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These days, the Mann Theatres chain exists as a mismanaged handful of leases, in search of new operators. Yet, in the not so distant past, Mann was a major player in the exhibition industry; for a time, the nation’s largest independent chain.  .   Mann’s story begins with the chain’s namesake, Ted Mann. Born on April 15, 1916, Mann [...]

In keeping with the recent announcement that Mann is selling off theatres, including Grauman’s Chinese, here is a picture from the last time the Chinese changed hands. .   The picture comes from a 1970-1971 souvenir brochure National General Theatres released; although the photo was likely taken a few years earlier. Then part of Gene [...]

This week, Cinemerica (the co venture of Warner Brothers and Viacom, which owns Mann Theatres) officially announced intentions to sell off Mann sites piecemeal, including the legendry Grauman’s Chinese. While the company had been quietly shopping the dying chain for a number of years, this public acknowledgement, that they have decided to sell off remaining theatres as individual lots, surely marks [...]

  The theatre industry has long been rather “creative” with it’s own history; especially when it comes to who was first to reach a specific milestone. Be it the result of exhibitors attempting to “one up” each other or simply classic showmanship, there are usually numerous parties holding claim to the same industry breakthrough. One such multi storied [...]

A sign of our changing times, AMC has now downsized their daily print ad, in “The Orange County Register”, to a less than 2″ square, which directs readers to the company’s website and show time phone line. This comes on the heels of a similar downgrade by Cinemark and hints at where Regal’s ever shrinking block [...]

  Today’s photo depicts a unique lobby amenity that was once a signature feature of the, now defunct, General Cinema Corporation. The GCC chain, once one of the biggest names in the exhibition industry, was an early pioneer in the multiplex era and an innovator of many cinema features we currently experience. However, General Cinema’s lobby art galleries [...]

  The first week of May is well known for a series of justice, human rights, and independence celebrations; via the Law Day, May Day, and Cinco de Mayo holidays. Interestingly enough, this week also marks a historic breakthrough in film distribution and the proverbial “beginning of the end” for the Hollywood studio system.   . Prior to the late [...]

This weekend marked the twelve year anniversary of one of the more notable passing’s in Orange County cinema history, with the death of Edwards Theatres founder, James Edwards II. On 4/26/97, the ninety year old Edwards was found floating in Newport Bay, having suffered a fatal heart attack.   . In the wake of Mr. Edwards’ [...]

Cinemas have stirred the entrepreneurial spirit in want-to-be moguls and dreamers since the dawn of commercial film. Be it the perceived excitement and glamour of being involved in the entertainment industry or merely the draw of a potentially lucrative cash cow, countless individuals have looked on theatre ownership as somewhat of a fantasy business venture. While a [...]

Prior to the 1920′s, movie going was more of a cool weather pastime, as the stuffy confines of theatre auditoriums didn’t particularly lend themselves to personal comfort during the summer months. With the arrival of hot weather, one was more likely to frequent the park or a ball game than the local cinema, sending box office receipts plummeting. Theatre [...]