Pennsylvania) Newspapers.com

Associated Theaters operated the Cinema I and II for the years I attended PSU (1969-73). I saw many films there during that time. It looks like it was kept in good condition right to the end.

Of all the theaters that have closed in State College, this one hurt the most. I saw so many movies there. I remembered standing in line with my dad for HOURS to see “Star Trek: The Motion Picture” and going on dates there with my future wife before we got married and left town. I even worked there for a time. I was back in town when they were gutting it a few years ago and it was like the last few shreds I had of my childhood got shot right in the head. The town I grew up in was no more.

This is the theater that housed all the Star Wars reissues in 1997; considering the surrounding choices at the time, it was not a half-bad presentation and they put in DTS sound around 1996.

Sorry Jack. When Facebook changed their privacy options, I must have made all my albums visible to friends only. This should be corrected now.

It’s been too long since I’ve been to this page. Great find, Chuck1231! I wonder where this company found all these photos. This was the first time I saw a picture of the theatre as a twin. Also, I found the Arena on the site.

I have upload a few pictures to the link below. More of the “technical” pictures appear towards the end of the album. I will try to upload more photos as time permits. ~Jarryd

View link

well it’s not the last movie theatre downtown, the fact that the State has lasted since the 30s is pretty impressive. It is the last remaining movie theatre downtown, though I’ll conceed that the 5 was the last to show movie’s like superbad and talladega nights, thankfully they’ve been relegated to the suburbs. And don’t worry we will soon have a brand new goverment subsidized state-of-the-art multiplex on Fraser. What the free-market couldn’t do, the borough will perfect. i’m still surprised the 6 is still around, and I keep getting ads for management positions at Carmike Cinemas, they must be making one last stab at it.

The Capitol Theatre, Milton, PA basic info has been submitted. Should be available soon.

Cinema Treasures is not currently accepting new photos. As soon as they get the new format up and running, I’ll be adding pictures and info on at least 6 theatres including the Cinema 5.State College.

Check out the Sheridan Square in Pittsburgh. I posted some info about the Variety Club which started there while showing WINGS.

CINEMA 2/5
State College, PA
First true multiplex in the USA
First automated projection on East Coast.
20 October 1967 – 20 December 2007
R. I. P.

After more than 40 years of operation, Cinema 5’s last day of business way Thursday, December 20, 2007. The final films to be shown were Awake, Dan in Real Life, Enchanted, The Golden Compass, and The Mist. Though all screens were equipped with digital projection for just over a year (installed November 2006), The Mist was booked in 35mm film for the last week of business. It was a fitting end to have film projected on screen for one final week. I was fortunate enough to thread the projector for the last show. for many of us, Cinema 5 will be missed. I will attempt to post recent picture of the theatre once the feature is enabled again. Jack, do you happen to have any photos from the theatre’s earlier years of operation?

Jack..looking forward to seeing the photos of the Capitol and your write up.

Jack Ober..Where was your theater in Milton? I have been to the Campus in Lewisburg and to the Watson in Watsontown and the Ritz in Muncy.

State College, PA is one of the best places to live in the east. I spent many happy years in “Happy Valley” operating theatres in Central PA. Hearing of the closing of the Cinema 6 is like hearing of the passing of an old friend.

When the “Cinemas” opened in the late 60’s, State College became a six screen town plus an additional pair of drive-in screens, Starlight D/I and Temple D/I. The indoor venues included the venerable Cathaum, State, Nittnay/Garden, and Twelvetrees/Flick. The Cinema One and Two was the first twin theatre to be built as a true multiplex in PA. It was originally design to be a “roadshow” theatre and a conventional screen with an opera drape type front curtain. Cinema one seated 1100 and Cinema Two accommodated 500. John “Jack Hogan and Merle Baker were the two main projectionist from the opening until Mr. Hogan unexpectedly died a couple years ago. Both auditoriums used shag carpeting for wall coverings and sound dampening. Cinema one had a few “lovers’ seats” which were big enough for two people to share.

Cinema 1 and 2 was originally supposed to be a Stanley Warner house; but was actually opened by Associated (Stern) Theatres of Pittsburgh. I took over management of the Cinemas and Flick in 1969 while supervising three theatres in Altoona and the first theatre I owned in Milton, PA.
A dozen people were trained at the Cinemas to become managers of Associated Theatres in the Pittsburgh. Others started their career at the Cinemas and went on to become manager/operators and union stage workers.

The Cinemas were noted for “old school” showmanship and promotions. One of my favorites was the “Diamonds Are Forever” release. Patrons were greeted by 007 music under the marquee and special marquee art work. A beautiful young lady in seductive “Bond-girl” attire greeted all patrons while a seemingly armed guard stood watch over a display of what was advertised as the “Worlds Largest Gems.” Lucky popcorn boxes contained coupons for small prizes. One box contained a real 1 ½ carat diamond! Yep, those were the days…for me at least.

More about State College theatres at another time.

Jack Oberleitner