Cross Keys Cinema
110 Cross Keys Shopping Center,
Florissant,
MO
63030
110 Cross Keys Shopping Center,
Florissant,
MO
63030
2 people
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The Cross Keys Cinema was built in 1970 and opened March 18, 1970 and was operated by Arthur Theatres chain until the Arthur Theatre chain went out of business. It originally operated on a day and date basis with one of the midtown or downtown movie palaces. It later ran first run on its own and then became a discount theater when the Arthur Theatre chain became financially strapped.
The Cross Keys Cinema was a single floor theater of the modern decor for cinemas built in the 1970’s. It was similiar to it’s sister theatres the Lewis & Clark and the St. Ann Cinema. It was taken over by Wehrenberg Theatres in November 1977 and they twinned it in November 1978. It was closed as an independently operated theatre in January 1999.
Contributed by
Chuck Van Bibber
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Recent comments (view all 13 comments)
Wehrenberg took over operation in November 1977. This firm made a twin out of it and this operation began in November 1978.
Theatre closed in January 1999…at the time operated by John Moseley.
I went to this place once to see Gremlins 2. That was around 1984-1985 and the theater was a discount house.
Since this theater became a twin after opening as a single screen, shouldn’t the number of screens be 2 rather than 1? Just wondering…
One more thing about the Cross Keys: Although everyone could see the marquee with the “Batman” ears near the main entrance to the shopping center, the cinema itself as hidden way in the back of the center, as I recall. Didn’t you use to have to drive almost all the way around the center to get to the cinema?
It’s not missing, it’s just in Ferguson, Mo. and not Florissant, Mo. as the article misstates.
My uncle, Roger Abeln was the Manager of this cinema for years. He went on to manage the Fox and the 270 Drive-in. I worked at the Cross Keys (and later at the Fox) for years in the late 70’s. Great place to “work” (though it was mostly play).
I remember three movies I saw at Cross Keys. Pete’s Dragon (we had won tickets, along with LPs of the story and music in a contest), The Money Pit and GoBots: Battle of the Rock Lords.
Rsieving (Rick?), I too worked for Roger in the 70’s and you are right, it was more play than work :)
March 18th, 1970 grand opening ad in photo section